On International Day of Solidarity for Political Prisoners, NDF-Negros calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners
As we commemorate International Day of Solidarity for Political Prisoners, the National Democratic Front (NDF-Negros) stands in solidarity with Negrosanon in calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners who continue to languish in jails on the basis of their political beliefs and for the junking of all fabricated charges filed against them.
NDF-Negros sees the urgent need to address the subhuman conditions and cramped-up Philippine jails. For humanitarian reasons, NDF-Negros calls for the release of at-risk political prisoners, the elderly and sick like Ka Frank Fernandez (NDF-Negros consultant), his wife Cleofe Lagtapon, Ge-Ann Perez (diagnosed of having leprosy), Nona Espinosa (pregnant and is due to give birth) and all political prisoners especially during this time of a worldwide pandemic.
The number of political prisoners in Negros increased exponentially under the Duterte regime. Before Duterte came to power in 2016, there were only 5 political prisoners. Four years into Duterte’s fascist rule, political prisoners in Negros now counts to more than 120, not considering the numerous cases of illegal detention. With the draconian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, political persecution and imprisonment of dissenters of the regime is sure to continue with severity.
The continued detention of peace advocates like Ka Frank Fernandez and the more than 120 political prisoners here in Negros despite the persistent demand of the people to release them on humanitarian ground amid the pandemic and the worsening social and economic crisis unmasks the vile motives of the Duterte fascist clique to silence and harass anyone wanting to address the root cause of poverty, inequality and injustice in the country.
Duterte’s fascist posturing has only earned the wrath of the people and is further pushing the people to firmly resist to end Duterte’s reign of terror. The people are angered and will make Duterte pay for his criminal negligence amid the pandemic and calamities and for his numerous crimes against the people. The people will fight to the finish for genuine freedom, democracy and justice.
The NDF-Negros calls on all fellow Negrosanon to unite and bind our strength to overthrow the dictator and fascist regime. While the tyrannical reign of Duterte intensifies, the waging of armed revolution becomes more right, just and necessary. ###