Press Statement --- October 1, 2008
Reference: Felipe Levy Gelle Jr.
Secretary-General, BAYAN-Negros
Mobile landline: (034) 457-5021

LIGHTNING RALLY STUNNED GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was stunned to hear the chants “Oust Gloria” from members of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN-Negros). She has just began her speech at the opening of Masskara Festival 11:00 am today at Bacolod Public Plaza.

The lightning rally was carried out in the face of the imposition of the “No Permit, No Rally” by S/Supt. Ronilo Quebrar of the Bacolod City Police. The police were augmented by elements of the Philippine Army.

At Araneta Street, BAYAN-Negros main contingent of 50 protesters faced and resist the dispersal by the combine police and army anti-riot team. They push us a few meters towards the intersection of Luzurriaga and Araneta. Several members of BAYAN were hurt during the attempted dispersal of BAYAN contingent.

We clarify that the protest is not meant to embarrass City officials and organizers of the Masskara Festival but is directed against Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whom we refuse to recognize as a legitimate president. Alongside, we bring the issue of creeping martial law, militarization, charter change and the call to scrap the value-added taxation.

Protest actions will always be present every time Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrives in Bacolod and in Negros. That is how the people express their disgust and disapproval of the corrupt and inept governance of Mrs. Arroyo.

Aside from BAYAN, small sugar planters lead by Fr. Arman Onion and sugar cooperatives were also holding protest during the arrival. They brought the issue of unjust imposition of advanced VAT

We also express our solidarity with the members of the Task Force Mapalad who were nabbed by members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the Bacolod Public Plaza. We call on the police to immediately release the illegally arrested members of TFM without charges. ###