PUBLICAI Index: ASA 35/40/99

29 September 1999

Further information on UA 199/99 (ASA 35/31/99, 5 August 1999) and follow-

up (ASA 35/36/99, 18 August 1999) - Imminent execution

PHILIPPINESRomeo Gallo, aged 37, charcoal burner

On 27 September President Estrada granted Romeo Gallo a second reprieve, of 20 days, to allow the newly created “conscience committee” to study his case. The committee will recommend to the President whether or not to grant him clemency.

The new “conscience committee” is headed by Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora, with four other members: a Catholic bishop, the chairwoman of the pro-death penalty citizens’ group Crusade against Violence and two psychology professors.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express/ airmail letters in English or your own language:

- calling on Executive Secretary Zamora and the members of the “conscience committee” to urge President Estrada to exercise his power to grant clemency and commute to a more humane alternative the death sentence passed on Romeo Gallo;

- acknowledging the seriousness of the crime of which Romeo Gallo was convicted, but pointing out that the death penalty has never been shown to have a unique deterrent effect and is brutalizing to all involved;

- expressing unconditional opposition to the death penalty as a violation of one of the most fundamental human rights - the right to life;

- urging the Philippines to establish a moratorium on executions, with a view to completely abolishing the death penalty, in line with resolution 1998/8, adopted on 3 April 1998 by the UN Commission on Human Rights.

APPEALS TO (please note that fax tones are sometimes difficult to obtain):

Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora

Office of the Executive Secretary

2^nd Floor, New Executive Building, J.P. Laurel St,

San Miguel 1005, Manila

Philippines

Telegrams:Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora, Manila, Philippines

Faxes:+ 63 2 736 1010

Salutation:Dear Executive Secretary Zamora

President Joseph Estrada

Malacañang Palace

J.P. Laurel St

San Miguel 1005

Manila

Philippines

Telegrams:President Estrada, Manila, Philippines

Faxes:+ 63 2 742 1641 / 832 3793 (via Dept of Foreign Affairs)

+ 63 2 731 1325 (via Press Secretary to the President)

E-mails:erap@ops.gov.ph

Salutation: Dear President Estrada

COPIES TO:

Secretary of Justice

Serafin Cuevas

Department of Justice

Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila

Philippines

Faxes:+ 63 2 521 1614

and to diplomatic representatives of the Philippines accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 17 October 1999.