Barbara Boxer: “as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, I remain deeply concerned about…”

“as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, I remain deeply concerned about reports of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. The people of the United States and the Philippines enjoy a close friendship that is deeply valued on both sides. Our nations have a strong bond that is supported and celebrated by the 3 million Americans of Philippine ancestry that live in the United States today. California alone is home to more than 1 million Filipino Americans. Because of the close ties between our two nations and our two militaries, it is essential that the government of Gloria Arroyo take strong action to end the killings and punish those who have committed abuses. Over the past 6 years, hundreds of extrajudicial killings have taken place throughout the Philippines. Those targeted have included journalists, religious leaders, political figures, human rights activists, and union leaders. For too long, the Government of the Philippines has not taken sufficient action to address extrajudicial killings and bring those responsible to justice.”