NDFP: Cruelty of attacks on rights workers most felt in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY—The communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Monday (June 17) condemned what it said was escalation of attacks on Bicolano human rights defenders and activists following the killing of Neptali Morada, former Bayan Muna regional head and Bayan campaigner.

Maria Roja Banua, spokesperson for NDFP in Bicol, said the killing of Morada was a message from the Duterte administration meant for “those with the bravery to fight for the rights of citizens.”

“Bicolanos are now facing the harshest lash of this murderous and fascist government,” Banua said in a statement.

It said Morada’s killing was the latest in a spate of murders targeting human rights workers in Bicol region.

Among the cases was the June 10 murder of a farmer in Masbate province, 67-year-old Heraldo Baldeo Alcovendas, by unidentified men.

On Thursday (June 13) a New People’s Army leader in Sorsogon, NPA vice chair Edwin “Ka Dupax” Dematera, was killed by arresting officers who claimed self defense in the town of Magallanes, also in Sorsogon province.

On Saturday (June 14) two staffers of human rights group Karapatan, Nelly Bagasala and Ryan Hubilla, were gunned down in Sorsogon City.

“It is clear that the police, military and fascist government they are serving will not stop until those opposing them are silenced,” said the NDF statement. REY ANTHONY OSTRIA (Editor: Tony Bergonia)