The fascist crimes of Gen. Panfilo Lacson in Cebu
Gen. Panfilo Lacson, chief of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), is a perfect embodiment of fascist cruelty against the people. Lacson, who currently serves as Estrada�s supercop, his favorite and most trusted officer, has a record dripping with blood.
Through the investigation being conducted by the Regional Operational Command of the New People�sArmy in Central Visayas, details are being brought to light about Gen. Lacson�s criminal record especially when he was Commander of Metrodiscom-Cebu from the second half of the �80s. Also under investigation is the record of Lacson�s cohort, Gen. Benjamin Paclibar, who is presently chief of the PAOCTF-Visayas and former Commanding Officer of the 341st PC Company based in Camp Sotero Cabahug in Lahur City, Cebu.
The NPA-Central Visayas continues to receive reports and evidence regarding the fascist crimes of Lacson and Paclibar. Among the initial findings are the following:
- Militarization and sowing of fascist terror in Barrio Luz, T. Padilla, B. Rodriguez, Ibabao, Mandaue and other urban poor communities in Cebu from 1988-89. Entire urban poor communities were hamletted and widespread and arbitrary searches and arrests were carried out disrupting the livelihood of urban poor residents.
- The torture of suspected partisan operative Teodoro Serecon in February 1990. While he was undergoing interrogation, Serecon�s back was repeatedly punctured with staple wires and nails were hammered into his feet and legs.
- The torture by Paclibar of Simplicio Abendan, an hors de combat Red fighter who was arrested by the military in July 4 1990 in Pung-ol, Sibugay, Cebu City. In full view of his men and residents of the area, Paclibar, using a bayonet, gouged out the eyes of Abendan who was then still alive.
- Illegal arrest and mauling of Erasmo Vitualla, suspected partisan operative, in October 1990. He was arrested during his wedding together with his bride and guests.
- The disappearance of Jimmy Badayos, labor leader, in November 1990.
- Formation and promotion of fanatical and anticommunist vigilante groups that terrorized thousands of families in Central Cebu and the mountain barangays of Metro Cebu such as Talisay and Pardo in 1987-1990. Lacson and Paclibar led in the formation of fanatical paramilitary groups, in the forcible recruitment, training and arming of barriofolk. These groups were compelled and ordered to carry out indiscriminate strafing; to maul, abuse and murder suspected fighters, supporters and sympathizers of the NPA, many of whom were their neighbors and relatives. This bloody campaign led by Lacson and Paclibar caused widespread dislocation of the lives of the people of Central and Metro Cebu.
The high command of the reactionary government and AFP refuses to investigate Lacson�s criminal activities and those of other fascist officers. Instead, Lacson and his ilk continue to be rewarded with promotions enabling them to now lord it over the fascist police under the Estrada government. With ever increasing powers being granted to Lacson, he now has the capability of sowing nationwide the terror he had sown in Metro Cebu.
It is correct to continue the investigation, documentation and prosecution of the fascist crimes perpetrated under the USMarcos dictatorship and under the subsequent regimes of Aquino, Ramos and Estrada. All victims of such crimes and their relatives should be encouraged to approach the responsible units of the NPA and NDF so they could be assisted in attaining justice.
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