Peace Advocates for Truth, Healing and Justice (PATH)

Mission

PATH is a research and support organisation for victims of the communist armed conflict in the Philippines. It is composed of torture survivors of the anti-infiltration operations committed in the 1980s, as well as the families of those who were killed in these purges.

Areas of Work

The organisation aims to research the communist purges and other crimes against humanity, assist the victims, work for justice and accountability, and promote a culture of peace and respect for human rights. PATH intends to contribute to the discourse on transitional justice in the Philippines, by working with strategic partners, government agencies, international organisations, and civil society.

Atrocity Prevention Programs/Activities

Since its inception, PATH has been involved in a number of projects including the exhumation of remains of those tortured and killed by a team of forensics experts, psychologists, medico-legal professionals and volunteers. Psychosocial support was integral to this project and counselling provided to relatives of those who were killed. Storytelling and healing sessions were also organised among the victims in Laguna, Cagayan Valley, and Mindanao. Finally, data gathering methods were employed for documentation and information dissemination.

Proposed projects including research on the lumads (the indigenous people in Mindanao), and how revolutionary warfare has affected their culture and way of life. Research, documentation, and exhumations of purge victims will continue to be carried out. A conference on non-State armed groups is being planned.

Contact

Robert Francis Garcia

E: robertfrancis.garcia@icloud.com

Website

In progress