Bayan slams arrest of NDFP consultant Vic Ladlad

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) condemned on Thursday the arrest of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Vic Ladlad, saying it was an “attack on the peace talks.”

“We condemn the arrest of NDFP peace consultant and Bayan Muna National Council member Vic Ladlad. This is again an attack on the peace talks, dimming any hope for its revival,” Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes said in a statement.

Ladlad was reportedly arrested on Wednesday night by agents of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

READ: NDFP consultant Vic Ladlad arrested by police, says wife

Reyes said that the recent arrests of several peace consultants such as Ladlad, Rafael Baylosis and Adel Silva showed that the government is “more interested in a military solution” in addressing the roots of armed conflict, rather than a political one.

“Serious peace negotiations and existing agreements are set aside in favor of political persecution and fascist measures. Human rights are being routinely violated in the government’s  desperate attempt to defeat a revolutionary movement that is historically based on social causes such as poverty and injustice,” he said.

Reyes added that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte should resume peace talks and stop human rights violations, instead of going after peace consultants.

“Rather than going after peace consultants, the peace talks should be resumed and human rights violations stopped,” Reyes said.

The Bayan secretary general also called on human rights defenders and peace advocates to unite in condemning the “escalating fascist attacks” of the government. /muf