About 200 members of progressive organizations rallied in front of the Provincial Capitol building in Bacolod City, yesterday to air their dismay over what they called rampant human rights violations and the government linkage with theRevolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, during the 40th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.

Bayan-Negros secretary general Christian Tuayon said the ongoing peace negotiations with the RPA-ABB are bogus and not serious.

He said the closure only means that RPA-ABB members will not contest the policy of the Philippine government for them to be absorbed as paramilitary units of the state.

Bayan is also opposing the proposed release of the P279 million budget for development programs for conflict-affected communities identified by the RPA-ABB, because they believe that the money will be used for political needs as former RPA-ABB national commander Stephen Paduano, “alias Carapali Lualhati”, is the first nominee of Abang Lingkod-Isang Damayan ng mga Social Worker na Dakila partylist.

Fred Caña, secretary general of Karapatan-Negros, said they still feel that an undeclared martial law has been ruling in various communities in the country.

Berlita Ante, secretary general of Kaisahan, also said that the poor have been deprived of their political, economic, and civil rights, and mostly committed by people in authority.

The bishops and priests of the Visayas Clergy Discernment Group also call on President Benigno Aquino III to meaningfully honor his parents’ struggle against Martial Law, through stopping human rights violations like militarization, demolition, and eviction of urban and rural poor communities, summary killing of media people and environmentalists, and other forms of human rights abuses.

In a statement sent to the DAILY STAR, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said that, recalling the social teachings of the church, the government should ensure that its decisions are not biased in favor of those who have more in life, at the expense of those who have less. Each one's rights should not be violated in the name of progress.*LTG

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