Church groups in Canada have called for end to their government’s military support to the Philippine government
In a statement dated March 16, the groups said the Canadian government should not continue its engagement with a foreign government that violates human rights.
Among those who signed the statement were the United Church of Canada, the Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, and the World Communion of Reformed Churches.
They urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to withdraw “all support to, and cooperation with, the Philippine military and police.”
The groups hit what they described as the “deafening silence” of Canadian officials on the human rights situation in the Philippines.
“We call on the Canadian government to publicly condemn this state-sponsored terror against the Filipino people,” read the statement
They called for an end to Canada’s “financial assistance for anti-terrorism and training” provided directly to the Philippine government.
In 2018, Canada has brokered the sale of 16 combat helicopters worth US$185 million to the Philippine Air Force.
In 2014, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding for a defense training cooperation that covers training programs for Filipino military personnel in Canada.
The Church groups appealed to the Canadian government to “follow through” on its commitment to protect and promote human rights and review its ongoing and planned cooperation with the Philippines.
