Burma junta must step down, civilian authority must reign

“We mourn, along with the rest of the world, the death of 3 monks and a civilian who have been martyred by Burmese security forces. We enjoin all peace-loving and democratic people to support the people and workers of Burma against the military junta.”

This was the statement today by the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) as the military junta in Myanmar starts cracking down on protesters. Sharp increase in oil prices in Myanmar have prompted massive rallies, lead by Buddhist monks and supported by the civilian population. Reports describes the events in Myanmar as the biggest rally against the military junta since 1988.

 

“We support the people of Myanmar who are demanding an end to the military junta through people power. These events were bound to happen since fascism and military rule has no place in our world today. Democracy and freedom are basic tenets of society which the people demand,” said Elmer “Ka Bong” Labog, National Chairperson of the KMU.

 

“The Filipino people is very familiar with open fascist rule and we emphatize with our brothers and sisters in Myanmar. With the exercise of people power, the nation was able to topple two regimes, that of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada and we hope the people of Myanmar will succeed,” stated Labog.

 

According to the labor leader, Asia, particularly South East Asia, is familiar with civilian uprising. The Indonesian people overthrew the military regime of Suharto and the people of Timor Leste fought the occupying forces of Indonesia. “But the road to democracy and freedom is not paved and sacrifices have to be made. Before the Filipino people ended Martial Rule in 1986, many activists and ordinary people died and suffered from the hands of the dictator. Even today, those who speak out against the regime of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is being silenced permanently.”

 

“During the 35th year commemoration of Martial Law, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon prodded the idea of imposing martial rule amidst supposed destabilization attempts. The fury of the Burmese people is a stark reminder to Gen. Esperon that military rule is abhorred by the people of Myanmar, the Philippines and the rest of the world,” opined Labog.

The labor leader stressed military rule subverts basic freedom of workers like the right to form unions and collectively bargain, as well as to strike. “We are proud of our working-class brother and sisters in Myanmar, along with the religious people, taking the cudgel of the struggle and fighting for democracy.”