Labor leader ambushed, seriously wounded

Operatives of police intelligence in Imus, Cavite ambushed Gerardo Cristobal, former president of EMI Yazaki workers union in Imus, Cavite and his companion Juliet Tayoto at 6:00 o'clock this morning while on their way to EMI Yazaki in the same town. Cristobal was hit in the stomach, hip, and hand. Cristobal is one of the leaders of Solidarity of Cavite Workers (SCW) who has received death threats since last year.

Cristobal and Tayoto were riding a car on the way to EMI Yazaki to meet with workers concerning the scheduled protest action at the Provincial Capitol at 9am today to denounce the continued intervention by Governor Maliksi in the company's intra-union dispute.

While passing in Barangay Anabu, Coastal in Imus, another car boarded by three armed men wearing bonnets blocked their way. One of the three men, later identified as SPO1 Romeo Lara, came out of the car, approached and started shooting Cristobal at close range. Cristobal fired back. Lara sustained wounds in the head and shoulder. Lara's companion was also identified as Larry Reyes, member of the Civilian Security Unit (CSU).

Cristobal was first taken back to his house by a tricycle driver after the shooting but was later rushed to the hospital where Lara was also admitted for treatment. Tayoto was not harmed.

According to Emmanuel Asuncion, Spokesperson SCW, told CTUHR that Cristobal has been carrying a licensed firearm since January last year after the persistent threats to his life from the police and private armies of Governor Ireneo "Ayong" Maliksi of Cavite .

Asuncion denounces the claims of Colonel Rodel Seremonia, head of the intelligence operatives in Imus, Cavite , over DzRH interview saying Cristobal ambushed his men. "The claims of Col. Seremonia are false and deceiving", he said. "Colonel Seremonia's twisted claims over DZRH that Cristobal is the perpetrator instead of being the real victim, without benefit of initial investigation, is a deliberate move to cover up the attempt to kill Cristobal."

Asuncion added that the attempt on the life of Cristobal is not an isolated case but rather part of a systematic and large-scale plan to silence legitimate protesters and critics of President Arroyo's repressive regime. "The incident is obviously part of sowing fears among the workers to dissuade them from joining the huge Labor Day rally on Monday, May 1."