Kilusang Mayo Uno

pinilak ang pakikibaka ng mga manggagawa sa pangunguna ng Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)

NEWS RELEASE

February 28, 2006

Labor group slams AFP, DOJ for CPP front label

The militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today assails the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for branding the KMU and other progressive organizations as front organizations of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

KMU National Chairman Elmer Labog said that the AFP and DOJ are singing old tunes stressing that the AFP and DOJ are desperate to silence and neutralize the KMU and the active opposition to the anti-worker and anti-people policies of the Arroyo government.

“We fear that more illegal arrests, forced disappearances and even killings will ensue after this labeling. But we will not be cowed by this just like what happened during the martial law years. The national office of the KMU is still operational including the offices of federations, regional chapters and local unions affiliated to KMU. We will not be intimidated nor hindered from serving the workers and the people. We will not withdraw from this fight,” pointed Labog.

Labog said that the arrests of KMU Chairman Emeritus Congressman “Ka Bel” Beltran of KMU and other trade union leaders will even anger all the more the workers and the people.

“Even ordinary Filipinos see the revival of old cases and slamming of charges against progressive leaders as absurd. In the desperation of the police, the military and Justice Sec. Raul Gonzales, they are making themselves laughing stocks. We know that not all judges will let themselves be used by them and disgrace even more the justice system in the country,” said the labor-leader.

Meanwhile, KMU Spokesperson Presto Suyat calls on the people to light candles in front of their houses, in the factories, offices, stores and other places at 6pm everyday in support of the “Candle for Democracy” to express resistance to Proc. No. 1017.

”Light a candle in front of our houses, offices and establishments to pray that the good for the country will prevail. Light a candle to oppose the state of national emergency or Mrs. Arroyo’s martial law. Light a candle to condemn arbitrary arrests and repressions of our democratic rights. This will be our simple way of extending the message to the palace that the people will not be silenced by her proclamations,” ended Suyat.###

posted by: KMU at 04:54 | link | comments |

Comments: