Philippines becoming dangerous for foreign missionaries

MANILA, Philippines - Several human rights advocacy groups based in New Zealand condemned the latest killing of a Dutch community worker in Angeles City.
The Philippines Solidarity Network of Aotearoa, Auckland Philippines Solidarity, and Wellington Kiwi Pinoy said they are outraged by the recent murder of Dutch Willem Geertman, a 67-year-old community worker.
"Now with two killings of European nationals under Aquino, the government’s failure to stop impunity is turning the Philippines into one of the most dangerous places for foreign missionaries," the groups said, referring also to the killing of 59-year old Italian missionary Fr. Fausto “Pops” Tentorio in Mindanao more than a year ago.
PSNA secretary Murray Horton said the President Benigno Aquino III's administration has failed to protect and secure foreigners who serve the indigents in the Philippines.
"It's not fun when foreign nationals serving amongst poor and deprived sectors in the Philippines are also targeted by armed forces that operate in defense of the interests of government, mining, big business and landlords instead of the protection of the rights of the poor," Horton said.
APS spokesperson Cameron Walker said their group will lead a protest action this weekend in one of the landmarks in Auckland, New Zealand to call for justice and end to impunity in the Philippines.
Shot while kneeling down
Meanwhile, rights group Karapatan said Geertman was a staunch supporter of Hacienda Luisita farmers in Tarlac and the indigenous peoples who are against the APECO project in Aurora province.
"He is the 95th victim of extra-judicial killing under Aquino," Karapatan spokesperson Cristina Palabay said.

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