More legislators now oppose the Red-tagging of progressive organizations, according to Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison.
“It is fine that from 64 there are now 78 congressmen signing the petition to stop the crackdown on the legal patriotic and progressive organizations,” Sison said in a statement from Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Earlier, Bayan Muna party-list group claimed that there are now 78 signatories to their petition against the crackdown, despite the Armed Forces of the Philippines signifying their intention to talk with lawmakers supporting the call.
Early this week, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the military was planning to have a dialogue with lawmakers opposed to what appears to be a crackdown on leftist groups.
“Anyone with a bit of human intelligence can see through the sham invitation,” Sison said.—DELFIN T. MALLARI JR.