The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan slammed Malacanang spokesman Cerge Remonde for making “illogical statements” saying opponents of Martial Law are taking the side of the Ampatuans, the clan accused of involvement in the murder of 57 people on November 23.
“Such statements are illogical and glosses over the well-known fact that it was the Arroyo administration which supported the Ampatuans throughout the years. The critics of Martial Law are determined to seek justice for the victims of the massacre. The opponents of Martial Law include journalists and lawyers, academics and lawmakers, and various sectors of society. They all want justice to be served, but not through this questionable declaration of Martial Law,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.
Bayan said it shared the apprehension of many observers that Martial Law could be a way out for the suspects in the massacre. It also said that the arrests and disarming of the Ampatuan private army could have been accomplished without Marital Law.
“The statements from Malacanang smack of sheer arrogance. It is reminiscent of the time when Mrs. Arroyo called critics of the Balikatan exercises ‘Abu Sayyaf-lovers’,” Reyes said.
The group said that various legal luminaries, journalists and even the Commission on Human Rights have opposed the declaration of Martial Law, saying there was no factual bases for it.
“Does Remonde consider these groups on the side of the Ampatuans as well?” Reyes asked.
Bayan said it was also unconvinced how Martial Law could lead to the investigation and prosecution of elements in the military that have supplied weapons to the Ampatuan clan. “The military does not have a very good record of investigating its own involvement in similar incidents. Can Martial Law bring to justice those who illegally gave weapons to the Ampatuans? Will past generals be investigated as well?” Reyes asked.
“Justice is not just about convicting the murderers. It is also about determining government accountability in arming the warlords in the province which enabled them to rule with an iron-fist and carry out the heinous crime. We have not heard of anyone in the military and police being investigated for the huge weapons cache found in the Ampatuan residence,” he added.
Bayan said that it will continue to campaign for justice for the Ampatuan victims but will be vigilant against moves to expand Martial Law to other areas in the Philippines.
A new US-based alliance opposed to Martial Law was launched recently and includes former US Attorney General Ramsey Clark, international human rights lawyer Leonard Weinglass, Fr. Ben Alforque and Fil-Am activist Melissa Roxas. ###
from: www.bayan.ph
