Press Release by Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA)
March 15, 2005

The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) holds the Arroyo regime accountable for the rising incidents of killings, disappearances and other cases of gross human rights violations perpetrated against progressive opposition leaders and its members especially party list groups Bayan Muna, Anak Pawis, and Gabriela.

For the past few weeks, there has been spate of political assassinations perpetrated by the military and police forces. Tarlac City Councilor Abelardo Ladera was shot dead on 3 March 2005 ten days after Philippine Independent Church priest Rev. William Tadena was also fatally shot. Both are known supporters of the striking Hacienda Luisita workers. Bayan Muna coordinator for Nueva Ecija, Danilo Macapagal, a relative but strong critic of President Macapagal-Arroyo disappeared also on March 3. Romeo Sanchez, Bayan Muna coordinator for the Ilocos region was brutally killed on March 9 in Baguio City by elements of the 50th IB based in San Juan, Ilocos Sur. On March 14, alleged elements of the Intelligence Service of the AFP attempted to take the life of Atty. Romeo T. Capulong, a known human rights lawyer and currently a UN ad litem Judge for the Former Yugoslavia. At 6:00 pm yesterday, Atty. Boy Dacut, Bayan Muna regional coordinator for Easter Visayas was shot dead by elements of the 801st IB of the 8th ID under the dreaded Col. Jovito Palparan.

Other than these, death threats, harassments, and surveillance continue and heighten.

These killings and persecutions perpetrated by the AFP and police forces are worst than the dark years of Martial Law. The AFP and the PNP are supposed to protect the people and not go on a rampage of killing members of progressive and militant organizations that remain critical of the Arroyo Regime.

These also indicate its policy to repress the mounting peoples’ resistance against her anti-people programs and policies. The Arroyo Regime instead of truly alleviating the economic hardship of the people, has unleashed its sword of terror against the people. It has chosen to be a traitor to the Filipino peoples’ aspiration for genuine economic and political reforms. The Arroyo Regime and the AFP are the real terrorists.

However, history has shown that these incidents will not silence the oppressed masses to assert and fight for their rights. These will only inflame the peoples’ hearts and minds to raise their fists and continue to fight for what are right. The killings of their leaders and members serve as a challenge and inspiration to continue the struggle.

The AFP cannot deny their involvement and responsibility on these killings. Their track record of gross human rights violations speak for itself. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the Commander in Chief of the AFP cannot wash her hands of her culpability.

Justice will only be served to Romeo Sanchez and other victims of political repression when the guilty forces in the AFP are made to pay for their crimes.

For reference:

Beverly L. Longid
Vice Chairperson
CORDILLERA HUMAN RIGHTS ALLIANCE (CHRA)