Urgent Action! Write your legislators to demand they sign onto Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s Congressional letter calling for an independent investigation into the Negros 19 massacre!

Deadline for signatures: Tuesday, July 21 at 7AM PST/ 9AM CST/10AM EST!

Background
On April 19, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted an indiscriminate strafing operation in Negros Occidental leading to the displacement of over 653 community members (180 families) and the massacre of 19, two of whom were U.S. Citizens, Kai Sorem from WA and Lyle Prijoles from Califonia. They were immersing with communities in Negros to learn first-hand about the daily hardships of peasant farming communities and their struggle for land and justice.

No U.S. citizen going home to the Philippines to learn from the most marginalized communities should face indiscriminate attacks and killings by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which are violations of international humanitarian law.

Given the significant security assistance the U.S. provides to the Philippine military, our government has a responsibility as outlined in the Leahy Law to demand the funds are not used to violate International Humanitarian Law and to withhold them if the AFP does not comply.

Take action today to demand Justice for the Negros 19! Write to your legislators and demand they sign onto Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s Congressional letter by Tuesday, July 21 at 7AM PST/ 9AM CST/10AM EST!

Resources for Legislators:

• Congressional representatives in the House and Senate can view and sign onto the letter here: https://quill.senate.gov/letters/letter/38096/opt-in/view/b1ca968a-61c2-44b7-ab03-d090a08bc376/
  
• For any questions about the letter, legislators can contact Diego Antonio Sanchez Samayoa in Rep. Jayapal’s office: Diego.Sanchez@mail.house.gov

Resources for Constituents and Advocates:

• For more info, scripts, and resources use the Negros 19 advocacy toolkit: tinyurl.com/Negros19-advocacy-toolkit
• For questions contact: philippinehumanrightsact@gmail.com