Philippines Lives Destroyed - Human Rights Watch

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This report is based on research conducted by Kit Collier, a consultant for Human Rights
Watch and an expert on militant violence in Mindanao and Sulu, and John Sifton, senior
researcher on Terrorism and Counterterrorism at Human Rights Watch. Sifton and Collier
wrote the report; Joanne Mariner, director of the Terrorism and Counterterrorism program,
and Joe Saunders, deputy program director, edited it. James Ross, senior legal advisor,
provided legal review. Thodleen Dessources, an associate in the Terrorism and
Counterterrorism Program, provided research and logistical assistance.
Anna Lopriore and John Sifton edited the report’s photographs. Rafael Jiménez designed the
report. Fitzroy Hepkins handled the production of the report. Alexandra Sandels, former
intern, provided research assistance.
Human Rights Watch would like to thank the numerous Philippine journalists, civil society
leaders, and government officials who helped us with our research. We would also like to
thank Sidney Jones of the International Crisis Group for her advice and assistance.
Human Rights Watch also thanks the victims of attacks who were willing to share their often
devastating experiences with us. We hope that this report will assist in further publicizing the
human cost of violence in the southern Philippines and ultimately help spur prosecution of
those responsible and contribute to reducing the number of attacks targeting civilians.
Human Rights Watch’s research on the Philippines and terrorism and counterterrorism issues
requires significant resources. We acknowledge with appreciation the generous support of
our donors.