DATE:

TO:
RE:

EDG MEMO 2014-009

27 NOVEMBER 2014
ALL STUDENT COUNCILS
PEOPLES STRUGGLES DESK HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN

Dear fellow student leaders,

The Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Mag-aaral sa UP (KASAMA sa UP), in line
with its campaign of an established Peoples Struggles Desk across the UP System,
enjoins the entire UP community in commemorating the International Day of
Solidarity with Political Prisoners this December 3 and the International Human
Rights Day this coming December 10. Aside from our various local mobilizations
projected in these dates, it is essential for us to conduct build-up activities that
aim to 1) coordinate a system-wide series of activities situating UP at the forefront
of the struggle for genuine societal freedom, 2) raise the political awareness of
the Iskolar ng Bayan with regard to these issues, 3) mobilize our membership and
the community towards active involvement, and 4) contribute to the national
and global struggle of the people in attaining genuine justice and lasting peace.
Listed below is the proposed general framework of our human rights campaign
for the peoples struggles desk:
10,000 LETTERS OF LIBERTY
As we commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners
this coming December 3, we enjoin your student council in mobilizing the UP
community in crafting Letters of Liberty. This campaign aims to raise the
awareness of the Iskolar ng Bayan with regard to the condition of political
prisoners across the globe and the injustices they are experiencing because
of their political beliefs. The University of the Philippines is not a stranger to this
phenomenon as there are political prisoners who come from the ranks of UP
students: Maricon Montajes of UP Diliman, with Romiel Canete and Ronilo
Baes (Taysan 3), Gerald Salonga and Guiller Cadano of UP Pampanga
among others.
By the 3rd of December we expect that all our letters will be forwarded to Pres.
Noynoy Aquino, DOJ secretary Leila de Lima, Human Rights Commissioner
Loretta Rosales, and the Pope. Also, in the case of Maricon Montajes and the
Taysan 3, we are forwarding letters to the warden of Batangas Provincial Jail,
Ret. Col. David Quimio, and to the presiding judge of their case, Hon. Rose
Marie J. Manalang-Austria, to ensure their safety and security while inside the
prison and for concrete progress in their cases leading to their immediate
release.
Your student council may put up drop boxes for these letters at a location
where people frequently pass by so that they may be able to learn about the
campaign and give their support. Attached to this memorandum are copies
of sample letters from the UPLB University Student Council and Task Force
Freedom which may serve as your guide in crafting yours.

HUMAN RIGHTS WEEK COMMEMORATION

December 10 marks the International Human Rights Day and KASAMA sa UP
would like to request your student council to conduct activities to
commemorate this day. These activities may be held beginning December 1,
2014 and may run even until after December 10.
UP students are also defenders of human rights. As a progressive institution, we
have witnessed many deliberate violations to our rights as human beings. For
so long, we have been victims of various forms of state-perpetrated violence
and until this day we continue to fight against all these; demanding for a
society that is truly free from any threat to its peoples democratic rights.
As part of Task Force Freedom, KASAMA sa UP will be spearheading a jail visit
at the Batangas Provincial Jail this coming December 7, Sunday. We shall
spend this day in solidarity with Maricon Montajes, the Taysan 3, and immerse
ourselves with the activities they have lined up for the HR Week (i.e. focused
group discussions, mural painting, exhibit). Transportation will be arranged on
the said date and nearby campuses are requested to send delegates to the
visit. Please also take note that monetary payment may be required for the
transportation. This activity is open to ALL students who are interested to
partake in this endeavor.
MEDICAL MISSION
KASAMA sa UP is also currently working on a medical mission project targeted
for December 21, 2014, at the Batangas Provincial Jail. We are currently
looking for interested organizations, formations, fraternities, and sororities who
may be willing to take part in this endeavor. We wish to carry out this cause as
the Taysan 3 have long been requesting medical support due to the callous
living conditions inside the prison.
Despite the limited schedule in our academic calendar, KASAMA sa UP hopes
that you could still contribute to the success of this activity. Aside from taking part
in this roster of activities, your student council may also release statements,
infographics, and other materials which you deem related to this campaign.
Exhibits, forums, discussion groups, and the like are also highly encouraged.
Should you have further queries and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach
us through the undersigned.
The Alliance is looking forward to your support. Thank you.
For a united student movement,
EDUARDO D. GABRAL
National Chairperson
09273841392 | edgabral@up.edu.ph