News
ICC upholds crimes against humanity charges for Rodrigo Duterte
The Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has unanimously confirmed all charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on April 23, 2026. There are substantial grounds to believe, according to the...
New advocacy hub launched to safeguard human rights defenders
Human rights organizations from across the Philippines have launched Kalasag: Advocates’ Hub for Human Rights, Safety, and Protection, a national advocacy hub designed to protect human rights defenders (HRDs) amid escalating threats and attacks. The initiative,...
Online violence threatens women’s voices and democracy
Online violence against women human rights defenders, activists, and journalists has reached a critical level, threatening to exclude women from digital spaces. According to a 2025 UN Women report, the absence of strong countermeasures also poses a risk to undermining...
Journalist and activists killed in Toboso, Negros Occidental military operation
Nineteen people, including both New People’s Army (NPA) fighters and unarmed civilians, were killed on April 19, 2026, during a military operation in Barangay Salamanca in the province Negros Occidental, sparking national and international outrage and demands for an...
House impeaches Sara Duterte, Senate set up court
In a landmark decision on May 11, 2026, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly, with 257 members in favor, 25 against, and 9 abstentions, to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte. The Philippine Constitution requires at least one-third of House members, or...
CHR calls for legislation on “red-tagging”
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has issued a renewed and urgent plea for the passage of legislation specifically criminalizing the so-called “red-tagging” practice, following the release of its latest inquiry report on the issue. The commission’s findings show...
Killing of Negros Occidental journalist Julito Calo sparks press freedom concerns
Radio broadcaster Julito “Jaz” Calo was fatally shot on March 20, 2026, outside his residence in La Castellana, a municipality in Negros Occidental, Philippines. Calo, 49 years old, co-hosted a program on DNN News FM in Himamaylan City and worked for the local...
Rights groups seek release of arrested doctor and activists
A regional health group and human rights organizations are calling for the protection and release of physician Ana Marie “Doc Ana” Rilloraza, one of the seven alleged communist rebels arrested in a joint police and military raid on March 11, 2026. Rilloraza was...
Rodrigo Duterte faces another ICC hearing, daughter faces impeachment proceedings
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, are each set to face separate legal proceedings on April 22, 2026. Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to appear before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, but he has...
Child rights advocate acquitted of rebellion after conviction built on 15-year-old warrant
The Philippine Court of Appeals has acquitted Salome "Nanay Sally" Ujano, a prominent women's and child rights advocate, releasing her after more than four years in detention on rebellion charges. The ruling from March 23, 2026, overturned a 2024 Taguig Regional Trial...
Rights groups decry harassment, arrests of activists in Negros and Iloilo
Human rights groups have raised alarm over a string of incidents targeting development workers and activists in Negros, Iloilo, and nearby provinces, citing harassment, intimidation, and what they describe as politically motivated arrests. Two coast guard personnel...
Court upholds terrorism financing conviction of journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio
A regional trial court in Tacloban City has affirmed the terrorism financing conviction of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and church worker Marielle Domequil, denying their motions for reconsideration and rejecting their bid for bail. On March 25, 2026,...
Trade deal advances as 105 unionist killings go unprosecuted
The Philippines and the EU are close to finalizing a free trade agreement, but labor groups warn that violence against workers is being ignored in negotiations. Since 2016, Workers' Rights Watch has documented 105 trade union killings in the Philippines, none of which...
Obituary on the passing of Jutta Werdes (October 28, 1952 – March 20, 2026)
The German Action Network Human Rights Philippines (Aktionsbündnis Menschenrechte-Philippinen/AMP) bids a sorrowful farewell to Jutta Werdes. As a long-time Programme Manager Philippines and later as Head of the Unit Southeast Asia-Pacific at Brot für die Welt, she...
ICC appeals chamber rejects Duterte bid for release as victims press for justice
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s bid for interim release, ordering that he remain in detention in The Hague as proceedings in his crimes against humanity case continue. In its...
UN experts urge bail for journalist and church worker convicted of terrorism financing
Five United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteurs have urged the temporary release of journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and church worker Marielle Domequil after they were found guilty of financing terrorism in the Philippines. The call was made by UN Special Rapporteurs...
Human rights lawyer and development worker in Negros seek Supreme Court protection
A human rights lawyer and a development worker from Negros have petitioned the Supreme Court of the Philippines for protection, citing threats, harassment, and alleged so-called “red-tagging” linked to their work for marginalized communities. “Red-tagging” means...
Court clears LCDE executive Jazmin Jerusalem; groups call for release of frozen funds
The Tacloban Regional Trial Court (RTC) has dismissed a charge of three counts of terrorism financing against Jazmin Jerusalem, executive director of the Leyte Center for Development and Empowerment (LCDE). In a decision dated February 27, 2026, Presiding Judge...
Police arrests human rights defenders during 40th EDSA anniversary rally
Two human rights defenders were arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the 40th anniversary commemoration of the People Power Revolution at the EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong City on February 25, 2026. Edel Parducho, a development and human rights worker...
Philippine lawmakers, labor groups urge EU-PH FTA pause pending labor rights reforms
Lawmakers in the Philippines are calling on the government to strengthen workers’ rights amid ongoing negotiations for the European Union-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (EU-PH FTA), warning that delays in passing long-pending labor reforms could jeopardize the trade...