REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
House of Representatives

NEWS RELEASE
03 October 2006

For Reference: REP. LIZA LARGOZA MAZA 0920 9134540
Tels: 9316268, 9315001 loc 7230

GO AFTER BISHOP’S KILLERS – MAZA

“We condemn the brutal murder of Aglipayan Bishop Alberto Ramento , and  we
strongly urge the authorities to dig deeper into the case  and go after the
killers without fear or favor.”

Gabriela Partylist Representative Liza Largoza Maza issued this statement
today as news of the murder this morning reached her office. Maza also said
that Tarlac Police Director Nicanor Bartolome should not prejudge the case
as robbery without a thorough investigation.

 “It is not farfetched that  Bishop Ramento, for all his outspokenness
against extra judicial killings, may also be a target of these death squads
in this open season of politically motivated killings“

Rep. Maza also said that the Philippine Independent Church (PIC) is a
staunch advocate of the promotion of human rights and has been among those
vilified by the AFP as communist fronts. Bishop Ramento serves as Chair of
the Supreme Council of Bishops in the PIC.

The Bishop’s murder should deserve urgent and critical attention from the
authorities. ” Maza added.