Statement on the Arrest and Inhumane Treatment of Prof. Jose Maria Sison

Where in the world can we find a safe place for political activists?  The Philippines, The Netherlands and the United States are obviously unsafe for activists such as Prof. Jose Maria Sison.

Under the national security ideology of the US-Arroyo government, it's clear that political activists who espouse radical social reforms and criticize government corruption, are considered terrorists, criminals and enemies of the state. Thus, we were not surprised when Prof. Sison, a staunch critic of US imperialism and its long-running control over Philippine economy, politics, military and culture, has been listed as a terrorist by the US, Philippine and Dutch governments.

It's clear that the traitorous arrest of Prof. Sison is a long-running project of those who wish to silence a consistent critic of state-sponsored terrorism. Believing that he was invited by the Dutch police to be informed about an assassination plot against him, he was whisked away into a penitentiary as though he was a convicted criminal. He is facing trumped-up murder charges that have already been dismissed by the Philippine Supreme Court. Worse, he is held incommunicado, deprived of medicines and basic necessities, and practically treated as a terrorist. Even suspected criminals are granted visits but Prof. Sison has been deprived of visits even from his wife.

We denounce the arrest, detention and inhumane treatment of Prof. Sison. We also condemn the raid of the NDFP office and the homes of NDFP members and staff.  Contrary to GMA's declaration that she has 'peace to win,' these attacks on Prof. Sison and members and staff of the NDFP Peace Negotiating Panel send signals that the government has no intention to pursue the peace process with the NDFP, just as it declared all-out war in Mindanao and stalled peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).  These are patent acts of state-sponsored terrorism and political persecution under the directions of a government that is desperate to cover up its own crimes of massive electoral fraud, corruption and human rights violations.  

We believe that activism should not be treated by governments as a crime. Activists should not be regarded as terrorists.

We also affirm that people are entitled to their right to protest and rise up against oppressive and repressive governments. Filipinos have done so against the Marcos dictatorship. In 1986, Filipinos succeeded to overthrow a tyrant who has ordered massive arrests, torture, enforced disappearances and killings of activists.  But another tyrant has risen to power who has no qualms in repeating and even surpassing the abuses of the Marcos dictatorship.

Under Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the staggering number of extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, unlawful arrests, torture and other forms of human rights violations prove that the brute force of state-sponsored terrorism is unleashed against political activists, leaders, members of peoples' organizations and ordinary civilians.

Prof. Sison endured severe physical, mental and psychological torture as a political prisoner under the Marcos dictatorship. He is among the thousands of Martial Law victims who have not been granted justice and compensation up to this day. Worse, having been listed as a terrorist, it's clear that the Philippine government plans to give him another round of political persecution instead of ensuring justice and compensation for him and all victims of Marcos' human rights abuses.

Over the years, even after the ouster of the Marcos regime, Prof. Sison was portrayed as an enemy of the state. He faced assassination plots and relentless efforts by government to file trumped-up murder, bombing and other criminal charges against him. It is deplorable that the Dutch government would rather conspire with the Philippine and US governments to persecute political activists rather than protect lives and uphold the rights of political refugees within its territory. It has totally disregarded European Conventions and universal laws on the rights of political refugees and prisoners.    

Prof. Sison, a thorn in the neck of those who wish to perpetuate the oppressive and repressive state, may not be the last victim of unlawful arrest. Given the license for warrantless arrests and raids under the Human Security Act, we raise concern on the prospects of more attacks on militant leaders and members of people's organizations. These attacks are obviously part of a whole plan to terrorize the people's movement and its leaders who stand in the forefront of the struggle for fundamental social change. 

These are dark days for human rights and the peace process under Arroyo.

These are days to renew the churches' commitment to remain vigilant in defending human rights and pursuing peace based on justice. 

Justice and Freedom for Prof. Jose Maria Sison!

Free All Political Prisoners! Stop Political Persecution!
 

Promotion of Church People's Response (PCPR)