Threat to life more fearsome than rebellion case

Threat to life more fearsome than rebellion case
New information vs. Batasan 5 has no probative value - Virador

�The �new information� filed by government prosecutors against the Batasan 5 has no probative value. We do not fear and will face this manufactured charge of rebellion as we demand due process. What is more dangerous is the possibility of state-sponsored physical elimination.�

Thus declared Bayan Muna representative Joel Virador on the Department of Justice�s (DOJ) new rebellion charges against more than 40 leftwing and rightwing personalities, including five party-list legislators.

�There is actually nothing new presented in the so-called �new information� filed by the DOJ panel at the Makati Regional Trial Court as the affidavits and witnesses to be presented are all from the 392 documents that was part of the previous charge that was thrown out. Along with this fabricated charge are the continuing political killings of our members and leaders in the provinces. That is what is more fearsome � the actual threat to our lives as citizens,� Virador said.

Human rights organizations have determined that 565 have been killed since Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed office.

�This is part of the continuing political persecution of progressive partylists being perpetrated by the current administration. This craziness must stop. Our members and leaders in the provinces are being killed. These killings must be stopped and justice to the victims must be attained,� Virador ended. #