Karlo Mongaya teaches Philippine Studies courses at the Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature, University of the Philippines-Diliman.
Latest posts by Karlo Mongaya
University of the Philippines unveils new subject on the Marcos dictatorship to counter historical revisionism
The new subject can be a platform for the “conscientization” of young Filipinos on the importance of human rights, social justice and the continuing struggle for genuine freedom and democracy.
‘Everything is destroyed': Inside the ruins of Marawi City in the Philippines
"Despite the scale of the destruction, almost no clearing has been done yet. Bombed homes and establishments, plazas, churches, and mosques — everything is destroyed."
‘Culture of killing and impunity’: Coffee shop shooting in the Philippines leaves two dead
"The full details remain unclear, but what does remain clear is that this culture of killing and impunity has emboldened murderers to openly boast of their weapons and shoot people."
Philippine military and police execute 14 labor advocates and farmers in crackdown
More than 200 peasant leaders have been killed since Duterte came to power in 2016.
Journalists, teachers, and activists targeted in attacks on free speech in the Philippines
"These are attempts by those in power to drown out the voice of the marginalized...displaying Duterte’s fear of committed journalism that seeks to inform, educate and guide the public."
Removal of Filipino language and literature as required college subjects sparks opposition
"We believe that Filipino language and literature is vital in deepening the critical, creative, free, and liberating capacities of students and people."
A 15-year-old rape victim is the latest collateral damage of Duterte's drug war
Netizens say Duterte’s misogyny, rape jokes, and assurances to defend police and military in the course of anti-drug & counterinsurgency operations have normalized a macho culture of sexual abuse.
Paramilitary group killed farmers in Philippines sugar plantation, fact-finding mission says
The "Sagay 9" massacre was the single most deadly attack against peasant activists under the Rodrigo Duterte administration.
Students illustrate injustice and human rights abuses in the Philippines through the arts
"The youth are aware of what's happening in society. On the images you can see extrajudicial killings, charter change, war, and the gap between the poor and rich in society."
Filipinos urged to #BoycottNutriAsia for attacking the strike of workers
"Mothers and fathers who are always doing grocery, I'm asking your help to #BoycottNutriasia. Here are their brands."
#BabaeAko campaign unites women in challenging the sexist behavior of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
"I am a mother, a teacher, a Filipino. I condemn Duterte for being a misogynist and making it 'acceptable' for women to be hated and attacked."
Homeless, jobless, and penniless, residents resist closure of the Philippines’ Boracay island
"As an advocate for the environment I want it rehabilitated too, but I bleed more for the people who are affected by the closure."
The Philippine government's plan to shut down Boracay resort island threatens to displace thousands
"Thousands upon thousands of real people will be affected by a complete closure of the island. Real, breathing humans, not statistics."
Filipino Bloggers Rally to Defend Rappler News Site
"We stand against moves to silence and scare journalists, bloggers and media practitioners just because the President and his ardent supporters dislike their news and views."
Ocean Mapping Expedition Tracing Magellan’s Voyage Reaches the Philippines
A sailing ship following Ferdinand Magellan’s voyage around the globe is also an ocean mapping expedition that explores humanity’s impact on the oceans and the environment.
Philippine Authorities Order Shutdown of Rappler News Site, Bringing a Blow to Press Freedom
"If this revocation stands, Rappler will effectively be shut down —the first time a news organization will be closed by government since the dictator Marcos declared martial law in 1972."
Survivors of a Deadly Mall Fire in the Philippines Share Harrowing Testimonies on Social Media
"Simultaneously, the lights went out. There was no electricity. It was dark, people started screaming. Smoke was starting to cover us. I maintained composure..."
From Political Icon to Tyrant: President Duterte, According to Philippine Protest Effigies
The many protest effigies during President Rodrigo Duterte's first two years in power reflected the evolving position of left-leaning activists and rights advocates towards the new administration.
Photos: Days Before Christmas, Tropical Storm Tembin Batters Southern Philippine Island of Mindanao
"Let’s also include in our prayers the families residing in Pagalungan, North Cotabato who are affected...they don’t have their evacuation center and as of the moment, no relief goods..."
Tropical Storm Unleashes Deadly Destruction on Philippines Four Years After Super Typhoon Haiyan
"We would never have thought the storm would cause evacuation-efforts spanning three regions or paralyzed the economy of close to three provinces in Eastern Visayas."
The Hypocrisy of the Philippines National Police Human Rights Mobile App
"The ‘Know Your Rights’ app is a perfect example of hypocrisy because the only application that is known to the PNP is the application of torture..."
