ON THE NEWS BLACKOUT: WHAT'S COOKING IN MALACANANG? : QC IMC

News blackout on hostage crisis in Iraq
WHAT'S COOKING IN MALACANANG?

The militant women's group GABRIELA denounced the continuing news blackout on the situation of Angelo de la Cruz, an Overseas Filipino Worker held hostage in Iraq less than a week ago. "Since this is an issue of national interest, no less than the President has a duty to inform the nation on plans regarding the hostage crisis. Why is the nation being kept in the dark? Something must be cooking in Malacanang," said Emmi de Jesus, Secretary General of GABRIELA.

De Jesus added that the statement issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on the pull out of Philippine troops "as soon as possible" was deliberately vague. "Even with Sec. Delia Albert's statement that there are 43 out of 51 members of the RP contingent left in Iraq, the question remains regarding the plans for the rest of the contingent. As an issue involving national interest, the Arroyo government owes it to the public to make a firm position with a clear time frame and details on how to go about the pull out."

She expressed GABRIELA's fear for the welfare of de la Cruz after a Bulgarian hostage was reportedly executed. The hostage-takers demanded the release of political prisoners, especially women, in exchange for the Bulgarians. "This news added to the agony of Angelo's family members. The lack of information from the government only serves to fan the their fears and elicit needless speculations. The family at least deserves more information than the 26-word statement issued by the DFA to the media. The government cannot provide even that courtesy."

The woman leader also denounced yesterday's violent dispersal of the protest action calling for the immediate pull out of RP troops to save de la Cruz. Police hurt three GABRIELA members as they tried to follow arrested Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) leader Renato Reyes. "The fascist character of the Arroyo government has been further intensified. This is very reminiscent of Marcos' brutal dispersals during martial law. "

She added that more and more people are calling for the pull out of troops. "Angelo's case highlighted the effect of the Arroyo government's support for the unjust U.S. war and its continued occupation of Iraq. Now that there is evidence proving the negative consequence, GMA has only one road to take: her immediate withdrawal of support for the U.S. unjust war."#