Dev’t workers condemn ‘red-tagging, vilification’

BANGUED, Abra – Cause oriented groups here denied and condemned black propaganda they are New People’s Army rebels pretending to be development workers.

Kakailian Salakniban Tay Amin a Nagtaudan (KASTAN CPA-Abra), TulongKatribu and Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services (CordDS),  in a press statement, said they learned of  red tagging being spread against them after Ariel Solomon Martes, Alliance of Concerned Teachers provincial coordinator for Abra was notified by a friend to be careful of his acquaintances because he was told they were NPA rebels.

His source however declined to identify the source for his own security.

“We condemn this malicious statement made against us. We are development workers aiming to help the evacuees. We declare categorically that we are not NPA rebels. This kind of statements are dangerous, as there is a trend that those who are vilified are being harassed, illegally arrested or worse, even killed. This incident is reminiscent of the Martial law days, where everyone who desires to serve the people is being demonized by the state.”

The incident happened after KASTAN, Tulong Katribu and CorRDS went to Barangay Tamac in Villaviciosa, Abra to provide relief goods for residents who evacuated because of an impending landslide.

A landslide occurred during the height of typhoon Ineng, which destroyed several parts of the rice fields, prompting the residents to evacuate.

The relief operation was requested by the community through Alliance of Concerned Teachers provincial coordinator Ariel Solomon Martes.

Despite the incident, the groups vowed that they will continue to provide aid for those in need, saying that it is their sacred duty to serve the people.

“No threats can stop us from doing what we are supposed to do. These people need help, and no matter what, we will not leave them behind. Those spreading these malicious statements must desist from doing so and instead do their part in helping the evacuees.”

The press statement named Haide Patricio Iday as Tulong Katribu coordinator,

Ronald Gustilo as public information officer of Kakailian SalaknibanTay Amin a Nagtaudan and Ariel Solomon Martes as provincial coordinators of ACT.