16 March 2007
Press release

Reference:
Zaynab Ampatuan
National Chairperson
Suara Bangsamoro Party
zaynab_ampatuan@yahoo.com
09267439231

The recent appeal of progressive human rights and Moro organizations as well as clergies to the special hearing of a US Senate panel lambasted GMA regime of being not optimistic in resolving the issue of the escalating political and extra-judicial killings in the country today.

According to today’s reports, Eric John, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia challenged the Arroyo regime that “ being the ultimate authority in the chain of command, she has to take the steps to solve any involvement by members of the security forces”.

He even questioned the sufficiency of the current regime’s actions in relation to the on-going, massive and systematic political killings. “Until these numbers come drastically down though, I don’t think you can determine that it’s enough,” John said.

Such is a clear manifestation of how ruined GMA in addressing the political and economic crises being augmented by its desperation of clinging to power by pouring down more military budget along with the US military aid to the Philippines that has never been beneficial to the Philippine troops. While, this has actually further intensify the worsened political and economic situation of the country.

The continuing attacks to the Moro people and its communities in Mindanao and the rest of the country are alarming. Recent human rights violations occurred in Midsayap North Cotabato since first week of March that forcibly displaced 1, 800 families, killed 17 innocent civilians and wounded others. While, in island provinces including Basilan and Sulu, militarization and abductions continue to persist.

It is for this reason that Suara  Bangsamoro Party along with other progressive organizations strongly demand and urge for the withdrawal of the US military aid since it has never been the instrument of resolving the emerging issues of peace and national security of the country.

And thus, we further condemn the Arroyo regime along with the mandate of the US regime for the continuing massive and systematic political and extra-judicial killings of progressive mass leaders, journalists, human rights activists and people’s organizations here in the Philippines. ###