US War on Terror, presence in Mindanao does not give justice to 911 victims — Bayan

Sep. 22, 2008

Davao City-Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Peoples’ Alliance) slammed the United States government for using the tragic bombing of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 in New York City to justify its war on terror and its continuing presence in Mindanao.

“Seven years have passed, yet, justice for the victims of the World Trade bombing remains elusive, Bayan deputy secretary general Makpil Camacho said. She said the US government has, instead, been posturing as the ‘savior of the world’ while being the world’s number one terrorist. What justice could the victims and their families expect?”

Camacho condemned the US government for sowing fear and anger among the people of the world and for indiscriminately branding people as terrorists using their own vague definition of acts of terrorism. (US) pursuit of Bin Laden and his so called ‘weapons of mass destruction’ has not shown any proof,” Camacho added.

She also criticized the continuing attacks of the US government, which have led to an increasing number of victims. Camacho said the US’ staunchest ally Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has dragged the Filipinos into the war on terror and permitted the US to continuously intervene on the internal security of the country.

Bayan cited the reports of the permanent presence of the US troops in some parts of Mindanao whose numbers have swelled to 600 and the reports of US troops engaging in combat against Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“The Arroyo government has undermined national sovereignty by allowing US’ involvement in the military operations against the MILF. The Arroyo regime is further exposing itself as a puppet dancing to the tune of US geo-political and economic interests.”

“We urge the senate to investigate on what appears to be a permanent basing of the US troops in Mindanao and we urge the Arroyo administration to abandon its policy of escalating its offensive military operations and of allowing US military and political interventionism.”

For reference:

Makpil Camacho

Deputy Secretary-General

0928-5657679

Lito Campo

Media Desk

0920-4970109

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