DAVAO CITY – The Exodus for Justice and Peace (EJP) expressed today their concern over the smear campaign against progressive partylist groups saying that this abets gross human rights violations.

EJP cited the paid advertisement by partylist ANAD, published in local dailies last December 29, 2009, identifying the progressive partylists groups Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriela Women’s Party, ACT Teachers Partylist and Kabataan Partylist as fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

“The Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD) is circulating a pamphlet attempting to agitate Davaoenos to revive the ALSA MASA.  It is a fact that during the height of the presence of Alsa Masa in the city, bodies turn up almost on a daily basis; one village in Agdao has been so named because of the group's notoriety during its heyday," said Rev.Jurie Jaime of the Exodus for Justice and Peace.

“ANAD is clearly provoking the Davaoenos to revive a group that is known to commit gross violation of human rights,” he said.

"The election should be an exercise of the Filipinos democratic aspirations.  Unfortunately, in our country where the election is dominated by the ruling elite, election has been a regular display of barbarity and sheer abuse of power," the church leader added.

EJP is also urging the local government to look into the matter. "We urge our local government to give due protection to the marginalized candidates or groups especially those that advance nationalist programs," Rev. Jaime said.#

For reference:

REV. JURIE JAIME

0919-816-1876