[APWSLMembers 188] In response to Ka Bel's call Workers will carry on the fight to oust GMA -- KMU

[Kilusang Mayo Uno]

KMU NEWS RELEASE
February 26, 2006

In response to Ka Bel's call
Workers will carry on the fight to oust GMA -- KMU

Workers will continue to struggle for democratic 
rights, according to the militant labor center 
Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) in response to the call 
of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran now detained at Camp Crame.

According to KMU National Chairperson Elmer 
Labog, "The detention of Ka Bel is a symbol of 
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's political 
machinations and fascism. It therefore becomes a 
symbol of the need for the Filipinos to continue 
to oust Mrs. Arroyo from power."

Before his inquest last night at Quezon City 
Hall, Beltran has called on the Filipino masses 
to continue against the Arroyo 
administration.  "Nananawagan ako sa mga kasama 
na magpatuloy ng gawain na isulong ang interes ng 
masang anakpawis, kasama ang manggagawa, 
magbubukid, maralitang tagalunsod, kabataan, at 
iba pa. Ipagpatuloy ang pakikibaka para makamit 
ang tagumpay. Nananawagan ako sa mamamayang 
Pilipino na labanan ang pahirap  na 
diktadurya  ni Gng. Arroyo. Ako ay nagsisikap na 
makalaya sa ilegal na pagkakakulong na ito, para 
makasama kayo sa mga laban sa loob at labas ng 
Kongreso."  (I call on the comrades to continue 
advancing the interest of the toiling masses - 
the workers, peasants, urban poor, youth and 
others.  Continue the struggle to attain 
victory.  I call on the Filipino people to fight 
the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo dictatorship.  I will 
do my best to get out from this illegal detention 
so I can be with you, once again, in the fight 
both inside and outside the Congress).

Labog said that the workers are aware that the 
arrest of Beltran who was formerly a KMU leader 
means an imminent assault on organized labor. But 
he explains, "The workers will not fear Gloria's 
'martial law'. Presently, workers are already 
experiencing 'martial law' through low wages 
amidst high inflation and attacks on our picket 
lines through the assumption of jurisdiction (AJ)."

Labog also said that Mrs. Arroyo is turning the 
whole country into a prison because of PD 1017 or 
the declaration of a state of national emergency. 
"Malaking bartolina" is what the late Felixberto 
"Ka Bert" Olalia used to describe the country 
under martial law. Labog said that soon the 
country will be under the same state where 
militant union leaders became victims of martial 
law such as Olalia and Beltran, both KMU leaders then.

KMU warned Malacañang that it should order the 
immediate release of the 73-year old law maker. 
Labog explained that Beltran suffers from a high 
blood pressure and his continued detention will 
not be good for his health. Last year, Beltran had a mild stroke.

KMU will conduct protest actions tomorrow for the 
immediate release of Beltran. ###