November 21, 2006

Bayan: Nicole’s case underscores loopholes in VFA,
GMA’s puppetry to US

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Gabriela and other allied organizations held a rally in front of the US Embassy, Tuesday. The groups called for the junking of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and demanded the pull-out of American troops in the country.

Rita Baua, Bayan international officer, said, “Subic rape case underscored the loopholes in the VFA and the puppetry of the Arroyo government to her imperialist master.”

She said that the Arroyo administration, by not asserting custody of the accused US Marines, is liable for treason. “It is ridiculous that Malacañang deemed Nicole’s case as an ordinary criminal case. From the very start, the Arroyo government is not interested in attaining justice for a raped Filipina and more importantly, in upholding the country’s sovereignty.”

Baua noted, “The behavior of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales and most of the public prosecutors is like putting salt to the wounds of the victim. Amid this tragedy, Nicole’s courage and determination to seek justice is untarnished.”

Moreover, Baua lashed out at the US government, “The US government must not be allowed to continue its military intervention not only in the Philippines but also elsewhere in Southeast Asia.” Baua said that the upcoming 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit will be used by the Bush regime to advance its war of terror.

Baua said, “The US ‘war on terror’ is actually a war of terror. The Bush regime is raping the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. US troops intrude Southeast Asian nations, carry out covert operations and quell all forms of resistance to US imperialism.”

There are 70,000 US troops in East Asia alone. The US Pacific Command has named the Philippines as its second front in its ‘war on terror.’