Why Did We Join the Fact-Finding Mission?

Debby Chan

Hong Kong Christian Institute

2 August 2006

As a Christian organization in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Christian Institute (HKCI) sees ourselves as a part of the global ecumenical community. We should thus make our belief of Christian solidarity a living practice in life. We at HKCI consequently felt a responsibility to join the fact-finding mission and to express our solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Philippines at this critical moment in their history.

Everyone has the right to life, no matter what their political opinions or beliefs. However, in the Philippines, almost every three days one political killing takes place. There are also hundreds of cases of abduction and harassment. According to different human rights groups in the Philippines, many people are killed because they side with the marginalized people; they are killed because they see the social problems in their country and seek changes. Although their lives are being threatened, they insist on continuing their struggle.

We are especially inspired by the courage and commitment of many Christian activists to be faithful to the Gospel and to walk with the poor, to challenge the oppressor and to seek justice for all in spite of many challenges and obstacles. Although their lives are at risk, they still dare to confront these challenges and obstacles. Their example offers so much that we Christians in Hong Kong can learn from, especially their witness and presence in society.

In the Philippines, the majority of people are aware of these political killings, and many of them endeavor to stop the killing. However, the government pays little attention to this issue. Even worse is the Philippine National Police whose senior official we met said that the massive number of killings is exaggerated; it is just the propaganda of leftist groups, according to him. Therefore, it is especially important for the international community to pressure the Philippine government to make a stronger commitment to prevent further deaths and to protect their citizens.

For many years, the Filipino people have been very vocal about international issues as well as issues in Hong Kong. This is particularly true of Filipino migrant workers in our midst. However, now in their present time of stress and anxiety and the violation of their human rights we should stand with them to show our solidarity and support.

Lastly, I want to share with you some of the voices of the victims' families.

According to one victim whose house was burned down by the military, she said she hopes Hong Kong people will never experience what Filipinos have gone through in their country and will never experience military harassment.

Another victim whose husband was gun downed in front of her said, "I hope there is justice for my husband and for all other people in the Philippines. I appeal to the Hong Kong people to support our movement."

It is very difficult for the victims to share their grievances; they have a great deal of fear about telling their stories. Once we learn about their suffering though, it is our responsibility to spread the message and join our voices with theirs.

In addition to joining the fact-finding mission, HKCI, along with the Hong Kong Christian Council (HKCC) and the Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese, will continue to raise the awareness of Hong Kong's people about the violence that is threatening the lives of so many Filipinos.