September 11, 2006

A DAY TO REMEMBER WHAT TERRORISM MEANS

Two events presenting a harsh irony.

Today is the 40th day since the death of Alyce Omengan-Claver. She is remembered by her family, friends and those who have known that the Clavers were ambushed as part of the implementation of Operation Plan Bantay Laya.

Today, Major General Jovito Palparan, is celebrating his birthday and is retiring from service from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He is being rewarded with the assurance that the government will surely take him into service after today whereas he should be punished for his human rights violations. Last week, an announcement was made that he will be appointed as deputy national security adviser for counter-insurgency operations - an appointment that was taken back because of the strong public opinion and international pressure against it. Nevertheless, the government assurance remains.

It should be recalled that the main suspect behind the Claver ambush, former Police Director Pedro Ramos was tagged as the protege of Palparan. Like Palparan he sowed fear among the people of Kalinga. He labeled Bayan Muna, Cordillera Peoples Alliance and different people's organizations as "the enemy" , as fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army. He formed death squads. He directed the assassination of Rafael Markus Bangit and the Claver ambush and the State has not held him accountable for it.

Forty days after the Claver ambush, justice has not yet been served. Ramos was transferred to Region III and his mentor, Palparan, is being rewarded.

While we continue to mourn and rage on this day, we should remember clearly what terrorism means. Terrorism means sowing fear into the lives of the people preventing them to live with dignity and with respect to their basic rights. This is what the State, Palparan and Ramos have been doing. This is what we should unwaveringly fight against.

STOP THE KILLINGS!

PROSECUTE VIOLATORS OF HUMAN RIGHTS!
PROSECUTE RAMOS AND PALPARAN!

JUSTICE FOR ALYCE! JUSTICE FOR MAKOY!

JUSTICE FOR ALL VICTIMS OF STATE TERRORISM!

For reference:
Beverly L. Longid
Vice Chairperson, CHRA
Contact nos: +6374 446.6227 or 442.6040

Room 208, Laperal Building
Session Road, Baguio City, Philippines
Email ad: dinteg_ipr@yahoo.com.ph