Lawyer: Brutal killing of Tiamzons a violation of International Humanitarian Law, perpetrators should be held accountable

Lawyer: Brutal killing of Tiamzons a violation of International Humanitarian Law, perpetrators should be held accountable

April 21, 2023

The loss of a client in a savage extrajudicial killing in the midst of unresolved injustices is far worse painful than the loss of a case in court. The news about the brutal killing of our clients Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, with eight companions shows how the system has failed again.

We grieve with the family, friends, and comrades of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon. We join them in condemning the cruel and barbaric killings, as much as we seek accountability of those responsible for this grave violation of international humanitarian law.

NDFP consultants Wilma and Benito Tiamzon. (Photo : Jon Bustamante)

Our first encounter with Benito and Wilma Tiamzon was when we were asked to represent them as defense counsel in the criminal charges filed against them following their arrest on March 22, 2014.

Given their extensive knowledge of the nature and problems of Philippine society and deep involvement in the armed struggle to bring about structural change, it was a challenge for us to assure them that they would get a fair day in court despite being branded as enemies of the state. Contrary to the vilification, they were both level-headed, patient, and soft spoken. They would often give us insightful analysis of the case. Our conversations with them as our clients taught us to be more meticulous and analytical in our work.

When they were released from detention to participate as consultants of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in the peace negotiations with the Philippine government, they provided significant contributions with the sincere aim of reflecting in the agreement the aspirations of the oppressed Filipino masses.

They both actively participated during the discussions on specific provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER). Even while the drafting of a common draft of the CASER was still being finalized, Benito and Wilma had already started work on the next agenda of the peace negotiations. Benito, aside from being a member of the NDFP negotiating panel, was also the head of the reciprocal working group tasked to study the agenda on Political and Constitutional Reforms, while Wilma was the head of the reciprocal working group assigned to research and draft proposed provisions on the agenda of End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces. The peace negotiations could have been an opportunity for the Philippine government to end the armed conflict and achieve a just and lasting peace.

But the Duterte administration terminated the peace negotiations. He even ordered the arrest of the consultants who participated in the peace negotiations. Shortly thereafter, other consultants Randall Echanis and Randy Malayao were ruthlessly killed.

Until their last breath, Benito and Wilma Tiamzon continued their revolutionary struggle for the altruistic purpose of achieving the basic aspirations of the Filipino people for genuine socio-economic development, social justice and long-lasting peace.

We will continue to assist the families of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon in seeking justice for their brutal killing.

Atty. Rachel F. Pastores

Managing Counsel, PILC

Atty. Amylyn B. Sato

Atty. Carlos A. Montemayor, Jr.

Atty. Maria Kristina C. Conti