Nationalists brace for post-poll outrage
2 MIN READ
BAGUIO CITY (Apr. 24) — Progressive groups are urged to brace for a more resounding outrage after the elections, and against the impending implementation of the Philippine Security Act of 2007, the Bayan representative to the celebration of the 23rd Cordillera Day said.
“Kasalukuyang inihahanda ng Bayan ang makinarya nito para sa matitinding paglaban ng mamamayan pagkatapos ng eleksyon,” (Bayan is currently preparing its machinery for more intensive people outrage after the elections) Rita Baua of the Bayan National Secretariat disclosed in her solidarity statement at the Melvin Jones as she addressed more than 3,000 delegates from six Cordillera provinces and from other provinces in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
According to Baua, Bayan, or the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, is anticipating that win or lose, opposition candidates, especially those supported by the progressive groups and people’s organizations, should get ready to confront the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The government would try to question the results of the elections if the opposition wins, said Baua. She added that once they lose in the polls, the opposition and the progressive party-list groups should also get ready to confront the credibility of the elections.
“Bayan is also preparing to get hundreds of thousands to stand up against the implementation of the Philippine Security Act of 2007 or the anti-terrorism law,” disclosed Baua. She told the Cordillera Day audience that once the law takes effect on July 14, even the holding of Cordillera Day might even be deemed illegal and terroristic by the government.
“Pwede na nilang ikulong ang mga kritiko ng gobyerno nang walang karampatang kaso,” (They can jail government critics without proper charges) Baua said as she reminds the crowd that Anakpawis representative Crispin Beltran is still held by the government after he was arbitrarily arrested more than a year ago. Beltran, or Ka Bel, has been incarcerated at the Philippine Heart Center, which constantly monitors his ailing heart condition.
Bayan noted that if in the past the GMA administration had feasted on killing innocent civilians wanting to effect genuine changes in society, with the anti-terrorism law in place, it would have more reasons to suppress the democratic rights of the people.
Cordillera Peoples Alliance, the Bayan chapter in the Cordillera, hosts the yearly Cordillera Day, which is characterized by militancy and festive celebration of the rich Cordillera culture. Its local host this year is the urban chapter Tongtongan ti Umili. # Lyn V. Ramo for NORDIS
