Activists mourn passing of ‘great people’s lawyer’

Human rights activists, NGOs and migrant organizations under the Hong Kong Campaign for the Advancement of Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines (HKCAHRPP) pay tribute and our highest respects to lawyer Romeo T. Capulong—a staunch, passionate and tireless defender of the Filipino people’s rights.

We condole with his family, colleagues and friends and we share their grief over the loss of a truly great people’s lawyer.

His record in defending people’s rights is remarkable not only because of the lifetime he devoted to the task but more so because of the cases he handled despite the legal hurdles and even the constant threats to his life and liberty. While working on cases within the legal system, Capulong never lost his principles and his faith in the importance of an organized and militant people’s role in defending human rights and the achievement of a just peace.

Since HKCAHRPP’s founding in 2004, we met Capulong on several occasions, and we also organized several forums with him, especially at the height of extrajudicial killings during the criminal regime of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

We admired his grasp of the human rights condition in the Philippines, his sharp analysis on why such violations persist and why justice remains elusive; as well as his belief in the Filipino people’s movement for genuine social changes.

The struggle for justice for the victims of human rights violations in the Philippines continues. Up to now, under the Aquino administration, the culture of impunity persists. Capulong will surely be missed by those he helped in the pursuit of justice.

With deepest grief, we mourn Capulong’s passing. With our continuing commitment for human rights and peace in the Philippines, we celebrate his life and work.

Long live the memories of lawyer Romeo T. Capulong!

—EMAN C. VILLANUEVA,

co-convenor,

Hong Kong Campaign for the Advancement

of Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines, [email protected]