CPP condemns massacre of 9 farmers in Palo, Leyte

November 21, 2005

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today condemned in the strongest possible terms the terrorist Arroyo regime and its "fascist attack dogs" in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the massacre of nine unarmed farmers in Palo town, Leyte early this morning. At least six other farmers were wounded. CPP spokesperson Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal said "The Palo massacre is a dastardly crime perpetrated by fascist cowards. The Communist Party of the Philippines joins the Filipino people in condemning this terrorist crime and demanding justice." "After being roundly defeated by the New People's Army in battles during the past several days, the AFP now vents its ire against unarmed civilians. The AFP and the brutal regime it serves have again prove themselves to be the real terrorists." Rosal vehemently denied AFP claims that the farmers were New People's Army (NPA) members and called the military spokesmen a "bunch of liars." "They turn the truth upside down in a desperate effort to cover up their dastardly crime." According to initial reports, the victims were part of a group of 40 local farmers who were working overtime in a mass meeting to discuss their land problems and were preparing for a mass action to push their demand for land reform. They were assembled in the ricefields in Barangay San Agustin when attacked by troopers of the Philippine Army's 19th Infantry Battalion. Rosal said the Arroyo regime has "gone berserk in perpetrating killings and massacres left and right." He decried the series of assassinations of mass leaders and activists leaders in Sorsogon, Nueva Ecija, Angeles and Samar during the past several days. "The CPP and the revolutionary movement hold the Arroyo regime and the AFP responsible for the Palo massacre, as well as the other killings of officers and members of militant organizations," he said. He vowed that the NPA would be exerting all efforts to mete justice on the perpetrators. Rosal urged the New People's Army (NPA) to continue stepping up its tactical offensives nationwide "to punish the fascist criminals who continue to prop up the much detested Arroyo regime."

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

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