GMA in Naga City: Violent Dispersals for Protesters

FACING A FASCIST REGIME

(A Call to Fight Against Arroyo’s Repression of Freedom)

Reference: Joseph Adrian V. Concepcion, CEGP-Bikol Spokesperson (0919.2232447)

Empty words can only be sweet if it would be sugarcoated with lies.

Merriment and blissful anticipation has welcomed the 2009 Private Schools Athletic Association National Games at the City of Naga. With the arrival of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the Guest of Honor and Opening Speaker, many took part in celebrating this momentous feat in the field of sports.

While many listened to the typical statements of her supposed Excellency, some have chosen to speak words of truth and righteousness; words that depict grim realities and bitterness she has always denied.

A demonstration condemning the ongoing Balikatan Exercises, Global Financial Crisis, E-VAT, Extra-Judicial Killings cum Human Rights Violations and Massive Lay-offs has called the attention of both authorities and student activists alike. Raising sentiments near Plaza Quince Martires, representatives from Youth and Students Opposing Balikatan (Youth STOP Balikatan), Tindog Atenista, Kabataang Pinoy and College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) have united efforts with other sectoral groups in calling the President’s attention on the crucial issues of the status quo.

But sadly, authorities have used their power in repressing these voices through aggression. Joseph Adrian V. Concepcion, CEGP-Bikol Spokesperson and Angelo de los Reyes, both YSB members have been mauled by police enforcers. Their propaganda materials have been forcibly confiscated by those who seek to make them silent. Others also suffered from physical injuries from the harsh beating. But the spirit of valiancy has amplified their aim to safeguard and to struggle for their rights- rights which have been incessantly oppressed and rampantly abused by the present administration. Police officers dragged and illegally detained the two. Clothes have been ripped; wounds have been inflamed but never their ideals.

Tolerating these inhumane incidents to happen will ultimately weaken our resolve to defend justice. We must not let those in power to commence a new age of fear and hypocrisy- hypocrisy led by an unfaithful government running on the tenets of lies and pretensions.

We must not endure the suffering of being silenced. Words coupled by action are our only defense and weapon against this fascist government. Let us always bear in mind the patrimony we have always defended and preserved.

We call on students, campus journalists, youth organizations and the rest of the Bikolano community to condemn this inhumane treatment of advocates advancing truth, freedom and justice.

Words of Joseph and Angelo, and the rest of the youth will continue to resound in our backward society for we will NOT be silenced with fear and threats.

DEFEND OUR DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS!

STOP STATE FASCISM!

CEGP-Bikol