CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
RELATED TO THE UNJUSTIFIED ARREST AND DETENTION
OF ANAKPAWIS PARTYLIST REPRESENTATIVE CRISPIN "KA BEL" BELTRAN
*24 February 2006*
Ka Bel joins the commemoration of Edsa, People Power 1 together with various groups at the Edsa Shrine. Ka Bel stays with the AP group while Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance) leads the program.
Earlier that day, the Philippines is declared under a State of National Emergency by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after they discover an alleged coup being planned by disgruntled military officials of the Armed Forces of the Philppines. She announces the revocation of all rally
permits and orders the dispersal of protest actions commemorating the popular uprising of 1986.
The group led by BAYAN at the Edsa Shrine is violently dispersed by policemen with water cannons, clubs and truncheons. They all leave peacefully and march towards Ayala, Makati through Ortigas Avenye to join other opposition groups holding a separate program.
*25 February 2006 *
While preparing to leave home for a press conference in Quezon City, Beltran, accompanied by his wife Rosario and four other companions aboard their vehicle, is apprehended at around 10:10 a.m. at the gate of San Francisco III Subdivision, Muzon, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan by a fully-armed team of Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) personnel led by Maj. Rino Corpus.
Beltran was "invited" for questioning by the police operatives and was brought to the CIDG office in Camp Crame. At the CIDG, Beltran is shown and served an alias warrant dated 7 October 1985, issued by Judge Edgardo Tutaan of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City, Branch LXXXIV, by virtue of a rebellion case filed against him then.
At around 11:00 a.m, Atty. Remigio Saladero visits Beltran and demands his immediate release, on the grounds that the arrest and detention was illegal. Saladero demanded that the matter be elevated to the office of PNP Director-General Arturo C. Lomibao. This request was, however, denied.
At around 5 pm, Beltran's lawyers write a letter to Gen. Lomibao, stating the circumstances of Beltran's illegal arrest and demanding his immediate release.
Atty. Saladero is shown a photocopy of the alleged warrant of arrest. He informs Rep. Beltran's custodians that the case referred to in the warrant was also already dismissed and quashed in 1988, and that Rep. Beltran was already given amnesty under the Aquino administration. Despite this, defense lawyers could not immediately produce the said documents since it was a weekend. Beltran was forced to spend the night inside the CIDG.
Anakpawis sends a letter to the House of Representatives, urging House Speaker Jose de Venecia to intercede in Beltran's warrantless arrest earlier this morning , citing Beltran's parliamentary immunity as a member of Congress.
That night, Ka Bel was brought to the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City for another case being filed against him � inciting to sedition, for allegedly speaking during the February 24 Rally mentioned above and for inciting the public to rebel and overthrow the Arroyo government. His cash bond was posted at P12,000.00.
Beltran's lawyers object to the inquest proceeding and his further detention, invoking Beltran's constitutional privilege of immunity from arrest for alleged crimes punishable by not more than six years of imprisonment (Section 11, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution), under which the charge of sedition was classified.
Inquest prosecutors from the QC RTC reject this defense of parliamentary immunity and proceed with the inquest, which lasted until 2:00 AM.
Two of his colleagues and staff issued their counter-affidavits stating that this was a big lie. They vouched that Ka Bel remained with them together with the rest of the audience during the entire program and that even when he had to go up the stage, he never held the mike to give a speech.
Inquest Prosecutor Ben V. de la Cruz resolved to file the sedition case, and recommended bail of P12,000.
*26 February 2006 *
Examining physicians Drs. Reginaldo Pamugas and Dr. Melani Hernandez-Siozon examined Cong. Beltran at the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police.
Their diagnosis includes findings of moderate Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes Mellitus type 2, T/C Coronary Artery Disease, Cardiomegaly, S/P Cerebrovascular Accident, S/P Thoracen, and T/C Gouty Athritis. Their recommendations include (1) avoiding stressful
conditions, (2) a low fat, low salt diet, (3) monitoring and control of blood pressure, (4) laboratory work-up, (5) medications, and (6) further evaluation and management, preferably in a tertiary hospital.
*27 February 2006*
Beltran's lawyers proceed to the Docket Section of the Quezon City Court and learn that the sedition case has not been filed yet. They learn shortly after that Inquest Prosecutor de la Cruz reversed his earlier decision, and recommended in an amended resolution the dismissal of the case, subject to the approval of First Assistant Prosecutor Meynardo Baustista or City Prosecutor Claro Arellano.
Beltran's lawyer UN Ad Litem Judge Romeo Capulong immediately went to the CIDG thinking that Beltran as going to be released that day. However, he learned that Ka Bel was going to undergo another inquest.
In Camp Crame, Beltran, whose health has been deteriorating due to his illegal detention since February 25, was suddenly informed by the CIDG that he would be brought to the PNP General Hospital (GH) for a medical check-up. But instead of being brought to a doctor, Beltran was summoned to the CIDG office for a "re-inquest" by Senior State Prosecutor Emannuel Velasco
from the Department of Justice.
Beltran is charged with rebellion in conspiracy with 2nd Lt. Lawrence San Juan, a soldier belonging to the Magdalo group and was involved in the Oakwood coup in 2003. San Juan escaped detention a month ago but was recaptured in Batangas a few weeks after. Acting Deputy Director of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management Police Chief Superintendent Rodolfo B. Mendoza, Jr. transmitted a letter to the Department of Justice through Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito R. Zuno, submitting 'pertinent records of investigation relative to the case for violation of Article 134 in relation to Article 135 of the Revised Penal Code (Rebellion'Insurrection) against 49 individuals (including Anakpawis Reps. Crispin Beltran and Rafael Mariano), others related to the JASIG's list, and several other John and Jane Does' [Criminal Case No. 132943]
This irks Ka Bel and Atty. Capulong, prompting them to walk out from the inquest proceedings. Beltran's blood pressure shots up to 180/120. Beltran is restrained and detained together with other common criminals at the PNP Custodial Center inside Camp Crame.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives adopts Resolution No. 1169, or Resolution Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives to Uphold the Rights of Its Members and Extending Protection to Them.
*28 February 2006 *
The Public Interest Law Center (PILC), through Attys. Romeo T. Capulong, Rachel F. Pastores, and Amylyn B. Sato presents a letter to House of Representatives Speaker Jose de Venecia urging that Cong. Beltran be immediately placed under his protective custody.
As per House Secretary-General Roberto P. Nazareno's directive dated February 28, Dr. RIzaline Figueroa-Lagman of the House of Representatives Medical-Dental service visit the CIDG to check Cong. Beltran's medical condition at around 3:00 p.m. Dr. Lagman noted 'essentially normal
physical findings at the time of examination, and controlled state 1 hypertension'.
*2 March 2006 *
Beltran is rushed to the Emergency Room of the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNP-GH) at around 11:30 AM for hypertension, with a blood pressure level of 170/100. He was admitted to the Room 1 of the PNP-GH at 12:15 p.m and has remained there ever since.
*4 March 2006*
Beltran is charged with another rebellion case, this time linking him with the Communist Party of the Philippines, alleging that he attended a plenum of the CPP from August 1992 to February 1993.
*5 March 2006 *
Family members, colleagues, supporters and friends are blocked from visiting Ka Bel when members of the PNP tried to stop them from trooping to the PNP General Hospital. Police close the gates of Crame for almost two hours to secure the place. No one is arrested.
*6 March 2006*
The *Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause* is filed by Beltran's lawyers and is heard at the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 138 under Judge Sixto Marella, Jr (the case was originally assigned to the MRTC Branch 137 under Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino). Judge Marella orders Beltran's military custodians to escort him to the hearing tomorrow.
The FREE KA BEL MOVEMENT is launched at the University of the Philippines.
*7 March 2006 *
In his first public appearance at the second hearing held at the MRTC)\Branch 138 under Judge Marella, Beltran together with his lawyers led by Justice Capulong submit counter-evidence against the two rebellion cases charged against him. Failing to conclusively refute the counter-evidence, Prosecutor Velasco asks for 15 days more for them to present new evidences. He is given seven (7) days by Judge Marella to submit additional evidence against Beltran.
Ka Bel continues to be confined at the PNP General Hospital.
*9 March 2006*
Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales issues a statement refusing to release Beltran on humanitarian grounds.
*10 March 2006*
Beltran writes PNP Director-General Arturo Lomibao asking to attend Congress plenary sessions from March 13 to 15, in order to continue fulfilling his duties as Anakpawis congressman.
*13 March 2006*
The Municipal Trial Court of Quezon City Branch 43 issues a *Release Order*for Beltran on the grounds that his arrest was illegal, without probable cause, and violative of Beltran's parliamentary immunity from arrest for cases punishable by six years of imprisonment. The PNP and the DoJ, however, defy the QC MTC Release Order and refuse to release Beltran on the
grounds that another rebellion case is still filed against him at the MRTC.
*14 March 2006*
Beltran writes to PNP Director-General Lomibao demanding his release from PNP custody. The request is denied.
*20 March 2006*
Despite his unstable and high blood pressure, doctors at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital inform Beltran that he may be transferred any moment out of the police hospital and back into solitary detention at the PNP Custodial Center.
*24 March 2006 *
A hearing on the *Supplemental Motion* and *Motion for Release* was held at the MRTC. The DOJ prosecutors led by Senior State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco attended the hearing. Prosecutor Velasco is given until March 29, 2006 within which to file his Comment on the Motions filed by Beltran's lawyers; on the other hand, Beltran's lawyers were required to submit a Memorandum. After the submission of the Comments and Memorandum, the case will be submitted for Resolution.
25 March 2006 � *FIRST MONTH OF KA BEL'S ILLEGAL DETENTION*
*3 April 2006 *
Beltran's lawyers file a *Motion to Quash* the Inciting to Sedition charge before the QC MTC Branch 43, under Judge Evangeline Marigomen. Judge Marigomen resets Beltran's arraignment to May 29, at 8:30 in the morning.
The MRTC Branch 137 delays its promulgation of a resolution on the *Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause *filed by Beltran's lawyers one month ago. After the thirty days (30) waiting period, MRTC Branch 137 Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino filed for a thirty (30) day extension of the resolution, in effect prolonging his illegal detention in Camp Crame.
An *Omnibus Motion* aiming to effect the release of Cong. Beltran on humanitarian grounds was also filed at the MRTC.
*7 April 2006 *
MRTC Branch 137 hearing on *Omnibus Motion* pleading to resolve the pending urgent Motion of Release and to allow Beltran to be transferred to a hospital with adequate facilities. Beltran pleads that he be *immediately released* or be allowed to avail himself of the *protective custody* of the House of Representatives and be *transferred to a hospital* with adequate facilities.
* *
Senior State Prosecutors Emmanuel Velasco, Aileen Marie Gutierrez, and Joselita Mendoza filed an Opposition to the Omnibus Motion, praying that the Makati Court deny the said Motion. Judge Delorino gives the DOJ prosecution team and PNP until April 12 to comment on the medical findings presented by Beltran's lawyers.
Beltran's lawyers present the following medical reports affirming his ill health: a Psychiatric Evaluation prepared by Dr. Michael P. Sionzon recommending Beltran's transfer to another hospital outside the PNP premises in order to lessen his prevailing anxiety and recurring nightmares of being tortured or assassinated; a Medical Report issued by cardiologist Dr. Roberto A. Raymundo of the Philippine Heart Center and another Medical Report issued by Health Action for Human Right (HAHR) physicians Dr. Romeo F. Quijano, Reginaldo L. Pamugas, and Melani Hernandez-Sionzon.
*17 April 2006 *
Judge Aldecoa-Delorino of MRTC Branch 137 issues a favourable resolution on the prayer to transfer Beltran to a private hospital with adequate facilities and doctors to address his medical problems, provided that the expense for such treatment and/or confinement shall be at Beltran's expense.
In the same resolution, however, Judge Aldecoa-Delorino, denied the *Motion to Release Accused Crispin Beltran *with Alternative Prayer to Allow Him to Attend Plenary Sessions and Committee Hearings of Congress and the alternative prayer to have Beltran placed under the protective custody of the House of Representatives.
*25 April 2006*
The MRTC issues the implementing order for Beltran's transfer to the Philippine Heart Center.
*26 April 2006*
The PNP transfers Beltran to Room 427 of the Philippine Heart Center.
*04 May 2006 *
Judge Delorino hears and grants motion to strike out prosecution's amended information, saying that it cannot be admitted as an amended but rather a *new* information.
*08 May 2006 *
Prosecution files motion to inhibit Judge Delorino for alleged lack of impartiality. They allege Delorino to have decided in favour of the respondents with undue haste.
*10 May 2006*
Judge Delorino, despite denying lack of impartiality and deciding in undue haste, issues order to inhibit without resolving pending motion to determine probable cause
*12 May 2006*
Prosecution files the rejected amended information as new information with the Makati Regional Trial Court. The information implicate, among others, the Batasan 5 and leaders of progressive organizations.
*15 May 2006*
The new information (Batasan 5 and progressive leaders case) is raffled and goes to Judge Quilala of Branch 57. The old information (Ka Bel case) is re-raffled and goes to Judge Jaja Moya of Branch 147.
PILC files motion for reconsideration on Delorino's inhibition order, praying that the Court "reconsider and set aside its Order dated 10 May 2006 and proceed to hear and decide the case."
*16 May 2006 *
The Batasan 5 file omnibus motion to dismiss with alternative prayer to suspend proceedings and to conduct hearing to determine probable cause, on grounds that the information suffers from fatal defects and that the case lacks probable cause. Outright dismissal of the information is sought as it is a mere rehash of the rejected information which violates due process rights of respondents. Another basis for its dismissal is the prosecution failed to comply with Rule 112, Section 4 of the Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure which requires prosecution to personally examine all witnesses therein stated; the Information also lacks the required signature of the
Chief State Prosecutor. The Batasan 5 asks for suspension of proceedings as they are still awaiting the Supreme Court's resolution on their petition for certiorari and prohibition with prayer for a TRO and/or writ of preliminary injunction.
*18 May 2006 *
DOJ files written opposition (via mail) to Ka Bel's Motion for Reconsideration (MRTC received copy early on May 19).
DOJ files Motion to Consolidate the two information with the Makati RTC Branch 57, which it requested to be heard on May 24 at 10am.
*19 May 2006 *
Prosecution panel fails to appear before the Court for the hearing on Ka Bel's MR. Jude Delorino informs Ka Bel's counsel of the prosecution's written opposition, to which counsel was given that same day as deadline for submitting a reply.
*22 May 2006 *
Hearing on Batasan 5's Omnibus Motion to Dismiss Information was postponed and reset to May 29, 10am.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
Filipino Social Democrats lying to the world
Filipino Social Democrats lying to the world
Tonyo Cruz , May 14, 2006 @ 14:39 GMT
http://indymedia.us/en/2006/05/16483.shtml
The Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP, Filipino Social Democratic Party) should be honest in its public declarations. It should always predicate in its statements the fact that it is a junior partner in the Arroyo government and that its party president, Norberto Gonzales, is the government's current National Security Adviser. The PDSP, PDSP founding chairman Fr. Romeo Intengan and Gonzales should be honest. They should not lie to the public about the nature of their party. They should publicly declare that they are part of the Arroyo government which our parties and the majority of our people seek to oust for its acts of lying, cheating, stealing and suppressing the people. They should admit that our parties are being persecuted not so much because we are alleged to be communist fronts, but because of our leading and prominent roles in the growing nationwide oust-Arroyo movement. This movement includes those who condemn the Arroyo government for its blind support to the US war of terrorism and other dictates of US imperial power. The PDSP, of late, continues to champion the McCarthyite and anti-democratic policy of discrediting and silencing the Philippine Left in Congress and in the Parliament of the Streets.
The latter -- the political persecution of perceived "leftist" activists -- is what's taking up most of the time of the PDSP and Mr. Gonzales lately. Through its founding chair Fr. Romeo Intengan, the PDSP is on a rampage through the US Indymedia portal and local Philippine media, accusing Bayan Muna of so many unproven crimes while assuring them of due process vis-a-vis the trumped-up rebellion case filed by the government against six duly-elected Members of Congress.
Intengan is the author of a study on the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, where it mentioned in a few paragraphs the military claim that the six partylist congresspersons were guilty of misusing public funds and that these were diverted to the armed rebellion of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Intengan did not present any proof to back up the allegation. (By the way, current PDSP party chairman Norberto Gonzales wrote an introduction to the Intengan study in his capacity as National Security Adviser).
What due process Intengan is talking about, only he knows. For on February 25, 2006, Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Partylist Representative Crispin Beltran fell victim to illegal and warrantless arrest. Upon reaching Camp Crame, the headquarters of the Philippine National Police, Beltran was shown a copy of an old arrest warrant, issued in connection with a case of inciting to rebellion in 1985, when he was one of the fiery leaders of the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement Labor Center). As a Member of Congress, Beltran has the privilege of parliamentary immunity against arrests for crimes with a maximum penalty of six years. But upon realizing the case of inciting to sedition filed by the Marcos dictatorship carries a maximum penalty of only less than six years, the PNP and the Department of Justice swiftly filed a rebellion case against Beltran. Beltran has since been illegally detained without any judicial order. The PDSP, Intengan and Gonzales were silent over Beltran's fate. They did not raise a howl or even a peep over the illegal and arbitrary arrest and detention of Beltran.
On the same day Beltran was arrested, the police also attempted to illegally arrest Satur Ocampo, another Member of Congress belonging to Bayan Muna (People First). His four other companions also escaped Beltran's fate.
The five later resurfaced in Congress, and won protective custody under the House of Representatives through a unanimously-adopted resolution that said that no congressperson may be arrested without a warrant of arrest The PDSP, who claims to have members in Congress, was likewise silent over the attempts to illegally arrest Ocampo et al, who have come to be known as the Batasan 5. In fact, the PDSP is wrongly depicting the House protective custody as something else. Gonzales claims that the Batasan 5 hid in Batasan, when in fact the House protected them against warrantless arrest ordered by Gonzales' own government.
Gonzales recently boasted that a new rebellion case will be filed against the Batasan 5. He alleges that the Batasan 5 are high-ranking members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, and should be held accountable for crimes against the Philippine republic. He continues to loudly claim that Bayan Muna, Anakpawis and the Gabriela Women's Party are communist fronts, and not the duly-elected partylist organizations they truly are. Incidentally, the PDSP of both Gonzales and Intengan ran and lost in two consecutive partylist elections (1998 and 2001). The PDSP has since been disqualified from running in the polls.
The PDSP chairman and National Security Adviser is likewise silent on the unresolved and continuing murders of activists. Since 2001, when Arroyo assumed the presidency, 566 activists belonging to various activist organizations have been summarily executed. Among them are 93 members of Bayan Muna, including three coordinators killed last week and last night.
This Gonzales is also not merely the National Security Adviser. He is also chair of the National Intelligence Board. Recently, he is also the chair of an Inter-Agency Legal Action Group (IALAG) formed under Arroyo's Executive Order 493. This IALAG is composed of the AFP, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Justice, the Department of National Defense, the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the PNP (PNP-CIDG) . Its task is to coordinate the investigation and prosecution of cases involving national security, including rebellion and sedition. In a recent speech before AFP personnel in Mindanao, Gonzales boasted that the rebellion case against the Batasan 5 is the "first major accomplishment" of the IALAG. The Gonzales-led IALAG reports directly to and is supervised by the National Intelligence Board chaired by Gonzales himself. Under the IALAG, the justice system is being short-circuited to suit the whims of the anti-Left, anti-due process Gonzales.
Many members of the Socialist International, the global group of socialist and social democratic parties, have assailed the rough treatment and the lack of due process in the case of Beltran and the Batasan 5. Scores of members of the British Labor Party, for instance, have signed a resolution before Parliament, seeking Beltran's release and a halt to the politically-motivated attacks on the Batasan 5. In the Kenya meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union which was hosted last year by the Philippines, the IPU's committee on human rights of parliamentarians has asked the Arroyo government to release Beltran. Indeed, there are limits to the lies and deception of the PDSP and the Arroyo government. It may fool some, but it cannot fool the world.
Given these, I dare say that the PDSP is as discredited as the Arroyo government it serves. It has no integrity or credibility to speak of.It cannot even claim to be genuinely socialist or democratic. ###
Tonyo Cruz , May 14, 2006 @ 14:39 GMT
http://indymedia.us/en/2006/05/16483.shtml
The Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP, Filipino Social Democratic Party) should be honest in its public declarations. It should always predicate in its statements the fact that it is a junior partner in the Arroyo government and that its party president, Norberto Gonzales, is the government's current National Security Adviser. The PDSP, PDSP founding chairman Fr. Romeo Intengan and Gonzales should be honest. They should not lie to the public about the nature of their party. They should publicly declare that they are part of the Arroyo government which our parties and the majority of our people seek to oust for its acts of lying, cheating, stealing and suppressing the people. They should admit that our parties are being persecuted not so much because we are alleged to be communist fronts, but because of our leading and prominent roles in the growing nationwide oust-Arroyo movement. This movement includes those who condemn the Arroyo government for its blind support to the US war of terrorism and other dictates of US imperial power. The PDSP, of late, continues to champion the McCarthyite and anti-democratic policy of discrediting and silencing the Philippine Left in Congress and in the Parliament of the Streets.
The latter -- the political persecution of perceived "leftist" activists -- is what's taking up most of the time of the PDSP and Mr. Gonzales lately. Through its founding chair Fr. Romeo Intengan, the PDSP is on a rampage through the US Indymedia portal and local Philippine media, accusing Bayan Muna of so many unproven crimes while assuring them of due process vis-a-vis the trumped-up rebellion case filed by the government against six duly-elected Members of Congress.
Intengan is the author of a study on the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, where it mentioned in a few paragraphs the military claim that the six partylist congresspersons were guilty of misusing public funds and that these were diverted to the armed rebellion of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Intengan did not present any proof to back up the allegation. (By the way, current PDSP party chairman Norberto Gonzales wrote an introduction to the Intengan study in his capacity as National Security Adviser).
What due process Intengan is talking about, only he knows. For on February 25, 2006, Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Partylist Representative Crispin Beltran fell victim to illegal and warrantless arrest. Upon reaching Camp Crame, the headquarters of the Philippine National Police, Beltran was shown a copy of an old arrest warrant, issued in connection with a case of inciting to rebellion in 1985, when he was one of the fiery leaders of the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement Labor Center). As a Member of Congress, Beltran has the privilege of parliamentary immunity against arrests for crimes with a maximum penalty of six years. But upon realizing the case of inciting to sedition filed by the Marcos dictatorship carries a maximum penalty of only less than six years, the PNP and the Department of Justice swiftly filed a rebellion case against Beltran. Beltran has since been illegally detained without any judicial order. The PDSP, Intengan and Gonzales were silent over Beltran's fate. They did not raise a howl or even a peep over the illegal and arbitrary arrest and detention of Beltran.
On the same day Beltran was arrested, the police also attempted to illegally arrest Satur Ocampo, another Member of Congress belonging to Bayan Muna (People First). His four other companions also escaped Beltran's fate.
The five later resurfaced in Congress, and won protective custody under the House of Representatives through a unanimously-adopted resolution that said that no congressperson may be arrested without a warrant of arrest The PDSP, who claims to have members in Congress, was likewise silent over the attempts to illegally arrest Ocampo et al, who have come to be known as the Batasan 5. In fact, the PDSP is wrongly depicting the House protective custody as something else. Gonzales claims that the Batasan 5 hid in Batasan, when in fact the House protected them against warrantless arrest ordered by Gonzales' own government.
Gonzales recently boasted that a new rebellion case will be filed against the Batasan 5. He alleges that the Batasan 5 are high-ranking members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, and should be held accountable for crimes against the Philippine republic. He continues to loudly claim that Bayan Muna, Anakpawis and the Gabriela Women's Party are communist fronts, and not the duly-elected partylist organizations they truly are. Incidentally, the PDSP of both Gonzales and Intengan ran and lost in two consecutive partylist elections (1998 and 2001). The PDSP has since been disqualified from running in the polls.
The PDSP chairman and National Security Adviser is likewise silent on the unresolved and continuing murders of activists. Since 2001, when Arroyo assumed the presidency, 566 activists belonging to various activist organizations have been summarily executed. Among them are 93 members of Bayan Muna, including three coordinators killed last week and last night.
This Gonzales is also not merely the National Security Adviser. He is also chair of the National Intelligence Board. Recently, he is also the chair of an Inter-Agency Legal Action Group (IALAG) formed under Arroyo's Executive Order 493. This IALAG is composed of the AFP, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Justice, the Department of National Defense, the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the PNP (PNP-CIDG) . Its task is to coordinate the investigation and prosecution of cases involving national security, including rebellion and sedition. In a recent speech before AFP personnel in Mindanao, Gonzales boasted that the rebellion case against the Batasan 5 is the "first major accomplishment" of the IALAG. The Gonzales-led IALAG reports directly to and is supervised by the National Intelligence Board chaired by Gonzales himself. Under the IALAG, the justice system is being short-circuited to suit the whims of the anti-Left, anti-due process Gonzales.
Many members of the Socialist International, the global group of socialist and social democratic parties, have assailed the rough treatment and the lack of due process in the case of Beltran and the Batasan 5. Scores of members of the British Labor Party, for instance, have signed a resolution before Parliament, seeking Beltran's release and a halt to the politically-motivated attacks on the Batasan 5. In the Kenya meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union which was hosted last year by the Philippines, the IPU's committee on human rights of parliamentarians has asked the Arroyo government to release Beltran. Indeed, there are limits to the lies and deception of the PDSP and the Arroyo government. It may fool some, but it cannot fool the world.
Given these, I dare say that the PDSP is as discredited as the Arroyo government it serves. It has no integrity or credibility to speak of.It cannot even claim to be genuinely socialist or democratic. ###
How does any of this justify the systematic killing of leftist activists?!
D,
I don't know how the article of Mr. Antonio Abaya you so approvingly attached below could justify the 565 killings of above-ground activists (leftist or non-leftist) since GMA assumed (in more ways than one) the presidency.
Please explain how their belief in, and support for the system of communism, rightly or wrongly, will give the State or any other group for that matter the right to hunt them down systematically like wild chickens and pigs?
There is no basis for you, or Mr. Abaya, to be paranoid and fear that the communists will take over this country soon. Based on our general knowledge of current affairs, there is no indication that the CPP-NPA will achieve total armed victory over our armed forces and ultimately over the government any time soon.
As to the left-leaning party list groups, do we have a basis to fear that they will take over the government soon? As things now stand, they are still a minority in Congress (that's why they are part of the Party-list system), although an active one at that. There is also no indication they will suddenly replace Lakas as the dominant political party in the next 5 to 10 years. If you think communism is already outdated, there is even no basis that the above will occur in the next 100 years!
Just stop for a moment and reflect what the left-leaning party list groups are doing there in Congress. Are they asking the people to take up arms against the government? Indeed, they are asking for Gloria to step down (in Congress and in the streets, UNARMED) but are they the only group seeking to end an illegitimate presidency?
And you cannot say that they will always ask every sitting Philippine president to resign just for the sake of doing so and to advance their "plan to overthrow the government". Do you not remember that when EDSA 2 occurred, the now Batasan 5 was there actively seeking for Erap's ouster and initially worked with Gloria? Do you even remember that during the national election following thereafter, Bayan Muna and other left-leaning party lists worked together with GMA's People Power coalition for mutual political support?
And what are the Batasan 5 doing in Congress right now? Are they exhorting the people to take up arms against the government? Are they asking you, the people, to believe and follow the way of Communism? Are they using their share of the "pork-barrel" to finance the purchase of arms for the CPP-NPA (would you think they be crazy enough to do so? and if they are would you think the government would let them get away with it?) Do you see them undertaking any over acts to place the country under communism? NO.
What you see is Crispin Beltran seeking a P125 across-the-board wage increase for all laborers. What you see is Liza Maza actively working and coordinating on legislation for the protection of women's rights. What you see is Teddy Casiño (considered by the US government as an up-and-coming young through opposition leader), Satur Ocampo, and Joel Virador actively and intelligently participating in debates during congressional investigations and other proceedings. Do you think their active participation in Congress and intelligent contribution to debates therein (unlike the many other useless congressmen trapos we have there who are always absent) are harmful to democracy in our country?
But let us come back again to the article that started this. How does any of this justify the systematic killing of leftist activists and releasing the State from any responsibility to solve and put and end to this killings? Pray tell me. PLEASE!
Cheers,
J
I don't know how the article of Mr. Antonio Abaya you so approvingly attached below could justify the 565 killings of above-ground activists (leftist or non-leftist) since GMA assumed (in more ways than one) the presidency.
Please explain how their belief in, and support for the system of communism, rightly or wrongly, will give the State or any other group for that matter the right to hunt them down systematically like wild chickens and pigs?
There is no basis for you, or Mr. Abaya, to be paranoid and fear that the communists will take over this country soon. Based on our general knowledge of current affairs, there is no indication that the CPP-NPA will achieve total armed victory over our armed forces and ultimately over the government any time soon.
As to the left-leaning party list groups, do we have a basis to fear that they will take over the government soon? As things now stand, they are still a minority in Congress (that's why they are part of the Party-list system), although an active one at that. There is also no indication they will suddenly replace Lakas as the dominant political party in the next 5 to 10 years. If you think communism is already outdated, there is even no basis that the above will occur in the next 100 years!
Just stop for a moment and reflect what the left-leaning party list groups are doing there in Congress. Are they asking the people to take up arms against the government? Indeed, they are asking for Gloria to step down (in Congress and in the streets, UNARMED) but are they the only group seeking to end an illegitimate presidency?
And you cannot say that they will always ask every sitting Philippine president to resign just for the sake of doing so and to advance their "plan to overthrow the government". Do you not remember that when EDSA 2 occurred, the now Batasan 5 was there actively seeking for Erap's ouster and initially worked with Gloria? Do you even remember that during the national election following thereafter, Bayan Muna and other left-leaning party lists worked together with GMA's People Power coalition for mutual political support?
And what are the Batasan 5 doing in Congress right now? Are they exhorting the people to take up arms against the government? Are they asking you, the people, to believe and follow the way of Communism? Are they using their share of the "pork-barrel" to finance the purchase of arms for the CPP-NPA (would you think they be crazy enough to do so? and if they are would you think the government would let them get away with it?) Do you see them undertaking any over acts to place the country under communism? NO.
What you see is Crispin Beltran seeking a P125 across-the-board wage increase for all laborers. What you see is Liza Maza actively working and coordinating on legislation for the protection of women's rights. What you see is Teddy Casiño (considered by the US government as an up-and-coming young through opposition leader), Satur Ocampo, and Joel Virador actively and intelligently participating in debates during congressional investigations and other proceedings. Do you think their active participation in Congress and intelligent contribution to debates therein (unlike the many other useless congressmen trapos we have there who are always absent) are harmful to democracy in our country?
But let us come back again to the article that started this. How does any of this justify the systematic killing of leftist activists and releasing the State from any responsibility to solve and put and end to this killings? Pray tell me. PLEASE!
Cheers,
J
Fake president faking concern over unsolved killings
Fake president faking concern over unsolved killings
State policy of execution and persecution exists nationwide
There exists a nationwide state policy of execution and persecution – and that is the reason for all these killings, enforced disappearances and political persecution of so-called leftist leaders.
We, human rights advocates and defenders, can see through this ploy and we know that the fake president is faking its concern over the unsolved killings. She waited for the body count to reach more than 500 before she ordered an investigation. Her belated order for a probe came in time with its newly acquired but undeserved position in the UN Human Rights Council.
Worse, the GMA regime's generals and cabinet officials have already exculpated the regime by resurrecting the "red purges" issue before any real investigation starts.
In all of KARAPATAN's dealings with survivors and families of victims, not one alleged or even hinted at other armed groups to be the perpetrators. In fact, the families, survivors and colleagues of victims have a strong suspicion that the military and their death squads are responsible for these atrocities because:
1. The military, police and their agents have been identified, as in the case of survivors Emmylou Buñi and husband Brylle Cruz, KARAPATAN-Central Visayas staff and Bayan Muna organizer, respectively. On 24 November 2005, soldiers staying at the resort of Tuburan Councilor Roy Tabotabo fired at the couple. The shot missed Brylle but hit Emmylou on the chest; it was fortunate that Emmylou survived this attempt on her life. Tabotabo's caretaker, Ritchel Buhawi fled with the soldiers after the incident. Chief Insp. Crisanto Duque did not conduct serious investigation and failed to trace the whereabouts of Buhawi. The couple filed a court case against the alleged gunman Ricky Lao and two more intelligence agents of the 78th IB under the command of Lt. Col. Jessie Alvarez.
In the case of another survivor Gerardo Cristobal, a union leader who was able to defend himself from his assassin, the removal of the ski mask from one of the suspects revealed him as police officer, SPO1 Romeo Lara.
2. There was a threat, intimidation and a vilification campaign against the victim before he/she is killed. Before they are killed or disappeared, the victims are first harassed and accused of being an `activist by day, NPA by night.' The same argument is used to justify the killing and for not immediately investigating the case. The organizations they belong to are listed in the "Knowing the Enemy" CD and "Trinity of War book" of the AFP as communist fronts.
In the case of Ofelia "Perla" Rodriguez, family members said Perla was invited to go to a military camp several times for questioning in 2005 where she was being forced by a certain 2nd Lt. John Paul Nicolas to admit that she was a top-ranking NPA-leader. On January 6, 2006, Perla was shot on the head inside her home in Mexico, Pampanga, in plain view of her mother. There can be no other suspect whom the family can pinpoint in this instance but this military man who kept on festering Perla Rodriguez.
Now, the tag of being members of so-called communist fronts are again being used to blame the victim and evade state responsibility, thus the military theory of CPP purges.
3. A detachment was very near the area when the killings happened but there was no response from the supposed 'protectors of the people.' An example of this is the Ricardo Ramos slay case, where there are also circumstantial evidences such as soldiers looking for Ricardo before he was shot dead and the soldiers in the detachment abandoning their post after the incident.
4. In many of these killings perpetrators are motorcycle-riding men, usually wearing bonnets or ski masks.
KARAPATAN and the families of victims have long been calling for an investigation and a policy statement from Mrs. Arroyo that her administration will not tolerate extra-judicial killings and that the Oplan Bantay Laya, which targets civilians, will be abandoned but the order for a probe came belatedly, after 584 civilians have already been killed.
Until she does that and until the killings, enforced disappearances, among other atrocities have stopped, we call on the public to remain vigilant and not to be cowed. On May 20, we invite the media and the public to join families of victims of political persecution and execution on May 20, 2006 at the Sta. Cruz Church in Manila , 10:30AM.
Stop the killings! Stop political persecution!
Uphold human rights!
Human rights violators must be punished!
State policy of execution and persecution exists nationwide
There exists a nationwide state policy of execution and persecution – and that is the reason for all these killings, enforced disappearances and political persecution of so-called leftist leaders.
We, human rights advocates and defenders, can see through this ploy and we know that the fake president is faking its concern over the unsolved killings. She waited for the body count to reach more than 500 before she ordered an investigation. Her belated order for a probe came in time with its newly acquired but undeserved position in the UN Human Rights Council.
Worse, the GMA regime's generals and cabinet officials have already exculpated the regime by resurrecting the "red purges" issue before any real investigation starts.
In all of KARAPATAN's dealings with survivors and families of victims, not one alleged or even hinted at other armed groups to be the perpetrators. In fact, the families, survivors and colleagues of victims have a strong suspicion that the military and their death squads are responsible for these atrocities because:
1. The military, police and their agents have been identified, as in the case of survivors Emmylou Buñi and husband Brylle Cruz, KARAPATAN-Central Visayas staff and Bayan Muna organizer, respectively. On 24 November 2005, soldiers staying at the resort of Tuburan Councilor Roy Tabotabo fired at the couple. The shot missed Brylle but hit Emmylou on the chest; it was fortunate that Emmylou survived this attempt on her life. Tabotabo's caretaker, Ritchel Buhawi fled with the soldiers after the incident. Chief Insp. Crisanto Duque did not conduct serious investigation and failed to trace the whereabouts of Buhawi. The couple filed a court case against the alleged gunman Ricky Lao and two more intelligence agents of the 78th IB under the command of Lt. Col. Jessie Alvarez.
In the case of another survivor Gerardo Cristobal, a union leader who was able to defend himself from his assassin, the removal of the ski mask from one of the suspects revealed him as police officer, SPO1 Romeo Lara.
2. There was a threat, intimidation and a vilification campaign against the victim before he/she is killed. Before they are killed or disappeared, the victims are first harassed and accused of being an `activist by day, NPA by night.' The same argument is used to justify the killing and for not immediately investigating the case. The organizations they belong to are listed in the "Knowing the Enemy" CD and "Trinity of War book" of the AFP as communist fronts.
In the case of Ofelia "Perla" Rodriguez, family members said Perla was invited to go to a military camp several times for questioning in 2005 where she was being forced by a certain 2nd Lt. John Paul Nicolas to admit that she was a top-ranking NPA-leader. On January 6, 2006, Perla was shot on the head inside her home in Mexico, Pampanga, in plain view of her mother. There can be no other suspect whom the family can pinpoint in this instance but this military man who kept on festering Perla Rodriguez.
Now, the tag of being members of so-called communist fronts are again being used to blame the victim and evade state responsibility, thus the military theory of CPP purges.
3. A detachment was very near the area when the killings happened but there was no response from the supposed 'protectors of the people.' An example of this is the Ricardo Ramos slay case, where there are also circumstantial evidences such as soldiers looking for Ricardo before he was shot dead and the soldiers in the detachment abandoning their post after the incident.
4. In many of these killings perpetrators are motorcycle-riding men, usually wearing bonnets or ski masks.
KARAPATAN and the families of victims have long been calling for an investigation and a policy statement from Mrs. Arroyo that her administration will not tolerate extra-judicial killings and that the Oplan Bantay Laya, which targets civilians, will be abandoned but the order for a probe came belatedly, after 584 civilians have already been killed.
Until she does that and until the killings, enforced disappearances, among other atrocities have stopped, we call on the public to remain vigilant and not to be cowed. On May 20, we invite the media and the public to join families of victims of political persecution and execution on May 20, 2006 at the Sta. Cruz Church in Manila , 10:30AM.
Stop the killings! Stop political persecution!
Uphold human rights!
Human rights violators must be punished!
Bayan Muna welcomes Rep. Cuenco statement vs. persecution of Batasan 5
News Release – May 17, 2006
Virador: Bayan Muna welcomes Rep. Cuenco statement vs. persecution of Batasan 5
A militant legislator expressed some relief that a senior House member from the majority has spoken versus Malacanang’s political persecution of progressive legislators.
“Bayan Muna welcomes the intelligent statements of Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco, one of the senior and wise members of Congress. It is a relief that some members of the majority see the folly of baseless rebellion charges being pursued against us by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Justice Sec. Raul Gonzalez and National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales,” said Bayan Muna Rep. Joel Virador.
Rep. Cuenco urged Malacañang on Tuesday not to rely too much on the Department of Justice which had taken the “path of legal extremism and political rigidity.”
Cuenco, chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, also said the rebellion charges against the Batasan 5 should be dropped since they were straining the already tense relations between Congress and the Palace.
“We also appreciate the opinion of Rep. Cuenco with regard to governance and the rule of law. Obviously, Malacañang is the culprit in all angles with regard to respect towards institutions, civil liberties and strained relations between the legislature and the executive department,” Virador said.
“We daresay that steps to improvement in governance can only happen once more productive measures are undertaken with the improvement of the lives and livelihood of our people as our ultimate objective. This cannot happen with fascist high officials and advisers having their way in government,” Virador said.
“With Rep. Cuenco’s comments, we are further vindicated. We shall continue to work towards stopping the unabated oil price hikes and the cold-blooded murders of civilians happening on a nationwide scale. We shall also endeavor to raise the wages of private sector workers and salaries of government employees, and bring accessible services to the majority of our population. Instead of Charter Change, we shall work on these,” Virador ended. #
Virador: Bayan Muna welcomes Rep. Cuenco statement vs. persecution of Batasan 5
A militant legislator expressed some relief that a senior House member from the majority has spoken versus Malacanang’s political persecution of progressive legislators.
“Bayan Muna welcomes the intelligent statements of Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco, one of the senior and wise members of Congress. It is a relief that some members of the majority see the folly of baseless rebellion charges being pursued against us by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Justice Sec. Raul Gonzalez and National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales,” said Bayan Muna Rep. Joel Virador.
Rep. Cuenco urged Malacañang on Tuesday not to rely too much on the Department of Justice which had taken the “path of legal extremism and political rigidity.”
Cuenco, chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, also said the rebellion charges against the Batasan 5 should be dropped since they were straining the already tense relations between Congress and the Palace.
“We also appreciate the opinion of Rep. Cuenco with regard to governance and the rule of law. Obviously, Malacañang is the culprit in all angles with regard to respect towards institutions, civil liberties and strained relations between the legislature and the executive department,” Virador said.
“We daresay that steps to improvement in governance can only happen once more productive measures are undertaken with the improvement of the lives and livelihood of our people as our ultimate objective. This cannot happen with fascist high officials and advisers having their way in government,” Virador said.
“With Rep. Cuenco’s comments, we are further vindicated. We shall continue to work towards stopping the unabated oil price hikes and the cold-blooded murders of civilians happening on a nationwide scale. We shall also endeavor to raise the wages of private sector workers and salaries of government employees, and bring accessible services to the majority of our population. Instead of Charter Change, we shall work on these,” Virador ended. #
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