JUBILEE ACTION
Hon. Secretary Artemio Tuquero
Department of Justice
Padre Faura,
Manila, Philippines
Dear Secretary Tuqeuro,
As someone who has known Fr. Shay Cullen for more than ten years and had a close working relationship with him and the PREDA Foundation, I wish to express both my total support for him and my dismay that these false charges have been allowed to gain prominence.
These accusations are old, have been investigated and clearly proven false. They have been made in an attempt to discredit and humiliate an outstanding defender of children's rights. It is shameful that a man who has given his life to protect human rights should now become a target in a smear campaign clearly orchestrated by those who are threatened by his commitment to uphold justice and the law and his pursuit of truth. There can be no gain by allowing these accusations to be dragged out in this way and I would urge a quick resolution of this matter by a dismissal of these false charges.
We do commend President Estrada (if the news reports are correct) for standing with Fr. Shay. Fr. Shay has stated that he trusts in the integrity of Secretary Tuqeurio and we are totally confident that a review of the new evidence will clear the name of Fr. Shay Cullen.
As Fr. Shay's partner in Britain. our work is to protect and care for children at risk. For the last ten years we have united together in this mission. These present harassments only hinder this work.
Thank you for giving your prompt attention to this matter.
Danny Smith
Director
via fax message, dated
September 15, 2000
