Press Release
April 15, 2010

LP URGES PNP TO SOLVE KILLINGS
OF PARTY SUPPORTERS AND LEADERS

The Liberal Party (LP) has called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to immediately solve the killings of LP supporters and leaders before the May 10 general election comes, warning that continued attacks against party members strongly damage the growing network of the party in the countryside.

LP President and vice-presidential race frontrunner Senator Mar Roxas II bewailed the growing number of LP leaders and members attacked and slain due to political motives since January in Zamboanga del Sur alone, noting that failure to crack the whip on lawless elements who perpetrated the incidents of violence constitutes a denial of the victims right to justice.

"Patuloy nating pupukpukin ang PNP ukol sa mga karahasan at panggigipit sa mga miyembro at lider ng aming partido (We will continue to put pressure to the PNP to immediately address violence and harassment of members and leaders of our party). Authorities should not let the culture of impunity prevail in the province and even in the whole country," Roxas said.

Zamboanga del Sur vice-governor Roseller Ariosa wrote PNP Chief Director-General Jesus Verzosa on April 13 to replace the provincial director of the province, Sr. Supt. Ramon Ochotorena, whom he said is a relative of Gov. Aurora Cerilles and has a very influential backer in Malacañang.

"The Provincial Director� has miserably failed to prevent the murderous rampage against our political leaders and has not arrested a single perpetrator. Such ineptness is a disgrace to the PNP," Ariosa said.

He added that LP local leaders in the province have asked Regional Director Chief Supt. Angelo Sunglao during a peace covenant signing last February 6 to relieve Ochotorena, and the request was formalized last February 8.

"As of now, we have not received a single word from Gen. Sunglao. It betrays his partisanship and sincerity in signing the said peace covenant. He, too, should be relieved," Ariosa further wrote, adding: "You are our last hope Gen. Verzosa. Please do not fail us."

Roxas said that the PNP should put their words into action amid their much-publicized assurance that security have been stepped up to prevent attacks on LP candidates, leaders, supporters and members.

"The killings must stop now!" Roxas said, adding that an Aquino-Roxas administration will fight for genuine change and reform.

Name Date / Place Killed
1. Rascal Afdal January 4 / Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
2. Hadja Anira Abdulah Agcong January 16 / Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
3. Mohaliden Pacman Tapondoc January 17 / Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
4. Joel Autida February 9 / Molave, Zamboanga del Sur
5. Jay Durangparang March 9 / Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur
6. Edilberto Monticillo March 9 / Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur
7. Habib Andi Maulana April 1 / Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
8. Jun Olila April 3 / Sominot, Zamboanga del Sur
9. Bernardo Aying April 11 / Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur
10. Alfredo Labor Dalingding March 14 / Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur
11. Tuaher Dakula March 15 / Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur
12. Rolando Mayormita April 12 / Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
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