03 October 2006

The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Gitnang Luson (Bayan-GL) and its allied organizations today vehemently condemned last night's killing of Bishop Alberto Ramento of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI)-Tarlac and attributed this to government security forces.

According to Roman Polintan, Bayan-GL chair, Bishop Ramento was stabbed dead last night by two assailants who barged into the convent of the IFI's San Sebastian Cathedral in Tarlac City.

Polintan said the killing of Ramento brings to 131 the victims of extrajudicial killings in Central Luzon since President Arroyo came to power in 2001.

"Our fear that this is another extrajudicial killing is based on the fact that Bishop Ramento is a staunch defender of people's rights and welfare. It is the Arroyo regime which stands to gain from this killing." Polintan said. He also called for through investigation of the incident by a truly independent probe body.

Prior to his death, Ramento was the chair of the IFI Supreme Council of Bishops; co-chair of the Ecumenical Bishops Forum; board member, Philippine Peace Center; chair, Promotion of Church People's Response-Central Luzon (PCPR-CL); chair, Karapatan-Tarlac; convenor of the following multisectoral groups -- Pilgrims for Peace; Movement of Citizens for Civil Liberties-Central Luzon; Peace Forum; Interfaith-Central Luzon; Church-Peasant Conference; and ardent supporter of Hacienda Luisita strikers.

Reference:
Roman L. Polintan
Chairperson, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Gitnang Luson
CP No. 0917-852-5254