Statement — Justifying the killings

Lt. Col. Oscar Lasangue, AFP-CenCom Civil Relations Chief, is justifying the intensifying political killings in Cebu and the Visayas with the rehash of statements naming progressive party-list groups as NPA fronts.

Without an iota of proof, Lasangue goes around spreading virtual death warrants against organizers, leaders and members of these duly elected groups for military assassins to carry out. Already, 679 perceived members of these groups have been executed mostly by motorcycle-riding, masked, military men. In not a few cases, the assassins have been identified as regular troopers of the AFP and are now facing various cases in courts.

Yet, Lasangue and his ilk seem not satisfied. In Central Visayas alone, 18 have fallen victims to political killings and 22 survived attempts on their lives since Oplan Bantay Laya was launched by the AFP in 2002. Nine of those killed were committed by suspected agents of the 78th IB in the hinterland barangays of Northern Cebu.

Among them was Allan Villacensio, a coordinator of BAYAN Muna, who was executed outside his home in Brgy. Caridad, Tuburan, Cebu on 28 December 2005.

Political killings continued without let up in the entire reign of the fake president as her military commanders continue to spew all sorts of falsehood against those who search for truth, justice and human rights. Now, all government critics-be they political activists, investigative journalists, traditional oppositionists, or plain concerned citizens-are listed down in the AFP's Order of Battle for target research and physical neutralization.

We in the Alliance for the Advancement of People's Rights-Central Visayas hold Lasangue responsible for his fascist pronouncements. We hold him responsible for the criminal acts his statements are resulting to.

Reference:

Atty. Poch Cinco
Chairperson
KARAPATAN-Central Visayas