We've been gifted with voice and have been told to use it. Some people say that our voice is a powerful weapon. However, using your voice these days could possibly get you killed. In our history, there are lots of journalists, activists, human rights defenders, and etc., that have been victimized of killings just for striving and making a move for change. So here I am calling out to my beloved fellow Filipinos to reflect on these questions: Can we even exercise our human rights in this situation? Can we even address the things that taunts us? Can we even express our thoughts? Or are we just limited to being silent? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several people has been a victim of unjust killings. These are the same people who tried and devoted their lives for a change. Being able to express thoughts and address issues is a part of our human rights. We can not let other people deprive us from exercising and owning whatever is ours. In this way, we can achieve and fight for what is right for you and what is right for the country and its people.  

Strive for freedom and change. Use your voice. Be a voice to the voiceless. Be the change. Stop the killings. 

Click the links to learn more about the several killings. 

• https://www.fidh.org/en/region/asia/philippines/philippines-solidarity-statement-stop-the-killings-of-human-rights
• https://news.mongabay.com/2022/04/more-than-half-of-activists-killed-in-2021-were-land-environment-defenders/
• https://news.mongabay.com/2023/09/who-were-the-11-philippines-environmental-defenders-killed-in-2022/
• https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ASA3575662017ENGLISH.pdf
• https://www.amnesty.org.ph/2022/12/investigate-killing-of-activists-and-address-violence-in-negros-province/
• https://news.mongabay.com/2023/09/who-were-the-11-philippines-environmental-defenders-killed-in-2022/