PRESS RELEASE
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

Widespread grievances will continue to spur protest actions within AFP -- CPP
September 25, 2004

Notwithstanding yesterday's public apology to President Arroyo by the leaders of the "Magdalo group," the Communist Party today said that the Arroyo government's continuing failure to address the grievances expressed during the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny will continue to spark similar actions by soldiers in the future.

In a statement, CPP spokesperson Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal disclosed that not a few soldiers and junior officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines have approached the revolutionary forces, offering cooperation in the fight against pervasive corruption in the military, especially among the AFP's top brass. They also asked for advice on how best to advance the welfare of the AFP's rank-and-file.

In talks with representatives of the New People's Army, said Rosal, many of these soldiers and junior officers likewise expressed disenchantment over the conduct of the Arroyo government's 'war against terror,' which has wrought great harm to the people.

Rosal said that many soldiers who looked up to the "Magdalo" leaders will be "truly disappointed" over the apparent turnaround.

Last year, Rosal issued an open letter to soldiers and junior officers of the AFP and PNP as well as CAFGU elements, encouraging them to cooperate with the CPP-NPA in their struggle against corruption in the AFP and the defense department and against widespread violations of human rights committed in the course of "counter-insurgency" operations.

Rosal's open letter has been clandestinely circulating within military and police camps.

He said that they have received "positive feedback" from soldiers and junior officials of the AFP and PNP.

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



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