INTRODUCTION

Whether they are called extrajudicial killings, labeled unexplained killings, killings of trade unionists, eradication of militants and human rights defenders, there is local and international perception that the Philippine government has not been able to effectively stop such summary executions.

On the other side of the equation, however, because of the long lasting prevalence of an active insurgency and secessionism; there have also been many deaths of innocent civilians, military and police personnel, agents of the states, business owners, government bureaucrats and victims of terrorism.

To finally rid this country of all these senseless killings from both sides is the dispensation of pure and unadulterated justice. For after all, injustice is the most fertile ground for the insurgents, the secessionists and most perpetrators of these senseless killings. The bottom line then is the application of justice for all.