The statement of Pastor Alfredo Molina calling for the abolition of progressive legal organizations as a guest in a radio-block time program of the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros Occidental, was condemned by members of progressive organizations in Negros Occidental yesterday.

At a press conference at the Negros Press Club in Bacolod City, Christian Tuayon, secretary general of Bayan-Negros, said they were alarmed by the statement of Molina and considered it as a threat to their rights as legal progressive organizations.

Molina said in a recorded voice clip that the abolition of such organizations will stop harassment and, if not controlled, will cause agitation to the communities.

Molina told the DAILY STAR it was not intentional, if ever he said that, and it was never his intention to obliterate legal organizations.

Lt. Col. Isabelo de los Reyes, 303rd Infantry Brigade Civil Military Operations chief and head of the information team, also said statements from their invited guests do not represent the stand of the brigade.

Fred Caña, secretary general of Karapatan said they will consult their legal advisor on possible action on the statement. He said he also considered it as harassment because most of the victims of extrajudicial killings have gone through tactics like surveillance, vilification campaigns, and demonization.

The group also challenged President Benigno Aquino III and the Philippine Army to arrest retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr., as he was allegedly seen in Negros, December last year.

He added, however, that they are one with government in the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice RenatoCorona but this does not mean they support the Aquino administration.*LTG

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