Murdered union leader in Cavite, 74th unionists killed under Arroyo regime

The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) condemns the murder of yet another labor-leader. Jesus Beth Servida, union leader of EMI-Yazaki was killed a day after the world remembered International Human Rights Day.

According to reports, Servida was on his way to work when he was gunned-down right in front of Gate 2 of EMI-Yazaki factory at around 6:30 am today, December 11, 2006.

According to Joel Maglunsod, Secretary-General of KMU, "Servida is the 74th unionists and labor activists killed under Arroyo's regime. Last April 28, 2006, Gerardo "Jerry" Cristobal, former union president of EMI-Yazaki was ambushed by SPO1 Romeo Lara and Larry Reyes. In self-defense, Cristobal killed SPO1 Lara and wounded Reyes, while he himself suffered serious wounds."

A month ago Southern Tagalog saw another of their labor leader fall from assassins bullets. Andrew Iñoza, union president of Alaska Corporation was gunned down last November 21, 2006 while he was on his way to work, just like Servida.

"To murder labor leaders and activists remain the policy of the Arroyo regime despite receiving harsh criticisms from different sectors here in the Philippines and abroad," added Maglunsod. According to Maglunsod, even the Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso warned Arroyo that Japan will not extend financial aid to the Philippine government if the the human rights situation doesn't shape up.

Maglunsod also underscored the issue of political killings as one of the prime mover to labor's opposition to the changing of the constitution. "Under Arroyo's Charter Change, she and her allies want to perpetuate themselves in power by removing term limits. As long as Arroyo is in power, the murder of unionists and activists will continue."