The Unyon Ng Manunulat ng Pilipinas Statement

POSITION PAPER OF THE UNYON NG MGA MANUNULAT SA PILIPINAS (UMPIL) ON THE CULTURE OF VIOLENCE AND IMPUNITY

The Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), or the Writers Union of the Philippines, strongly condemns the culture of violence and impunity brought about by the government's merciless war on drugs. Such campaign has led to unnecessary bloodshed and the oppression of the powerless. Thousands of lives have been lost, and our days and nights have been filled with rage and disquiet.

We call on the government for an impartial investigation on extra judicial killings, as well as concerted institutional effort at curbing these violent acts which impress upon the public as sponsored by the state. We also call on all Filipinos for vigilance, especially in safeguarding freedom of expression and avoiding the perpetuation of misinformation that further escalates hate and division. We exhort all Filipinos to speak out against the violation of human rights and uphold the rule of law.

August 21, 2017 City of Manila

#writers #writersgroups #UMPIL #humanrights #FranciscoBalagtas #statements