Violence against progressive candidates and parties
Fascists are stopping progressive candidates and parties from running in the election in various parts of the country, as demonstrated once more by the merciless killing of Magsino, Fortu and Alegria. They were known not only as human rights advocates but as members of progressive parties that have now joined the fray of reactionary politics.
Magsino and Fortu were the 36th and 37th members of Bayan Muna slain by fascist forces since the party participated in reactionary elections in 2001.
As secretary-general of KARAPATAN and coordinator of Bayan Muna-Calapan City, Fortu faced many threats to her life.
Magsino, on the other hand, was running for mayor in Naujan. The fascists were deathly afraid of Magsino becoming mayor especially since she would easily win the forthcoming election as she stood for the people's progressive and nationalist interests. That she also enjoyed the support of politicians from the Lakas-CMD was an indication of how strong her candidacy was.
Alegria was a peasant youth leader and coordinator of Anakpawis in Sta. Cruz, Mindoro. Like Bayan Muna, its sister party Anakpawis has likewise been targetted for harassment by the military. Its organizers and members are closely watched and hounded.
On February 2, elements of the 61st IB arbitrarily arrested, interrogated and detained three Bayan Muna and Anak ng Bayan organizers in Barangay Molobolo, Cauayan, Negros. The military planted bullets and documents on Isabel Necessario, Anak ng Bayan member; Julie Tabat, Bayan Muna member; and Medardo Sayosa, also a member of Bayan Muna, and arbitrarily accused them of being NPA members.
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