MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 25 Feb) – A militant party list group, Anakpawis, on Sunday demanded anew the release from government detention of a lawmaker arrested on rebellion charges last year.
"We demand Ka Bel's immediate and unconditional release in the interest of truth and justice. If the Arroyo administration remains stubborn to the cries of Filipino toiling masses and international human rights advocates, Gloria Arroyo will forever see herself among the likes of Adolf Hitler and Ferdinand Marcos, earning utmost disgust from the people," said Anakpawis Secretary General Cherry Clemente.
The group was referring to Rep. Crispin Beltran, linked by the government to the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Clemente said there were no evidence to link Beltran to all accusations against him and only a victim of political harassment. Beltran is a known anti-Arroyo politician.
“Even the international community led by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and civil society groups across the globe are convinced that Ka Bel is a victim of political harassment by the Arroyo administration,” Clemente said.
Clemente said Anakpawis will join the “Free Ka Bel Movement” in an international day of protest on Monday. Simultaneous rallies will be held in different regions all-over the country, as well as countries across Asia, Europe and the United States.
Beltran was arrested a day after Arroyo declared Presidential Proclamation 1017.
Arroyo issued Proclamation Number 1017 on February 24, 2006 after an alleged coup attempt was foiled in the morning of the same day, thus, placing the country under a "State of National Emergency". This was later revoked by Proclamation 1021. (Mindanao Examiner)
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