Task Force Usig formed as part of grand conspiracy to decapitate and maligned progressive legal organizations

The militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today described the newly formed Task Force Usig as part of a grand conspiracy to decapitate and maligned progressive legal organizations in the country.

According to KMU chairman Elmer “Bong” Labog, the Task Force Usig led by Gen. Avelino Razon Jr. was formed precisely to exonerate the military, police and military elements involved in the political assassinations and at the same time sow intrigues and lies that slain militant individuals were killed by their own comrades or by the revolutionary Left.

“Thanks but no thanks, Task Force Usig of Gen. Razon will not do any good in the continuing attacks against us. Eventually, the one-sided findings and white-washing of the task force will be used to legitimize the crackdown and repression against legal organizations like the KMU. The initial statements of Gen. Razon only exposed the intentions, motives and agenda of Malacanang and militarists in the Arroyo government. It is not their aim to solve the political killings in our ranks but to use it to save their hides and political interests,” Labog said.

The labor leader also stressed that an independent body must be formed and not by the PNP or the military since they are the ones implicated in the gruesome and cold-blooded political killings which occurred since 2001.

Meanwhile, Labog also condemned the ambush of Jose Doton, 70, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan, New Patriotic Alliance) secretary general for Pangasinan this morning.

Doton is the 5th political activist to be killed in a week, the 67th so far this year and the 585th since 2001, according to the human rights group Karapatan.

Reports said Jose and his brother Diosdado were on their way to the San Nicolas town proper at past 9:30 a.m. when they were attacked. Doton died instantly due to bullet wounds to the head. Diosdado was taken to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Doton, was also the chairman of the farmers group Timpuyog ti Mannalon a Mangwayawaya ti Agno (Timmawa). He was active in the 'Oust Arroyo movement' and in opposing the operation of San Roque dam.