By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Chairperson, International Coordinating Committee
International League of Peoples’ Struggle
Press Statement
7 April 2005
The International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) condemns the political killings of leaders and activists belonging to progressive people’s organizations such as Bayan Muna, BAYAN, Anakpawis, Anak ng Bayan, GABRIELA and others by government forces in the Philippines. We express our deep sympathy to the family, relatives, friends and colleagues of the latest victims of state terror. We consider them heroes of the Filipino people and hail their fine example.
In the short span of three months from January to March this year, 32 progressive activists have been assassinated and four have been abducted. The brazenness with which these attacks have been carried out indicates a clear intent to terrorize the people and stifle dissent.
The progressive organizations are being targeted by the Manila government because of their firm opposition to its anti-people policies. The government has also accused them of being “communist fronts” because of their consistent espousal of positions defending national sovereignty against imperialist impositions and promoting the democratic interests of workers, peasants and other working people.
The Arroyo puppet regime is being instigated and supported by the US in carrying out this campaign of political repression against the progressive organizations. The US wants to bring back its military bases withdrawn from the country in 1991 due to widespread opposition of the Filipino people. The progressive organizations are considered by the US as a big obstacle to their plan. The US is using the pretext of “war on terror” to deploy its forces in strategic areas all over the world. The real aim is to ensure unchallenged global dominance as spelled out in the so-called Project for a New American Century.
The progressive organizations under attack in the Philippines are active members of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle. They are at the forefront of the people’s movement in the Philippines against imperialist domination and for genuine democracy. They are also active in the building of the broad international united front against imperialism and all forms of reaction.
We call on the more than 300 participating organizations of the ILPS throughout the world to act in solidarity and unite with their Philippine comrades in defending themselves and fighting off the attacks of the reactionary forces in the Philippines. We call on progressive organizations and all people of goodwill throughout the world to condemn the US puppet government in the Philippines and express their solidarity with the people’s organizations.
Condemn the state terrorism against the people’s organizations!
Support the Filipino people in their struggle for national freedom and democracy!
Down with imperialism and the Arroyo puppet regime!
Long live international solidarity!
