July 11, 2019
Dear friends,
Greetings of peace!
Trade union activist Marklen Maojo Maga, who was illegally arrested last February 22, 2018 and charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, was convicted by the San Mateo Regional Trial Court last June 3, 2019.
Maoj’s family and colleagues are distraught to learn this very unfair decision by the court. It is devastating for the family, the trade union movement and political prisoners who are similarly charged and illegally detained using trumped up common criminal charges. The conviction is the first one under the Duterte government and sets a bad precedent on all other detained unionists and activistis by this Administration.
We sought the support of Commission on Human Rights, the International Labor Organization, the International Trade Union Confederation, human rights groups, Philippine solidarity groups and compatriots abroad to support the cause for the release of Maoj Maga. We are truly grateful for all the support that you have extended to me, and we appeal once more to you to be more relentless in the campaign to release my husband and other detained unionists and activists in the spirit of truth and justice in this country.
We invite you to come to “PALAYAIN II: A Gathering for the Freedom of Maoj Maga,” on July 26, Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) PARDEC Rooms, Commonwealth Ave., Diliman, Quezon City.
We hope to gather different labor centers, human rights defenders, peace advocates, representatives from institutions, personalities, friends and supporters of Maoj in a gathering that would further push the campaign to release Maoj Maga: particularly push for a reversal of the Court Order, and to amplify the call to junk all trumped up charges against him and other activists. Let us continue to work together for human rights and justice for our people. Your kind office may reach me through mobile #09074923571 and email: lenrdg2009@gmail.com. Thank you very much, and Mabuhay Kayo!
Free Maoj Maga Gathering
June 26, 2019 9:00am-12:00pm
PROGRAMME
9:00am Registration and Reception
9:30am National Anthem
Opening Prayer and Welcome Remarks – Fr. Eric Adoviso
Opening Message – Eleanor de Guzman
Cultural Performance
10:00am Case Briefs and Updates – Atty. Patrick Velez, Maga’s Counsel On Trumped Up Charges against Activists – PILC
Cultural Performance
10:30am Response and Messages from Guests
CHR Chairman Chito Gascon, Sen. Leila De Lima, Rep. Ferdie Gaite…
11:00am AVP
Sharing of Plans and Pledges of Support
11:15am Messages and Pledges of Support
11:45am Closing Remarks – Lito Ustarez, KMU
11:50am END
