Rodrigo Duterte just signed into law, the criminalization of his own regime! The Anti-Terror Law (Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020), is in itself sanctioning State Terrorism.

In the last four years, this regime flooded our country with the blood of injustice—killings in the name of drug war and war on farmers. In the eyes of many countries and of the United Nations, a sign of an uncivilized government.

The Anti-Terror Law is anti-people. This has to be countered by anti-government mobilizations until we topple the terror-driven Rodrigo Duterte.

Our defiance to his rule is with many reasons; for one, his incapacities in addressing the COVID pandemic are revolting enough. Where he thinks that militarization is a tool to get rid of the virus rather than medical solutions. Where he initiated billion-dollar questionable loans only to be siphoned and corrupted by and among his circles than infusing food-driven assistance. Where he thinks that the Filipino people (specifically the Cebuanos, whom he thinks as ‘bogo’) are the culprit not the virus itself. Where he thinks that the Anti-Terror Law is the best solution to our social crisis rather than integrally addressing and fighting the COVID pandemic. Truly, this leader needs to be ousted!

Our continued call for his ouster is consistent. Our people ought to fight for tyranny. As we issue this statement, we also call for Justice of the killing of Jose Jerry Catalogo, one of the local leaders of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) last June 23, 2020 at the hands of the state forces, as part of the coordinated campaign of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. We will never get tire for championing the cry for justice of the victims of Duterte’s despotic regime.

(sgd)

Bishop Eduardo Maglaya, D.D.
Fr. Mando Caldea
Sister Melchora Selang
Fr. Dominador Luna
Fr. Boy Marismo