SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has said many Filipino migrants who work in health and care services in Derry and throughout the North have been affected by the ongoing conflict in the Philippines.
Mr Durkan has tabled a parliamentary motion at Westminster this week calling on the British government to support the peace talks and to raise its concerns about the war on drugs and the possible reintroduction of the death penalty in the Philippines.
He said: “Many Filipino migrants work in health and care services throughout these islands – including in Derry and throughout the North – and have been affected by the ongoing conflict in the Philippines.
“I welcome progress in peace talks between the government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to end armed conflict and agree a socio-economic reform agenda.
“However, I am deeply concerned about the recent suspension of unilateral ceasefires and hope that constructive negotiations will continue.
“Impunity continues to be a considerable challenge in the Philippines, including in relation to thousands of extra-judicial killings committed in connection with the war on drugs – also described in Amnesty International’s recent report as ‘a war against the poor’.
“I am also deeply concerned and alarmed about reports that the death penalty may be reintroduced – particularly given its previous use was marked by judicial irregularities and had a disproportionate impact on the poor.
“I am therefore encouraging the government of the Philippines to move forward with a peace agreement with the National Democratic Front to implement the agreement signed in 2014 with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to release remaining political prisoners and to abide by its international human rights obligations more generally.
“I am also calling on the British government to support the peace talks and to raise its concerns about the war on drugs and the possible reintroduction of the death penalty in the Philippines.,” added Mr Durkan.
