The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) condemns in the strongest terms possible the barbaric killings of at least 19 aid workers belonging to the Freedom Flotilla which sought to bring much needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. The six ships had civilians on board, including Nobel laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire of Northern Ireland, European legislators and Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein, 85 according to reports.

There is nothing that can justify the massacre of these aid workers by the Israeli armed forces.

The US-backed Israeli government has long violated the rights of the Palestinian people, from the inhumane economic blockade and the large-scale destruction it inflicted when it bombed Gaza in 2008. The Israeli government now extends its atrocities to international waters after it blocked and boarded the six aid ships and opened fire on the people on board.

We call on the Philippine government and the international community to protest this latest atrocity. We call on the US government to stop providing economic, political and military aid to the terroristic Israeli government. We call for an end to the occupation of Palestine by Israel and for the lifting of the inhumane blockade.

We call for international solidarity for the Palestinian people and for justice for the victims of the massacre.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) joins the people of the world in commemorating the seventh anniversary of the United States-led invasion and occupation of Iraq. We join the thousands protesting worldwide in calling for an end to the US occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Despite being more than in year in office, the Obama administration has not shown any substantial departure from the imperialist agenda that was laid down by George W. Bush when he led the invasion and occupation of Iraq. There are indications that despite Obama’s pledge to end US combat operations in Iraq, the US forces intend to stay, set up bases and continue their direct and indirect control of the Iraqi puppet government.

Despite the debilitating financial and economic crisis that has hit the US economy, the Obama administration has allotted some $708.2 billion for war spending.

The Obama has administration has also advanced the same imperialist agenda in other parts of the world such as Afghanistan. The US government has sent 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan and has escalated cross-border attacks in neighboring Pakistan.

More than a year into the Obama administration, the people of the world have yet to see the changes in America’s foreign policy. The developments in Iraq and Afghanistan do not show the “change” that was promised in 2008. What we see are more of the same imperialists wars of aggression.

Meanwhile, Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has shown unabashed puppetry to the US by supporting the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, sending troops to Iraq, and allowing US combat troops to be based in the Philippines. At the tail-end of her term, Arroyo secretly hopes for the backing of the US government for her bid to prolong her stay in power.

US intervention in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the US government has reinforced its permanent and continuing military presence by indefinitely station 600 Special Forces troops under the US Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines (JSOTFP) based in Zamboanga. Using the vague and unconstitutional provisions of the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), US troops enter and leave the Philippines on a rotational but continuing basis. Their presence in Mindanao has become permanent since 2002.

At any given time, there are US troops stationed in the country. Their activities in the country remain questionable and there have been many allegations that they are engaged in actual combat operations. Previous US commanders have admitted that they are indeed engaged in combat but disguised as military exercises. These acts all violate Philippine sovereignty and the Constitution. The Philippines is the only other active combat area in the ‘war on terror’, after Iraq and Afghanistan.

The annual Balikatan war games was recently held for the first time in the Ilocos region, which is the northern part of the Philippines. The US said it will conduct humanitarian missions in the area. We believe that the so called humanitarian exercises in Ilocos is part of the US power projection against China. This type of military buildup can be expected to escalate as it did in Mindanao where humanitarian missions were also used as a pretext for permanent US positioning.

Obama continues to give importance to the lame-duck president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the hopes of securing more concessions from the Philippine government. In a span of six months in 2009, the Philippines was visited by the US Defense Secretary , the CIA director, and the US Secretary of State. The unusual flurry of visits came just a year before Arroyo’s term was to end on June 30, 2010. Military aid to the Philippines has also increased this year, despite continuing allegations of human rights abuses under the Arroyo government.

Problems with the VFA

Even if the Philippine Supreme Court has ruled with finality on the legality of the VFA, the controversies surrounding this agreement will not simply go away. So long as US troops remain permanently stationed in the country and so long as they engage in various questionable activities that violate our Constitution, there will always be legal challenges to the VFA.

The mysterious death of Gregan Cardeno is another case in point. Cardeno was an interpreter hired by the private military contractor Dyn Corporation which builds US military facilities in the Philippines. He was deployed last February 1 by Dyn to a Philippine military camp in Marawi which was hosting US troops. He was found dead inside the military camp on February 3, two days after he arrived in Marawi.

Cardeno’s death was ruled a suicide, but his injuries are not consistent with this finding. There were also indications of an attempt to cover up the cause of death and tamper with evidence. Before he died, Cardeno communicated to his wife that what he got into with the US troops was not what he signed up for.

What was really Cardeno’s job then? What was the nature of the engagement of Dyn Corporation and the US forces? What was the real cause of death and why were there indications of a cover up? Why are US forces now operating in Marawi, unknown to most.

End US occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, End US military intervention in the Philippines

It is necessary for the people of the world to expose the continuing imperialist agenda of the US under the Obama administration. The US must pull out immediately from Iraq and Afghanistan. It must devote its resources to addressing the urgent needs of the people of its own country. The US must also end all forms of military intervention in the Philippines.  It must pull out its permanently stationed troops in Mindanao and other parts of the country where they are possibly operating.

The Filipino people will continue to assert their sovereignty against foreign military intervention. We will also continue to express our solidarity with the people of Iraq and Afghanistan who are struggling to end foreign occupation in their lands.

Contact: Rhonda Ramiro
Secretary-General, BAYAN USA
secgen@bayanusa.org

The worldwide outpouring of aid and support for the over 1.8 million victims of Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) in the Philippines this week leaves Filipinos in the United States reeling with anger in response to the Arroyo government’s utter ineptitude in providing adequate disaster relief.

This anger towards the Arroyo administration is justifiable for a number of reasons, the most obvious of which are the Philippine government’s evident corruption of billions in national disaster funds in order to fatten up the Presidential international travel budget and subsequent insistence that donations coming from abroad be channeled through government agencies.

But in the case of Ondoy, the Arroyo government’s hands have extended past the budget purse-strings and into crafting disaster-prone policies as well.

Not Just a Natural Disaster

The vast, heavy floods that swept through Metro-Manila devastating over 319,811 families and killing at least 240 people slammed tons of pressure that left properties in ruins. But contrary to claims of Malacanang, these killer floods did not come solely from unpredictable heavy rainfall and winds, but from deadly landslides originating from the neighboring provinces.

For years, the Philippine government has denied links between mining and logging activity and landslides in order to protect the investments of multi-national corporations (MNC) in the Philippines. But other mining authorities, such as the British Columbia Geological Survey Branch, admit to a direct link between heavy mechanical activity launched by foreign corporations in resource-rich countries like the Philippines and the weakening of bedrock along slopes that can result to slope failure and eventually a fatal landslide.

In addition to ensuring nothing less than maximum devastation when disasters like Ondoy strike, irregular warming of the Earth’s surface caused by greenhouse gas concentrations resulting from dense MNC activity also contribute to the altering of regional climate patterns, such as the generation of typhoons.

Charter Change

While illegal mining and logging continue throughout the Philippines under the Arroyo administration, the Arroyo clique relentlessly campaigns for changes to the 1987 Philippine Constitution that would allow 100% foreign ownership of Philippine territory. Intensified foreign mining, logging, deforestation, land conversion and marine fishing throughout the Philippines coupled with poor infrastructure will only leave Filipinos vulnerable to more calamities such as Ondoy.

Support People’s Needs, Not Corruption

In this time of urgent need for the vast majority of Filipinos impacted by Ondoy, BAYAN USA appeals to supporters around the world to think twice before donating financial support to Philippine government-led initiatives such as those spearheaded by consular offices around the world.

The reason why overseas Filipinos are choosing NOT to remit through government channels is because of the Philippine government’s proven and historical track record of taking advantage of monetary donation drives in response to calamities as ample opportunities for graft. The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo is one glaring example of this. In fact, to this day, more than Pph 7 billion (USD $280 million) in public funds allocated for post-eruption disaster relief remains unaccounted for.

The Philippine government makes billions in US dollars every year from the remittances of overseas Filipinos. Let’s not give them a chance to make more money off the victims of Ondoy. There are more reliable and credible people organizations both in the United States and in the Philippines, who not only organize communities for social reforms, but are now working tirelessly to divert donations from the government’s corrupt hands and bring direct relief to the most impacted areas without any discrimination or bias. Visit www.bayanusa.org or www.bayanihan4ondoy.wordpress.com to learn more about them. ###

Thank you all for your generous contributions to support the victims of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana). We are working around the clock in coordination with BAYAN-Philippines and the BALSA Relief Operation to ensure that support is being directed where it is needed the most. We will keep you updated as things develop.

Where do our donations go? These donations go directly to BAYAN Philippines and the BALSA Relief Operation. BAYAN Philippines is an alliance of grassroots organizations all over the Philippines that represent the most marginalized and impoverished communities in the country. These are the communities that have been most impacted by the Typhoon. The BALSA Relief Operation will be providing medical, financial and clean-up aid, especially in the urban poor areas, where people have literally lost everything. This will NOT include the bureaucracy and red tape that happens with third-party groups like the Red Cross or the Philippine Consulate.

Please cut and paste the image below onto your facebook/myspace/blogs/etc. Thanks again for your support!

Hello friends and supporters of the Philippines,

On Saturday September 26th, Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) struck the Philippines with the heaviest rainfall recorded followed by the worst flooding in 40 years.

BAYAN-Philippines’ “BALSA” (Bayanihan Alay sa Sambayanan, or “People’s Cooperation for the People”), is calling upon compatriots and sympathizers to gather financial donations for the victims of the Big Flood.

As of this writing, there are at least 100 dead or missing and 435,000 victims who are homeless, injured or have lost all of their belongings. There are still as least 1 million people without electricity. Scenes are eerily similar to “Hurricane Katrina” and President Bush’s response in 2005 (or lack thereof).

President Arroyo’s lack of preparation and priority to acquire hundreds of big rubber boats (officials admitted they only had 13 rubber boats), amphibian vehicles, dump trucks, thousands of life vests and food/medicine kit for our compatriots who are trapped in rooftops has led to a humanitarian crisis.

We are making this appeal for financial support as the current administration is woefully unprepared and unable to help the hundreds of thousands of our compatriots and friends. BALSA will be coordinating efforts to distribute food, medicines, clothing and other basic necessities to help the people through this crisis. Because BALSA is firmly linked with the masses, aid will directly go towards the basic sectors of society – the workers, peasants and the urban poor who make up the majority of the victims (despite media attention that “the poor and rich are equally impacted”).

Please make a donation through BAYAN-USA or a local member organization of BAYAN-USA (see links on sidebar).

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Donate Online via Paypal:

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Or, donations can be directly deposited into the following account:

Bank: Chase
Account Name: BAYAN-USA
Account Number: 340-209749-3

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Thank you for your support.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Rhonda Ramiro, Secretary General of BAYAN-USA at secgen@bayanussa.org, or Jeff Rice, Finance Officer of BAYAN-USA at finance@bayanusa.org.

Contact: Rhonda Ramiro
Secretary General, BAYAN-USA
secgen@bayanusa.org

“Rep. Alcover is only deceiving himself if he thinks that anyone is going to believe his malicious lies and slanderous statements. He should apologize to the Filipino people for wasting their money and time, and issue an immediate retraction of his slanderous statements,” remarked BAYAN-USA Chair Berna Ellorin, in reaction to Representative Pastor Alcover Jr.’s privilege speech to the Philippine House of Representatives on August 17, 2009.

The US Chapter of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, or BAYAN-USA, denounced Rep. Alcover’s privilege speech as another pathetic attempt by the Arroyo regime to wash its hands of responsibility for the thousands of state-sponsored human rights violations plaguing the Philippines and to discredit the testimony of torture victim Melissa Roxas. “Melissa Roxas’ strong credibility as a victim of torture, backed unanimously by the Commission on Human Rights in the Philippines, has created a diplomatic nightmare for the Arroyo government. Roxas’ brave pursuit of justice and accountability is expectedly bringing out the witch-hunters in the Arroyo government, namely ANAD Partylist Representative Jun Alcover,” stated Ellorin.

Throughout the speech, Rep. Alcover made baseless claims and stated erroneous information as facts. Such information included Rep. Alcover’s branding of BAYAN-USA as “an organization under the NDF [National Democratic Front] international in the United States.”

“Rep. Alcover is stooping to slander as a means to absolve the Arroyo government of the more than 1,000 cases of extrajudicial killings and over 200 cases each of enforced disappearances and torture—including the most recent case of Melissa Roxas. This is no surprise, given the overwhelmingly credible testimony provided by Melissa,” said Ellorin. “The Arroyo regime has a history of recycling the ‘communist boogeyman’ every time it gets put on the defensive. Rep. Alcover should be reminded that these McCarthyist red-baiting tactics were discredited last century, for their utter failure to do anything but demonize innocent people and make the world less safe for everyone.”

Rep. Alcover also referred repeatedly to a “hate campaign” being waged to shame the government. “Did Rep. Alcover mis-read the reports by the United Nations, Amnesty International and Human Rights watch, which all point to government responsibility for the overwhelming majority of human rights violations committed against innocent Filipinos?” stated Ellorin. “Clearly, the hate campaign being waged is the one that GMA and her supporters have been waging since 2001, against any person courageous enough to speak up for justice and criticize the failed policies of the Arroyo administration.”

“Alcover is abusing his position in the legislature to advance the Philippine military’s agenda within. His red-baiting and inflammatory remarks also serve to undermine the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the NDF, even though the NDF has every right to assert its platform for genuine national freedom and democracy, lasting peace, and a progressive Philippines. Rep. Alcover should spend his time, and the Filipino people’s money, concerning himself with public service for a nation in grave need, and not with bloody, ineffective counter-insurgency tactics.” ended Ellorin.

The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and the human rights group Karapatan believe that there is sufficient evidence to point out the military’s involvement in the abduction of Filipino-American activist and Bayan USA member Melissa Roxas and her two Filipino companions Juanito Carabeo and John Edward Handoc. Roxas and company were abducted by bonnet-wearing armed men last May 19. She was surfaced on May 25 after news broke out that she had been abducted.

The Court of Appeals’ Special Division 16 under Judge Noel Tijam set a hearing today on Roxas petition for a writ of amparo and writ of habeas data. Roxas is represented in the amparo petition by human rights lawyer Rex Fernandez.

“Roxas has a detailed accounting of what happened during her detention in what we believe to be was a military camp. She also retained the handcuffs and blindfold that were used on her,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

“A plain denial of the incident by the Arroyo government is not acceptable. To this day we have not heard anything from the Arroyo administration, from the Department of Defense or from the Armed Forces of the Philippines regarding their so-called investigations into the abduction. The Ermita-led Presidential Commission on Human Rights had gone on to say that the abduction was a fabrication designed to embarrass the government,” Reyes added.

Marie Enriquez, secretary general of Karapatan said that Roxas is in the United States and recovering from the trauma caused by her abduction and torture. She will be joining US-based groups in campaigning for justice on her case.

“In time, we hope Melissa can personally speak on the matter. The amparo case remains important since Melissa hopes to one day return to the Philippines. It is also important that those who abducted her are identified and eventually made accountable,” Enriquez said.

Roxas and Bayan USA, the US-based Katarungan and the National Alliance on Filipino Concerns (Nafcon) are consulting with US lawyers on the possibility of filing a case in a US court or in treaty bodies of the United Nations.

“All means of making the perpetrators accountable are being explored right now. This is going to be a long fight. So long as Mrs. Arroyo remains in power, her government will do everything to cover up the incident and avoid any criminal liability,” Reyes said.

A protest action is set on June 26 to mark the United Nations Day Against Torture to highlight the case of Roxas and other torture victims in the Philippines. A counterpart protest in the US is also being readied.

Abducted Filipino-American activist Melissa Roxas, who was forcibly taken by armed men in La Paz, Tarlac last May 19 and surfaced six days later, was subjected to physical and mental torture during her captivity. She now seeks the protection of the Supreme Court for herself and her relatives here in the Philippines.

Roxas is a member of BAYAN-USA , the overseas chapter of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan. She arrived in Los Angeles, California Monday morning June 1, Philippine time, to be reunited with her family. She has not faced the media or issued any statement since her release because of the trauma left by her abduction.

Based on her petition for a Writ of Amparo and based on her sworn testimony, Roxas was held for six days blindfolded and in handcuffs in an area suspected of being a military camp in Nueva Ecija, possibly Fort Magsaysay, headquarters of the 7th Infantry Division. It is a short distance from La Paz, Tarlac where she was abducted. During her captivity, Roxas said she heard radio communications where people were addressed as “Sir”. She also heard what she believed to be was a firing range as well as the sounds of aircraft.

Respondents in the petition for a writ of Amparo include President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, AFP Chief of Staff Victor Ibrado, Philippine National Police chief P/Dir. Gen. Jesus Verzosa and Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit, commanding general of the Philippine Army.

During the time of detention, Roxas was denied counsel, subjected to torture via asphyxiation using a plastic bag and was hit repeatedly by her interrogators. She was forced to admit that she was a member of the New People’s Army and was asked to return to the fold of law.

Roxas was dropped off in front of her house around 6:30am on May 25. Her captors left her with a SIM card and phone as well as the handcuffs they used on her. One of her interrogators even called her on the phone after she was dropped off.

“There is credible basis to say that Melissa was abducted by the military as part of the government’s counter-insurgency operations. The abduction and torture were clear violations of her rights. It is despicable and those involved must be made accountable,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

“The Arroyo government must now address this issue. For the past few days, it has systematically attempted to cover up the incident. The Ermita-led Presidential Commission on Human Rights has called the abduction a ‘fabrication’ by Bayan and Karapatan. Defense secretary and presidential aspirant Gilbert Teodoro has not conducted any investigation in the military’s involvement,” Reyes said.

Bayan said that the matter has also been brought to the attention of the United States government through its embassy in Manila.

“We cannot just let this incident pass. We do not raise these issues simply because we want to discredit the government, as the PHRC alleges. We raise these issues because we want an end to these abductions, torture and other extra-legal activities being undertaken by state security forces,” Reyes said.

“We demand that the incident be investigated and that the PHRC withdraw its earlier statements that the incident was a fabrication,” he added.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan is calling on the Arroyo government, the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to immediately surface Melissa Roxas, an American citizen of Filipino descent, and a member of BAYAN-USA and the cultural group Habi Arts based in Los Angeles, California.

Roxas was abducted last May 19 at around 1:30 pm in Sitio Bagong Sikat, Bgy. Kapanikian, La Paz, Tarlac. She was with two other volunteers, Juanito Carabeo and John Edward Handoc.

Based on reports filed by the human rights group Karapatan and the La Paz police, Roxas and her companions were taken by at least 8 fully-armed, bonnet-clad men on board two motorcycles and a Besta van without any plate numbers.

Since the abduction, there has been no word of the whereabouts and condition of Roxas and her companions.

Roxas is the first case of a Fil-Am activist to be abducted by suspected state security forces.

“It is indeed urgent that Melissa and her companions be surfaced. No harm must come to them. Their rights must be respected. We are outraged that these abductions continue despite repeated condemnation here and abroad,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

Bayan said that the human rights group Karapatan will be spearheading the search for Roxas. “The burden of surfacing Melissa, as in similar cases of abductions, now lies with the Arroyo administration. We also call on the international community to exert pressure on the Arroyo government for it to act swiftly to surface Melissa,” Reyes added.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan

Office Address: 4/F, Erythrina Building. Matatag cor Maaralin Streets. Bgy. Central, Quezon City, PHILIPPINES
Tel . 925-5906; Fax. 435-6930. Email: bayan_national @yahoo.com. Website: www.bayan.ph

As of November 3, almost 30 activist leaders from the Southern Tagalog chapter of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and its allied organizations as well as party list groups are facing arrest warrants for criminal charges of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder while facing separate charges of arson. First to be arrested was Atty. Remigio Saladero, chief legal counsel of the Kilusang Mayo Uno and a resident of Antipolo, Rizal. Three others were subsequently arrested, including a bed-ridden peasant leader.

The trumped-up charges have targeted many of the prominent leaders of the mass movement in Southern Tagalog. This marks a renewed legal and political offensive against the most consistent critics of the Arroyo administration. It should be recalled that the Southern Tagalog region was among the worst hit by the wave of extrajudicial killings and abductions of activists from 2001-2007.  The targets then were activist leaders, union leaders, peasant organizers, environment activists and urban poor organizers.

As of March 2008, human rights group Karapatan -Southern Tagalog has documented 167 victims of extrajudicial killing and 31 of enforced disappearance in the region.

The Southern Tagalog 27

On September 30, 2008, volunteers of the human rights group Karapatan in Batangas stumbled upon a complaint filed against 27 persons who included activist leaders and members of progressive people’s organizations in the Southern Tagalog region. The original complaint was filed on August 12, 2008 at the office of the Batangas Provincial Prosecutor’s Office by a certain Marlo Timbreza on behalf of Globe Telecom Inc., regarding the bombing and burning of a Globe cell site in Lemery, Batangas last August 2. Timbreza alleged that the respondents committed arson, the destruction of private property other than arson and conspiracy to commit rebellion.

The August 12 complaint named 19 respondents which  included prominent activist-leaders Bayani Cambronero, 8th party list nominee and Southern Tagalog regional coordinator of Bayan Muna; Rolando Mingo, Vice President of the nationwide transport group PISTON, and president of the Southern Tagalog Region Transport Sector Organization; Atty. Remigio Saladero Jr, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Legal Counsel,  member of  Pro Labor Assistance Center  (PLACE), Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) and the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL); Agaton Bautista, Anakpawis, Batangas provincial coordinator; Noriel Rocafort, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) - Batangas secretary general; Isabelo Alicaya, Chairperson of the Fisherfolk group PAMALAKAYA-Southern Tagalog and the Haligi ng mga Batangueñong Anak Dagat (Habagat).

Also included in the original complaint is Romy Aguilar of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) in Rizal who is now in a wheelchair due to diabetes.

The complaint would later be amended in September 5, 2008 to include 8 of the 9 grassroots activists who were abducted and tortured by elements of the Calabarzon PNP’s Regional Special Operations Group last August 31, 2008 in Tartaria, Cavite. They include 63 year old Renato Alvarez, Chairperson of the Katipunan ng mga Magbubuikd sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka), who experienced torture at the hands of his abductors.

The supposed witness to the crime of arson is a certain Arvin Leviste who claims to be a Deep Penetration Agent of the military who infiltrated the organization and planned and worked with the respondents in the burning of the cell site.

The Mindoro Case

On October 23, 2008, Atty. Remigio Saladero was reported missing. Later, his colleagues would learn that he was being detained in Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City by virtue of a warrant of arrest.

The next day, Nestor San Jose, another ST 27 respondent would also be nabbed in Teresa town in Rizal.

The warrants of arrest were issued by Judge Tomas Leynes of the Calapan City Regional Trial Court in accordance with a criminal case filed against Atty. Saladero, San Jose and 70 others.

It was only then that lawyers discovered this separate case  of multiple murder and frustrated multiple murder filed against 72 persons, including most of the Southern Tagalog 27. The information cited an NPA ambush in Puerto Galera, Mindoro Oriental in March 3, 2006.

The charge was originally filed against a certain Rustum Simbulan, and was later amended to add 71 others. Around 30 of the 71 additional names are active leaders, and members of progressive people’s organizations in Southern Tagalog.

On October 27, 2008, in a court proceeding regarding Atty. Saladero’s case, provincial prosecutor Josephine Caranzo-Olivar admitted that no preliminary investigation was conducted when the names of the 71 were added to the amended information. This means that no inquiry was held to determine if there was probable cause against the additional 71 individuals.

The same day, Crispin Zapanta also among the 72 accused, was arrested in Antipolo City.

Saladero, San Jose and Zapanta are now detained at the Calapan City Provincial Jail.

On November 4, Anakpawis Provincial Coordinator and spokesman of the Katipunan ng Magbubukid sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka) Rogelio Galit was arrested by the PNP in his house in Kaong, Silang, Cavite.  Galit is bedridden and is suffering from diabetes.

Also included in the complaint are victims of human rights violations themselves. They include Arman Albarillo, who lost both his parents after they were murdered by military forces, and Orly Marcellana, whose wife Eden Marcellana (Karapatan ST Secretary General) was killed in Mindoro by soldiers under Gen. Jovito Palparan. Albarillo has been a consistent complainant in the impeachment cases filed against Mrs. Gloria Arroyo.

Implications

The current legal offensive against progressive leaders and activists in Southern Tagalog is not an isolated incident. It has been preceded by similar baseless criminal charges against Bayan and other mass leaders such as in the provinces of Negros and Davao. It should also be recalled that trumped-up murder charges were filed against Rep. Satur Ocampo, peasant leader Randal Echanis and other progressives in relation to alleged mass graves in Hilonggos, Leyte. Rep. Ocampo is out on bail while Echanis is detained at the Manila City Jail.  New cases have recently been filed against Ocampo, Echanis et al in Hilongos.

The cases against the ST activists is particularly alarming because of their wholesale and sweeping nature: Almost all high-profile regional and provincial leaders have been charged.  Even more disturbing are the legal shortcuts that were resorted to by the prosecutor in implicating 72 respondents without the benefit of any preliminary investigation and the hasty issuance of arrest warrants by the Calapan RTC.

It appears that the principal impetus for the filing of these new cases against the 72 is consistent with the communist-labeling/demonizing being resorted to by the Arroyo regime and the state security forces. The cases portray and subsequently accuse legal activists to be members of the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.  But instead of simply filing rebellion cases against them, they are instead charged with common crimes such as murder and arson.

Like in the previous rebellion cases against partylist lawmakers and activists, the current multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges were filed through highly irregular procedures thereby denying the accused their right to due process.

These trumped-up charges have all the imprints of the Department of Justice, the InterAgency Legal Action Group (IALAG), the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

What the Arroyo regime could no longer accomplish through extrajudicial killings and abductions, it now tries to accomplish through the filing of non-bailable criminal charges. The objective is clearly to neutralize the activist leaders by detaining them illegally or forcing them to go into hiding.  At the same time, there is the intention to terrorize the remaining leaders, activists and the political mass base of Bayan and other progressive organizations and party list groups.

It is therefore necessary that freedom loving Filipinos oppose this crackdown on progressive activists with the same vigor as when we opposed extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Four people have already been arrested and there is a great possibility that there may be more in the near future. While the issue is being fought in the legal arena, it is of crucial importance that people rise up and speak out against these abuses and outright political persecution and repression. It is important that pressure be made to bear on the Arroyo regime to put a stop to its drive to put democratic and nationalist leaders behind bars and out of commission.

Activists included in the list of the accused 72:

1.     Arman Albarillo

• Secretary General, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Tagalog
• Signatory in the 2008 impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
• In April 2002, Arman’s parents Expedito Albarillo (Bayan Muna municipal Coordinator) and Manuela Albarillo (Gabriela member) were brutally killed by suspected elements of the 204th brigade, then led by Ret. Gen. Jovito Palparan. Before his death, Expedito was incarcerated for 9 months Judge Tomas Leynes regarding an alleged murder case.
• After his parents’ death, Arman, his family and relatives became internal refugees who had to fled their hometown in Mindoro due to continuous threats by the military.

2.     Bayani Cambronero, 48 yrs old

• 8th Partylist Nominee and Southern Tagalog Regional Coordinator, Bayan Muna Party
• A student activist leader during his college days in UP Los Baños, Bani was Chairperson of the University Student Council
• After leaving college, Bani joined the labor movement. He became the Deputy Secretary General of Pagkakaisa ng mga Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan-Kilusang Mayo Uno (Pamantik-KMU) and the Executive Director of the Institute for Workers Leadership Development.
• former Secretary General of Bayan-ST
• ST 27 Respondent

3.     Orly Marcellana,

• Secretary General, Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (Kasama-TK)
• Chairperson, Bayan-ST
• In April 21, 2003, Orly’s wife, Eden Marcellana and colleague Eddie Gumanoy were abducted in Mindoro Oriental along with 9 other human rights volunteers, while they were conducting a Fact Finding Mission. The following day, the brutally murdered bodies of Eden and Eddie were found in a shallow ditch near the Strong Republic Nautical Highway, Suspects to the crime were elements of the 204th brigade then led by Ret. Gen. Jovito Palparan.

4.     Romeo Legaspi,

• Chairperson, PAMANTIK-KMU
• National President, Organized Labor Association in Line Industries and Agriculture (OLALIA-KMU)
• President, Nagkakaisang Lakas ng Manggagawa sa Honda ( NLMH- OLALIA),
• Chairperson, Anakpawis-Timog Katagalugan

5.     Rolando Mingo,

• President, Southern Tagalog Region Transport Sector Organization, (STARTER)
• Vice President, Pinagkaisang Lakas ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON)
• ST 27 Respondent

6.     Doris Cuario

• Secretary General, Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights – Southern Tagalog (KARAPATAN)

7.     Helen Asdolo, 41 yrs old

• Secretary General, National Alliance of Women’s Organizations in the Philippines (GABRIELA) - Southern Tagalog
• 5th partylist nominee, Gabriela Women’s Party

8.     Atty. Remigio Saladero

• Legal Counsel, KMU
• Founding Member, National Union of People’s Lawyers
• Labor Lawyer, Pro-Labor Legal Assistance Center (PLACE)
• Regular columnist,  Pinoy Weekly
• ST 27 Respondent

9.     Emmanuel Dionida

• Board of Director, LEADERS (Labor Education Advocacy Development Research Services Inc.)
• Despite his “Polio,” Emmanuel has been active in the labor movement for almost 2 decades now

10.  Dina Captillo, 28 yrs old

• Spokesperson, Karapatan- Batangas
• Staff, Gabriela-Batangas
• Former Chairperson, League of Filipino Students – Philippine Normal University Chapter
• Former Chairperson, Student Christian Movement – Philippine Normal University Chapter
• Member, Alliance of Concerned Teachers
• ST 27 Respondent

11.  Renato Alvarez, 63 yrs Old

• Chairperson, Katipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite/Kilusang Magbubuikd ng Pilipinas (Kamagsasa-Ka/KMP)
• Chairperson, Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Tartaria (SAMATA)
• ST 27 Respondent

12.  Nestor San Jose, 53 yrs old

• Rizal Provincial Coordinator, Anakpawis
• Coordinator, Makabayang Organisasyon ng Tsuper at Operator sa Rizal (MOTOR) –PISTON
• ST 27 Respondent

13.  Crispin Zapanta, 60 yrs old

• Chairperson, Bayan Muna – Antipolo City

14.  Romeo Aguilar

• Secretary General, Kalipunan ng mga Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) – Rizal
• Organizer, Bayan Muna Rizal
• Former Chairperson, Bagong Lakas ng Nayon (BALANA)
• Romeo is suffering from diabetes and is now confined to a wheelchair
• ST 27 Respondent

15.  Rogelio Galit

• Spokesperson, Kamagsasaka-Ka
• Public Relations Officer, Kasama-TK
• On the night of November 3, 2008, Rogelio was arrested by 15 armed men in plainclothes at his house in Kaong, Silang, Cavite. Galit, who is already bedridden due to his diabetic condition, was forcibly taken despite his condition and brought to the PNP Regional Headquarters in Camp Vicente Lim. The following day, Galit was brought to Calapan City Provincial Jail

16.  Luz Baculo

• Secretary General, Pamantik-KMU
• National Council Member, KMU

17.  Pedro Santos Jr.,

• Secretary General, Anakbayan-Southern Tagalog
• Regional Coordinator, Kabataan Party
• Convenor, Youth Act Now – Southern Tagalog

18.  Jojo Bernardino, 49 yrs old

• Secretary General, Bayan-Laguna
• Secretary General,  Alyansa ng mga Manggagawa sa Probinsya ng Laguna (ALMAPILA)
• Former Chairperson, Bisig at Lakas ng Manggagawa sa Kapalaran Bus Line

19.  Berlin Justo

• Calamba City coordinator, Bayan Muna
• Secretary General, Calamba Federation Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association
• Former Baranggay Councilor, Brgy. Palingon, Calamba City

20.  Agaton Bautista, 36 yrs old

• Batangas Provincial Coordinator, Anakpawis
• Secretary General, Samahan ng mga Magbubukid sa Batangas (SAMBAT)

21.  Leng Jucutan

• Staff, Kongreso ng mga Magsasaka Para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo – Quezon (KOMPRA)

22.  Amelita Sto. Tomas, 53 yrs old

• Chairperson, Gabriela-Cavite
• Cavie Provincial Coordinator, Gabriela Women’s Party

23.  Samuel Dizon

• Coordinator, Samahan Pang-transportasyong Rumuruta sa Kalakhang Probinsya ng Laguna (SPARKPLAG) – Piston

24.  Lucio Amarante

• Staff, Transport Organizer, STARTER-PISTON

25.  Henry Halawig

• Paralegal staff, Banzuela Law Office
• Former Borad of Director, OLALIA-KMU

26.  Emmanuel Assuncion

• Municipal  coordinator, Bayan Muna
• Vice Chairperson for External Affairs, Spokesperson, Bayan=Cavite
• Council of Leaders Member, former Public Relations Officer, former Secretary General, former Chairperson, Solidarity of Cavite Workers

27.  Karen Ortiz

• Deputy Secretary General, Cavite Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (CEMJP)
• Former Provincial Coordinator, Student Christian Movement - Cavite
• Former Cavite Provincial Coordinator, Kabataan Party
• Former Provincial Coordinator, Anakbayan-Cavite

28.  Sheryll Villegas

• Secretary General, Bayan-Cavite
• Former Provincial Coordinator, Anakbayan-Cavite

29.  Rommel Valdez

• Chairperson, Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Intsikan

Prepared by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and BAYAN-Southern Tagalog, November 5, 2008.