PRESS RELEASE
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

GMA's ala-martial law checkpoints violate human rights - CPP
November 26, 2003

The Communist Party of the Philippines today said that the setting-up of checkpoints in Metro Manila violates human rights and are remininscent of martial rule.

CPP spokesperson Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal said that Macapagal-Arroyo has again bared her disregard for the people's democratic rights by ordering the Philippine National Police to set-up checkpoints and "giving wide latitude to unreasonable searches on the bodies and private vehicles of innocent people."

Rosal also said Arroyo is justifying the checkpoints in the same way that she has been justifying "all-out war" and its resultant widespread military abuses in the countryside. "Ultimately, it is the people who are being victimized."

Rosal added that in setting up the checkpoints in the name of fighting crime, Arroyo is at the same time trying to shirk blame and taking advantage of the people's contempt for the rising incidences of criminality.

"Crime and terrorism can never be solved by the police and military as these are being perpetrated by the very officials of the AFP and PNP," continued Rosal. He said further that these checkpoints also become venues for police and military corruption and abuse.

Rosal called on the people to demand the dismantling of these checkpoints.

Reference:
Anne Buenaventura
Media Officer
Cellphone Number: +63910-240-3553



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