Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., the military’s deputy chief of staff for civil-military operations, was responding to pronouncements of Senate candidate Neri Colmenares and of Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate, accusing the military of “setting up” attacks against their group and the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), think tank IBON Foundation, Gabriela women’s group, rights group Karapatan and labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno.
“Makabayan, take the challenge. See who are propagandizing. Let’s see who is on the side of truth. [On] Monday, choose your TV station. That’s how simple it is,” Parlade said in a text message.
“We have treated you activists too well for too long. We don’t attack and maltreat activists and even capture NPA (New People’s Army) members as you claim,” he added.
Parlade said former Bayan Muna Rep. Saturnino “Satur” Ocampo was aware this.
Ocampo, he claimed, was “surprised” after finding out that NPA members captured in Batangas were being fed fried chicken and ice cream for dessert.
“They were brainwashed to believe the [Philippine] Army will skin them alive when captured and it didn’t happen. Since then, these former rebels have been helping the government win over the NPA,” Parlade said.
Zarate on Sunday said: “Progressive people’s organizations have done a lot to serve our people. NUPL has represented impoverished farmers like the victims of the Sagay massacre and the Negros massacre, as well as victims of the ‘Tokhang’ (anti-drug) operations. Bayan Muna, on the other hand, led the fight against unwarranted power rate hikes and the increase in pension for senior citizens, among other issues,” Zarate said.
Colmenares said Parlade and President Rodrigo Duterte tended to make rash statements when embarrassed or offended by their critics.
“If they have real proof against these organizations, then file a case against them,” he said.
The government has asked the European Union and the Belgian government to review funding given to a number of progressive groups, claiming these organizations were “fronts” for the communist rebellion.
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