KASUGBONG Samar is a
Multi-sectoral Quick Reaction Team on Extra-legal Killings (ELKs) and
Enforced Disappearances (EDs).
The setting up of the
MSQRT in Samar is an offshoot of a series of exploratory meetings held
in Catbalogan City which were spearheaded by the AHRC, particularly,
Atty. Patricia Cervantes and Atty. Ma. Krizna Gomez.
The Samar MSQRT was
organized as a general commitment from member-institutions to address
the growing concern on human rights violations. Through KASUGBONG, a
mechanism involving government agencies and civil society groups that
would facilitate an immediate response, including psycho-social
assistance, investigation, prosecution and appropriate measures, to
families and victims of ELKs and EDs will be made available.
The launch was very
well attended by highly respected heads of the various institutions
that have signified to enter into a collaborative effort with other
stakeholders. Each member-institution will be contributing within the
context of their mandates to promote KASUGBONG and the enhancement of
services to address the needs of target beneficiaries.
The signing of the
Memorandum of Understanding and Pledge of Commitment highlighted the
launch activity.
The signatories of the
MOU were MGen. Mario F. Chan, 8ID Commanding Officer; P/Sr. Supt.
Ronald Macapagal, PNP Provincial Director; Ms. Luz Tacal, PSWDO; P/CInsp.
Joseph Pensotes, Catbalogan Police Station; Lt Col. Niceforo Diaz, CMO
Bn, 8ID; Mr. Roque Limse, Alliance of Concerned Employees (ACES);
Atty. Neddejohn Mabute, Commission on Human Rights (CHR); Engr. Ray
P.Gaspay, Samar News.com; Mr. Antonio Pueblos, Radyo ng Bayan (DYOG);
Ms. Cleta Omega, TESDA; SI Geovel Aperio, NBI; Ms. Christine Caidic,
MATA-Samar; Ms. Myra M. Tambor, KSFI; Mr. Jody Ocenar, BEC; Ms. Annie
Mustacisa, CSWDO; Gina D. Ragudo, Media; Atty. Medino Acuba, IBP; Fr.
Cesar Aculan, Social Action Center, Diocese of Calbayog and Mr.
Dominador Cabanganan, Samar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).
The MOU signing made
by the various sector-representatives was done in the presence of
AHRC’s Acting Executive Director, Atty. Ray Paolo Santiago. Santiago
congratulated the group for its successful launch. He assured the
group for more capacity building activities through the AHRC with the
hope that the commitments be transformed into actions.
The various groups
committed to adopt measures for the promotion and protection of human
rights; to document human rights violations; to serve as “pressure
group” in the eradication of human rights violations and to recognize
and uphold collective responsibilities in the effective management and
furtherance of the objectives of KASUGBONG.
The 8ID Commander,
MGen Mario F. Chan assures KASUGBONG partners and the Samarnons that
they will always be accorded with the highest respect and that the
promotion of human rights will always be a leadership priority.
“The AFP would want to
be a catalyst to Samar’s development. We don’t want to be here as
simple protectors of the citizens. We will always be responsive to the
development needs of the community. In fact, I have made an extra mile
in visiting remote areas to assess road infrastructure needs and
submit the same report to the RPOC for its funding requirements. I am
glad that I already have the assurances of the governors and the
congressmen who would be directly involved in interconnecting the
tri-boundaries of Samar Island. The interconnection of the Samar
provinces through these road nets will surely expedite solution to the
insurgency problem” Chan elaborates.
The successful launch
of KASUGBONG was credited by the AHRC to the efforts of Ms. Emy C.
Bonifacio who worked on a very tight schedule and budget and the
untiring support of Fr. Cesar Aculan. Bonifacio and Aculan are also
active advocates on anti-corruption in the province.
“We are very grateful
for the positive response from the stakeholders. It wasn’t easy to
have those big personalities in one room in just a short notice. It
simply means that Samar is ready for a positive change. We should
strive harder to address human rights violations and corruption
hand-in-hand since these are two main concerns that have been plaguing
Samar ever since. I just hope that the passion for developing
Samar continues.” Bonifacio was head explaining.
Immediately after its
launch, KASUGBONG facilitated a three-day Forensic Training Workshop
for Police Investigators and Municipal Health Officers with Dr. Raquel
Fortun as the Resource Speaker.
