News Release
October 5, 2006
References: Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos, secretary general, KMP
Carl Anthony Ala, public information officer
 
“The murder of Bishop Ramento, may be a warning to Archbishop Oscar Cruz!”-KMP

Death squads changing tactics
 
The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) expressed its fear that the political murder of Aglipayan Bishop Alberto Ramento is just the beginning of a new spate of killings this time also targeting high profile individuals even those belonging to the clergy critical of the Macapagal-Arroyo regime. It also noted the changed in tactics of the killers to escape detection.
According to Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos, secretary general of KMP, “obviously Gloria has not reined her death squads, but just changed their tactics; with Bishop Ramento they used a thinly veiled robbery as a ploy, on others they may employ hold-ups, car accidents and other means just to silence Gloria’s critics. The military’s modus operandi of bonnet wearing motorcycle assassins have been so exposed and associated with them that it seems that they have to change their style of killing. It is their way of covering their tracks and it would be easier for the police to whitewash the case, as being an ordinary crime or an accident, just like what they are saying now on what happened to Bishop Ramento”
            “If we are to follow the line of attack of Gloria’s death squads, they are still concentrating on the country sides but are also performing hits on cities or urban centers in the provinces targeting high profile critics of the regime to have more chilling effect. In this light we are advising our comrades to be extra careful but still continue with their advocacies. We are particularly worried for Roman Catholic Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Pangasinan, because he and Bishop Ramento almost have the same profile. Both are very vocal critics of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in their provinces, supporters of the Hacienda Luisita farm workers strike, opposed to Charter change, condemn the political killings as well as receiving death threats. We hope that the good bishop continues his work and still be as vocal or even moreso against this fascist regime, but take precautionary measures as well for his safety,” added Ramos.
“We will not be cowed and we will further intensify the struggle. We owe it to the likes of Bishop Ramento to carry on and strive even harder to oust Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from power,” ended the peasant leader. # # #