July 11, 2008

The League of Filipino Students (LFS) today warned that the government EO ordering ISAFP to monitor possible food and fuel riots, may end up targeting legitimate mass protests pushing for reasonable reforms.

According to Vencer Crisostomo, national chairperson of the League of Filipino Students (LFS), the order signals the “militarization” of the food and oil crisis and “bears with it a martial-law like feel.”

“The so-called ‘riots’ in the country will take the form of street political actions and mass protests since it is clear that flawed government economic policy and shameless corrupt acts are largely to blame for this crisis. Employing the military to suppress such activities is a dangerous tendency which is anti-democratic and martial-law like,” said Crisostomo.

He called on the youth and the people to be “vigilant” as the government might use the crisis as an excuse to declare martial law in the form of an “emergency” rule.

Crisostomo believes the government has little intention to address the crisis by committing to reasonable policy reform, which is why it is instead preparing to suppress legitimate dissent.

“We are warning the government against conducting repressive acts aimed at progressive groups and protesters. This will only further inflame the anger of the people against the government,” he said. #

Reference: Vencer Crisostomo, 09228262606