STOP the Criminalization of Southern Tagalog Political Activists!

It is therefore necessary that freedom loving Filipinos oppose this crackdown on progressive activists with the same vigor as when we opposed extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Four people have already been arrested and there is a great possibility that there may be more in the near future. While the issue is being fought in the legal arena, it is of crucial importance that people rise up and speak out against these abuses and outright political persecution and repression. It is important that pressure be made to bear on the Arroyo regime to put a stop to its drive to put democratic and nationalist leaders behind bars and out of commission.

Activists included in the list of the accused 72:

Arman Albarillo
Secretary General, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Tagalog
Signatory in the 2008 impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
In April 2002, Arman’s parents Expedito Albarillo (Bayan Muna municipal Coordinator) and Manuela Albarillo (Gabriela member) was brutally killed by suspected elements of the 204th brigade, then led by Ret. Gen. Jovito Palparan. Before his death, Expedito was incarcerated for 9 months Judge Tomas Leynes regarding an alleged murder case.
After his parents’ death, Arman, his family and relatives became internal refugees who had to fled their hometown in Mindoro due to continuous threats by the military.

Bayani Cambronero, 48 yrs old
8th Partylist Nominee and Southern Tagalog Regional Coordinator, Bayan Muna Party
A student activist leader during his college days in UP Los Baños, Bani was Chairperson of the University Student Council
After leaving college, Bani joined the labor movement. He bacame the Deputy Secretary General of Pagkakaisa ng mga Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan-Kilusang Mayo Uno (Pamantik-KMU) and the Executive Director of the Institute for Workers Leadership Development.
former Secretary General of Bayan-ST
ST 27 Respondent

Orly Marcellana,
Secretary General, Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (Kasama-TK)
Chairperson, Bayan-ST
In April 21, 2003, Orly’s wife, Eden Marcellana and colleague Eddie Gumanoy were abducted in Mindoro Oriental, along with 9 other human rights volunteers, while they were conducting a Fact Finding Mission. The following day, the brutally murdered bodies of Eden and Eddie were found in a shallow ditch near the Strong Republic Nautical Highway, Suspects to the crime were elements of the 204th brigade then led by Ret. Gen. Jovito Palparan.

Romeo Legaspi,
Chairperson, PAMANTIK-KMU
National President, Organized Labor association in Line Industries and Agriculture (OLALIA-KMU)
President, Nagkakaisang Lakas ng Manggagawa sa Honda ( NLMH- OLALIA),
Chairperson, Anakpawis-Timog Katagalugan

Rolando Mingo,
President, Southern Tagalog Region Transport Sector Organization, (STARTER)
Vice President, Pinagkaisang Lakas ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON)
ST 27 Respondent

Doris Cuario
Secretary General, Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights – Southern Tagalog (KARAPATAN)

Helen Asdolo, 41 yrs old
Secretary General, National Alliance of Women’s Organizations in the Philippines (GABRIELA) – Southern Tagalog
5th partylist nominee, Gabriela Women’s Party

Atty. Remigio Saladero
Legal Counsel, KMU
Founding Member, National Union of People’s Lawyers
Labor Lawyer, Pro-Labor Legal Assistance Center (PLACE)
Regular columnist, Pinoy Weekly
ST 27 Respondent

Emmanuel Dionida
Board of Director, LEADERS (Labor Education Advocacy Development Research Services Inc.)
Despite his “Polio,” Emmanuel has been active in the labor movement for almost 2 decades now