CONCERT TO FREE KA BEL!

Inaayayahan kayong lahat sa

"Hangad ay Kalayaan: gabi ng awit at tula
para sa pagpapalaya kay Ka Bel"

April 1, 7pm, Freedom Bar

Featuring:
Asin,
Agaw Agimat,
Bobby Balingit,
Chikoy Pura,
Jess Bartolome,
Tambisan,
talahib,
KM 64,
many more.

Please circulate.

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news

NEWS RELEASE
March 27, 2006
"If helping the poor is a crime,
and fighting for freedom is rebellion,
then I plead guilty as charged."

--Crispin Beltran, August 1982 Supreme Court hearing

Cong. Beltran on Charter Change signature drive:
No debate or consensus in Palace-backed 'peoples' initiative'

While in police detention at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital, illegally-detained Anakpawis Cong. Crispin Beltran raised alarms over the Palace-backed signature campaign last weekend, saying that it was "a farce intending to mask Pres. Arroyo's plans of holding power until 2007 and beyond".

"There is obviously a dangerous and chronic absence of public debate, and much less consensus, on the issue of Charter Change. Our constituents from Anakpawis all over the nation report that there was generally no thorough public information dissemination campaign on what exactly this Cha-Cha signature campaign intends to accomplish, aside from vague promises of a better life for the poor. Even radio reports since Saturday point out to the general lack of public awareness on the exact Constitutional amendments this Cha-Cha is trying to ram through, much less the implications and concrete effects of these on the Filipino people," Beltran said.

"It is true that the Filipino masses are clamoring for social reforms and radical social change even. But these are not to be confused in any way with the measures that Arroyo's Charter Change is trying to push through," Beltran said.

"What changes do the majority of Filipinos want? First, the Filipino toiling masses want land reform, secure and sufficient jobs, respect for human rights, access to basic education, health and other social services from a government that will uphold the rights of Filipinos over foreign interests. These are totally different from the changes of Arroyo's Cha-Cha, whose revised or transitory provisions have only removed all traces of economic protectionism and safeguards to human rights and national patrimony. Second, six out of every ten Filipinos want GMA out of the Palace. This is totally opposed to the implied term extension of Pres. Arroyo if Cha-Cha pushes through. Apparently, this corrupt and deceptive administration is capitalizing on the social discontent of the masses in order to further entrench itself in power," Beltran said.

"This administration is again committing massive fraud and deception on a nationwide scale," he added.

"It's obvious that Arroyo's lapdogs are hastily trying to gather millions of signatures at any cost, and irregardless of whether the people are sufficiently informed or not. The congressional debates on the various issues surrounding Charter Change and its effects on the local economy, human rights, and foreign policy haven't even been threshed out yet," Beltran observed.

"No matter how much the Palace tries to deny the President's backing of Cha-Cha, the conspicuous presence of Arroyo lapdogs at the forefront of this whole Cha-Cha 'peoples' initiative' only indicates otherwise," Beltran ended. ###

One month in Crame is too long

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news



NEWS RELEASE

March 24, 2006



Will the Makati Court set Ka Bel Free?

One month in Crame is too long, illegally-jailed solon says



One month in illegal detention at Camp Crame is far too long, Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran said today before a scheduled hearing this morning at the Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 137.



Beltran has been jailed in Crame for nearly a month now, after his illegal arrest by CIDG operatives last February 25 in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.



Beltran expressed hopes that the Makati courts would issue a similar decision to that of the March 13 decision of the Municipal Trial Court of Quezon City Branch 43.



The QC Court ruled that Beltran's arrest was illegal, without basis and violative of his rights to parliamentary immunity from arrest. The Court approved a Motion for the immediate release of Beltran and issued a Release Order that same day. This Order, however, was snubbed by the Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice because two other rebellion cases are still lodged against him. Right after the March 13 hearing and Release Order, police escorts quickly hauled Beltran back into their custody at Camp Crame.



Beltran expressed hopes that today's MRTC hearing, under Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino of Branch 137, would also issue a favourable decision on a similar motion filed by Beltran's lawyers to release him.



"Any court decision that would work in favour of prolonging my illegal detention in Camp Crame will have a backlash on the Arroyo administration's standing in the international community", the four-time 'Most Outstanding Congressman' awardee and internationally-recognized labor leader said.



"My illegal arrest and continuing detention at Camp Crame will only confirm to the international human rights community the appalling height of political repression which Pres. Arroyo and her cohorts are resorting to in order to silence her critics," Beltran said.



Support letters for Beltran, condemning the Arroyo administration's illegal arrest and detention, have been pouring in from foreign organizations, individuals, and parliamentarians from over 20 countries worldwide every day.



Meanwhile, among fellow Filipinos, Beltran's continuing detention will also send the signal that the Arroyo government is no longer interested in respecting the calls of workers and government employees for a nationwide across-the-board wage hike, Dennis Maga, Spokesperson for the Free Ka Bel Movement, said.



Beltran is the proponent of House Bills 345 and 1064, aimin



g to legislate a P125 and P3,000 across-the-board wage hike for private and public sector workers, respectively. "His detention at Camp Crame has considerably delayed the Congressional lobbying efforts for the passage of these bills", Maga said. ###

Cong. Beltran ordered back into detention cell by PNP doctor

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran

Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com

URL: http://www.geocities.com/ap_news



NEWS RELEASE

March 20, 2006



Cong. Beltran ordered back into detention cell by PNP doctor



Despite his unstable and high blood pressure, doctors at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital are ordering Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran out of the police hospital and back into solitary detention at the PNP Custodial Center.



Dr. Ferdinand Madrilejos, attending physician at the PNP General Hospital, reportedly approached Cong. Beltran earlier this morning and gave him verbal instructions that he would soon be returned to his cell, Beltran's daughter Olivia Lalusis said. Madrilejos reportedly said that Cong. Beltran's blood pressure only rose whenever there was a court hearing, claiming that Beltran was well enough to be ushered back into solitary confinement.



Lalusis, however, disputed Madrilejos' claims, reporting that while Beltran's blood pressure as of this morning reached normal level, "this was still no assurance that his health condition would remain stable in the coming days". Lalusis expressed apprehensions that "returning Rep. Beltran to solitary confinement in a cramped and humid cell would only exacerbate and cause the further deterioration of his health".



Beltran's supporters from the Free Ka Bel Movement, meanwhile, criticized this move from the PNP as "a cruel form of political harassment intending to weaken Rep. Beltran's health".



"This is an inhumane and insensitive order, especially since it came from a doctor whose sworn duty is to protect a patient's health above all other considerations. Rep. Beltran's unstable condition was also a result of his illegal and solitary confinement and just anger at the continuous injustices committed against him; transferring him back to that cell will only result in another dangerous bout of ill health," Dennis Maga, Spokesperson of the Free Ka Bel Movement, said.



"We will never agree to this order. The PNP under Gen. Arturo Lomibao and the Department of Justice (DoJ) have repeatedly denied Rep. Beltran and his family's requests to be transferred to a hospital of his choice. Now, despite his age and health condition, they are ordering him back to jail," he said.



"In the first place, Beltran's arrest, detention, and charges were illegal, inhumane, and malicious. Anyone in his or her right mind or with any adherence to justice would be setting Rep. Beltran free and not ordering him back into jail the way they are doing right now," Maga said.



"The PNP and the DOJ are trying to repeat history by subjecting Ka Bel to the same treatment as the late Kilusang Mayo Uno Chairperson Felixberto "Ka Bert" Olalia, who was arrested along with Beltran during the Martial Law crackdown in 1982. Ka Bert was also elderly and sickly at the time of his arrest. Eight months in detention weakened his body, and he eventually succumbed to heart failure in December 1983.



"Sec. Gonzales and Gen. Lomibao will pay dearly if anything of the same kind happens to Ka Bel. The Arroyo administration's deliberate silence and obvious hand in his continuing harassment will also backfire dearly from the international human rights community and from parliamentarians worldwide," Maga ended. ###

High-fat hospital diet alarms Beltran's wife

This story was taken from www.inq7.net
http://news.inq7.net/nation/index.php?index=1&story_id=69563

High-fat hospital diet alarms Beltran's wife
First posted 04:34am (Mla time) Mar 16, 2006
Inquirer

NO MORE VIP treatment, please.

The wife of detained Anakpawis party-list Representative Crispin Beltran yesterday made this appeal as she scored the Philippine National Police General Hospital for serving food that could only worsen the condition of her hypertensive and diabetic husband.

"The PNP hospital does not seem to have a competent dietician, or any dietician at all. This is more of a prison than a hospital," Rosario Beltran told reporters.

"Ka Bel's custodians at the PNP [have been] poisoning him with inappropriate and unhealthy food ever since his detention last Feb. 25," Rosario added. Beltran, 73, was arrested on rebellion charges.

Rosario said breaded fried galunggong (round scad) seemed to be a staple food ration at the hospital as well as a meat dish with fat trimmings. She said that Beltran was also served chicken neck with the skin on and an oil-based sauce.

Family brings meals

"Those viands won't do Ka Bel any good since he has high blood pressure and he just suffered a stroke in July 2005. The vegetables they serve are also those that his doctors have advised against," Rosario said, referring to string beans and okra.

"They don't even bother to serve any fruit," Rosario said.

Beltran's family has since been bringing food to keep him from being affected by the high-fat hospital diet -- the meal also served to other patients.

"The family is bringing in the food that he needs. But since he's in the hospital, isn't it the doctors' concern to provide him with meals that would not worsen his condition?" said Lisa Ito, Beltran's public information officer.

"The doctors at the PNP hospital checked on him and they know that he can't eat high-fat, high-cholesterol food. Can't they prepare a separate meal for him given his condition?" she added.

Fellow Anakpawis party-list Representative Rafael Mariano called for the release of Beltran. "He should be treated in an environment that's not hostile," Mariano told the Inquirer.

"If his condition dictates that he be given a specific diet, he should be given that proper diet," he added.

No VIP treatment

Rosario denied statements by House Speaker Jose de Venecia and PNP Director General Arturo Lomibao that Beltran was being given VIP treatment.

"What VIP treatment are these two talking about? Inappropriate food is being served. There's no oxygen tank, alarm bell nor dextrose bottle inside his room. It's all lies and press releases that they are taking care of my husband well," Rosario said.

Evangelist Eddie Villanueva of the Jesus Is Lord Movement yesterday visited Beltran to pray over the lawmaker to fulfill an "apostolic duty."

"This is a Christian act of love," he said. "I'd like to appeal to the Arroyo government to immediately order the release of Congressman Beltran, [he] being an old man and elected by the people and also (being) hypertensive." With a report from Luige A. del Puerto

The brighter side of Ka Bel’s continued illegal detention

March 15, 2006, Wednesday
Reference: Cherry Clemente, National Secretary-General (0921) 9922380

The brighter side of Ka Bel’s continued illegal detention: More and more police and military officers are getting convinced to join the people’s struggle – Clemente (AP) SOLIDARITY LUNCH FOR REP. CRISPIN BELTRAN HELD IN BATASAN

Anakpawis National Secretary-General Cherry Clemente this morning said that despite the injustice experienced by Rep. Crispin Beltran in Camp Crame, there still exists a brighter side to see. Clemente claimed that more and more police and military officers are becoming sympathetic to their cause. “Ka Bel is given this rare opportunity to explain to the police and military that the Arroyo government is not doing anything for their plight. But on the other hand, Arroyo is denying the passage of the law which will grant a ‘P3000 across the board salary hike for government employees’ by suppressing Ka Bel, the primary proponent of the bill.

“We have witnessed the transformation of the policemen in Camp Crame who are in close contact with Ka Bel. They wanted Ka Bel released immediately so that their demands will be brought to the congress now that they need to cope with accelerated increase in the prices of basic commodities.”

Clemente joined several congressmen, personalities and leaders of organizations such as the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, PAMALAKAYA, Amihan and Anakpawis held a Solidarity Lunch this morning to reiterate their call for the immediate release of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran this morning at the Sunken Garden in Batasang Pambansa. Afterwhich, they will proceed to Camp Crame to share their ‘Solidarity Merienda’ (snack) with Rep. Beltran.

The congressmen include Cong. Teves, Macarambon, Banaag, Magtubo, de Guzman (Marikina), Suplico and Hataman among others.

Clemente warned that the prolonged detention of Rep. Beltran will lead to more unrest among the ranks of government employees including the police and military because their demands which Beltran is espousing will continue to be sidelined. “Expect more police officers and soldiers to take part in the people’s struggle to oust Arroyo.”

Meanwhile, workers from different factories and companies in Metro Manila led by the Kilusang Mayo Uno staged a whole-day Metro-wide protest which will include work stoppages, ribbon wearing and noise barrages in support of the call to release Beltran. Later at 4pm to 7pm, they will converge in different protest centers such as Welcome Rotonda, Cubao, Monumento, Philcoa, Litex, Alabang, Tondo and other major assbly areas to conduct simultaneous programs. ###

For questions, you may also contact Randy of AP Public Info Dept(09287296945)

"Harassment of parliamentarians in the cities, killings of union leaders in the provinces"

FROM THE OFFICE OF ANAKPAWIS CONG. CRISPIN BELTRAN

NEWS RELEASE
March 17, 2006

"Harassment of parliamentarians in the cities, killings of union leaders in the provinces"
Cong. Beltran condemns murder of Hacienda Luisita union leader yesterday

While in detention at the Philippine National Police Hospital in Camp Crame, Anakpawis Cong. Crispin Beltran condemned in the strongest terms the murder of Hacienda Luisita farmworker and union leader Tirso Cruz, saying that "political repression under the Arroyo administration has intensified into more brazen killings of union leaders in the provinces and ruthless harassment of progressive parliamentarians in the cities."

Cruz, 33 years old and a farm-worker, was a member of the United Luisita Workers Union (ULWU) Board of Directors, a member of the Barangay Pano council, and Anakpawis coordinator for Hacienda Luisita's ten (10) barangays. According to the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), he was felled by motorcycle-riding gun men at 12:30 AM today in Barangay Pando, Concepcion, Tarlac while on his way home from a "puni" or Lenten ritual. He died of six bullet wounds.

"Cruz is the fifth Anakpawis leader to be killed under suspicious circumstances since January 2006," Beltran noted.

"He was also killed by motorcycle-riding men similar to those who have killed Anakpawis Camarines Norte coordinator Abner Galan and Anakpawis member and Tritran union leader Robert Dela Cruz last January. This modus operandi is no different from the motorcycle-riding death squads who have killed Anakpawis Bulacan Chairperson Federico de Leon late last year in Malolos and Anakpawis Southern Tagalog Chairperson and Nestle Union leader Diosdado Fortuna September last year," Beltran recalled.

The illegally-detained congressman called on to Commission on Human Rights Chairwoman Purificacion Quisimbing to take immediate action on the "record-breaking and ruthless killings of activists nationwide".

Anakpawis held a dialogue with Quisimbing and other CHR commissioners late last year, seeking urgent attention and action in response to the murders of Fortuna and other Anakpawis leaders in 2005.

"These killings suspected to be the work of Arroyo's henchmen in the military are obviously continuing up to now, and are even exacerbated by the intensifying political repression of legal and progressive organizations and individuals after the Presidential Proclamation 1017 and General Order No.5," Beltran said.

"The CHR should try to summon and probe Gen. Jovito Palparan and his men from the 71st ID stationed in Tarlac. Despite Palparan's repeated denials about any knowledge of the killings, it is clear to any critical citizen that Palparan and his men have left a messy trail of bloodshed which points to only them as the possible perpetrators," Beltran said.

Reports from the KMP note that around 50 CAFGU members and soldiers from the 71st ID under Gen. Jovito Palparan were deployed in Brgy. Pando up to now. They have been instrumental in suppressing community protests related to the construction of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway priority project of the Arroyo administration.

Cruz, and Central Azucarera de Tarlac Labor Union (CATLU) President Ric Ramos were among the local leaders actively campaigning against the construction of the said project. Ramos was murdered by unidentified assassins on October 25 last year in Brgy. Mapalacsiao, Hacienda Luisita. ###

Beltran reacts to Senate-House row over gov't workers allowances-- A P3,000 across-the-board salary hike, not merely additional allowances

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news

NEWS RELEASE
March 17, 2006


Beltran reacts to Senate-House row over gov't workers allowances-- A P3,000 across-the-board salary hike, not merely additional allowances, says proponent of government wage increase bill

"Solons should quit quabbling over the Senate and Lower House's 'outdoing each other' on the issue of government workers' pay hikes, and work for the passage, or at the very least the approximation, of the six-year call for a P3,000 across-the-board salary hike for public sector workers as outlined in House Bill (HB) 1064," Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran said today.

Speaking from his detention center at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital in Camp Crame, where he has been confined since March 2, Rep. Beltran said that is was "high time to heed the calls for a P3,000 salary hike across all levels for government employees".

"My continuing detention here at Camp Crame on false and malicious charges is also the Arroyo government's way of depriving state and private workers another voice in the halls of Congress," the veteran labor leader said.

The proponent of HB 1064, Beltran has been closely monitoring issues such as government workers' salary and allowance hikes even while at Camp Crame. "The discontented public reaction of government employees nationwide to news of the Lower House's passage of a P1,000 monthly allowance retroactive to January 2006 and the Senate's P2,000 hike starting mid-year of 2006 only underscores that the said hikes are still vastly inadequate to meet the needs of our public sector workers, especially the rank-and-file," Beltran said.

"An increase in the form of an allowance is still flawed, considering that it is too little and will have no bearing on the long-term welfare government employees whose benefits are hinged on their wage rates. A significant across-the-board wage hike will still be the more substantial option if we are really intent on pursuing the best option for the public sector workers," Beltran said of the bills.

"Let us not reduce this to the question of 'papogian' between the Lower House and the Senate," Beltran appealed to administration solons who have been vocally criticizing the oppositional Senate's bill as a bid to outdo the House version, which was explicitly advocated by Pres. Arroyo. "The fundamental issue here is what track our wage legislation should be running on," he said.

Beltran also proposed that debt servicing allotments be reduced in order to accommodate the proposed wage hike. "We need not sacrifice other funds for social spending, public health and education just to be able to source the funds for a wage hike. We can instead call for the repeal of laws such as the Martial-Law era Presidential Decree 1177, which imposes automatic debt appropriations," he suggested. ###

Beltran: After political harassment of progressive solons, govt' setting the stage for media criminalization and suppression

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news

NEWS RELEASE

March 16, 2006

"If helping the poor is a crime,
and fighting for freedom is rebellion,
then I plead guilty as charged."
--Crispin Beltran, August 1982 Supreme Court hearing

Beltran: After political harassment of progressive solons, govt' setting the stage for media criminalization and suppression

Even while in detention at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital in Camp Crame, Anakpawis Congressman Crispin B. Beltran lashed out at Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye's warning to media yesterday that they would not be accorded "special treatment" in the government's campaign against "destabilization".

"This administration is setting the stage for media criminalization and suppression through Bunye's warnings," the illegally-detained Congressman said.

"The Palace is maliciously conditioning the public to numbly condone any repressive actions against media practitioners who the government deems to "run afoul of the law", to just turn a blind eye whenever the state suppresses or worse, criminalizes, news reports or features that the Arroyo administration considers as being 'in aid of destabilization'," Beltran said.

"The Arroyo administration wants media practitioners to be like horses with blinders incapable of seeing anything beyond the parameters set by their masters," he said.

Beltran soundly condemned the intensifying harassments of media entities including the Daily Tribune, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) and the radio program Ngayon Na! Bayan aired over DZRJ, calling the attempts at state intervention of media entities as a "subtle and malicious creeping of media harassment".

"The Arroyo administration's attempts to police the ranks of media smack of the same brand of political repression directed against me and the Batasan 5. Threatening media with retribution for publicity deemed threatening to the corrupt, illegitimate, and anti-people Arroyo administration is essentially no different from illegally arresting and detaining progressive parliamentarians," Beltran said.

"The Philippines is already on the international human rights watch list for the political killings of activists and journalists. Now, the Arroyo administration will be facing the world, pockmarked by the rising media suppression and harassment," Beltran ended. ###

FREEDOM FOR KA BEL,
FREEDOM FOR THE PHILIPPINE PRESS!

Ka Bel's illegal detention delays deliberation of wage hike bill and labor-related bills in Congress

KILUSANG MAYO UNO
(May First Labor Center)
TAGAPAMANDILA NG TUNAY NA UNYONISMO
No. 63 Narra St. Bgy. Claro, Proj. 3 Quezon City
Telefax 421-0768, 421-0986 kilusangmayouno@gmail.com

NEWS RELEASE
March 16, 2006

Ka Bel's illegal detention delays deliberation of wage hike bill and labor-related bills in Congress - KMU

Congressional Committee on Labor and Employment Chair Rep. Roseller Barinaga admitted his committee is having a hard time deliberating labor-related bills due to the continued detention of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran.

The solon said the COCLE is set to discuss the amendments to House Bill 345 or the P125 wage hike bill next week and they need Ka Bel to impart his important ideas and suggestions for the benefit of workers. He also reiterated demands for Ka Bel's immediate release or transfer from Camp Crame during the Labor Parliamentarians Media Forum held at the Mitra Hall in the House of Representatives this morning.

The activity spearheaded by Free Ka Bel Movement and Anakpawis Party List, gathered various national labor centers including Kilusang Mayo Uno, Partido ng Manggagawa, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Labor Alliance for Better Order and Reforms and other labor federations and trade unions.

"Ka Bel's valuable contribution to the advancement of workers' interests is highly-respected and recognized by his colleagues in Congress as well as all labor centers and workers nationwide. With Ka Bel's enduring illegal detention, the Arroyo government consciously delays government projects and bills for workers and the people. Labor groups are now in further unity to demand Ka Bel's urgent and unconditional release," said KMU Chairperson Elmer Labog.

Labog stressed that the unity forged by all labor centers will translate to more mass actions inside and outside factories, workplaces and industrial zones. "Labor groups are united to press the P125 wage hike bill and seek justice for Ka Bel and all workers. We will not falter in defending our hard-earned economic and democratic rights in all ways possible.

Tomorrow, workers will march from Plaza Miranda to Mendiola to bring forth their demands to Malacanang. "We will declare Mrs. Arroyo as "Workers enemy No. 1" and will further call for her ouster," Labog concluded. ###

California Assembly Member Jackie Goldberg Asks Philippine Government to Release Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran

Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP)

MediaAdvisory
March 10, 2006*

Reference: Arturo P. Garcia (213) 241-0995

California Assembly Member Jackie Goldberg Asks Philippine Government to Release Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran

Los Angeles – Assembly member Jackie Goldberg of the 45th District of California signed today March 10, 2006 the Statement of Concern initiated by the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) and signed by a growing number of different labor, church, community and human rights leaders in the United States.

The statement condemns the declaration of a state of emergency in the Philippines by Gloria Arroyo. The statement also demands the immediate and unconditional release of Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Representative Crispin Beltran who remains incarcerated in Camp Crame after being arrested when the state of emergency was declared in the Philippines.

Assembly member Jackie Goldberg was a well-known student activist in the University of California in Berkeley and later a very staunch community advocate. She has been supportive of the Filipino American community which comprises a significant constituency of her district – the North Hollywood, District 13 in Los Angeles and her state assembly district – the 45thDistrict in California. #

Even police rank-and-file would benefit from Ka Bel's Congress lobbying for higher wages

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news
NEWS RELEASE
March 11, 2006


Bring Rep. Beltran to Congress and to a hospital of his own choice, wife
urges PNP
Even police rank-and-file would benefit from Ka Bel's Congress lobbying for
higher wages

There is nothing to lose for the employees of the Philippine National Police
(PNP) if their Director-General Arturo Lomibao honors Anakpawis Rep. Crispin
Beltran's request to attend Congressional budget hearings under police
custody, the wife of the illegally-detained solon said at a Treehouse press
conference in Quezon City this morning.

Mrs. Rosario "Ka Osang" Beltran, 64 years old, said that "even the police
rank-and-file would benefit should Rep. Beltran be successful in his bid to
gather support for legislation such as House Bills 1064, which provides for
a P3,000 across-the-board salary increase for government employees,
including the police rank-and-file."

Rep. Beltran yesterday wrote a formal letter to Lomibao, requesting that he
be allowed to attend the Congressional plenary hearings from March 13 to 15
next week under police custody. "Because of your foolish and canine
obedience to the directives of a dubious, paranoid, kleptocratic, and
treasonous president, assisted by her even more paranoid Secretary of the
Department of (In)justice, Congress is now getting back at you, by differing
consideration of your budget to the prejudices of the poverty-devastated
police rank-and-file. This situation must not be allowed to persist," Rep.
Beltran wrote in a letter dated March 10 inside the PNP General Hospital.

"Mas masahol pa sa pagkakakulong niya noong Batas Militar and dinadanas ng
aking asawa ngayon," Mrs. Beltran said of the 73-year old fiery labor
leader. "Walang-awa at 'di-makatarungan na siya ay itapon ng katulad nito sa
kulungan, sa kabila ng kanyang edad, sakit, at mga tungkulin bilang
mambabatas," she said.

"Ang 'di makatarungang pagkakapiit na ito ay lalong nagpapalala sa kanyang
kondisyon. Lalong nagdudulot ng stress at galit sa asawa ko ang maranasan
muli na lapastanganin ang kanyang karapatan bilang Pilipino, sibilyan, at
progresibong mambabatas. At ang sapilitang paghihiwalay sa kanyang dating
gawain sa Kongreso ay nakapagpapabigat ng kanyang mga inaalala, dahil lalong
naaantala ang laban ng mga progresibong kongresista para sa P125 at P3,000
dagdag-sahod, at pagbabasura sa mga kontra-mahihirap na batas," she said.

While the legal battle over Rep. Beltran's case proceeds, Mrs. Beltran said
that the government should allow him to attend Congress sessions even under
police custody. In times when his medical problems, such as high blood
pressure and diabetes, should recur, "it would still be best to have him
confined in a hospital of his family's choice, instead of the PNP General
Hospital which has still been inadequate in terms of facilities and support
for the past week".

"Nananawagan ako sa Korte upang mailipat ang aking asawa sa isang ospital
kung saan mas maaalagaan at makakakilos ng mahusay ito, habang dinidinggin
ng korte ang mga walang-katotohanang paratang sa kanya ng administrasyong
Arroyo. Nananawagan din sa mga kinauukulan na bigyang-puwang ang kanyang mga
gawain bilang isang mahusay na mambabatas. Bigyan siya ng pahintulot na
dumalo sa mga plenaryo, hearing sa ilalim ng police custody upang
mapagpatuloy ni Ka Bel ang paglilingkod sa sambayanang Pilipino," Mrs.
Beltran said. ###

Letter of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran to PNP Director-General Arturo Lomibao

*Letter of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran to PNP Director-General Arturo
Lomibao*



March 10, 2006

10:00 AM, Inside PNP General-Hospital

Director-General Arturo Lomibao

PNP, Camp Crame, Quezon City



Re: Urgent request to be police-escorted to and from [the] House of
Representatives on March 13-15, to attend plenary sessions



Dear General Lomibao:



In line with my commitment to do my best to get out of this illegal
detention and be with the people in their fight both inside and outside of
the Congress, I urgently request that I be escorted by your police officers
to, and from, Congress on March 13-15 to attend the plenary sessions.



Because of your foolish and canine obedience to the directives of a dubious,
paranoid, kleptocratic, and treasonous president, assisted by her more
paranoid Secretary of the Department of (In)justice, Congress is now getting
back at you, by differing consideration of your budget to the prejudice of
the poverty-devastated police rank-and-file. This situation must not be
allowed to persist!



Hence, I intend to aruge for HB 1064, which provides for a P3,000 monthly
salary increase of all public sector employees, including the police, and
the House Resolution Committee Report No. 0345 for P125 across-the-board
daily wage increase for workers in the private sector.



Absolutely necessary is the repeal of PD 1177 which, during Martial Law,
allowed the President to automatically appropriate for foreign
debt-servicing, which means the Congress has been under a presidential coup
since 1977 to date. Today, this amount is one-third (1/3) of the 2006
national budget!



Repealing PD 1177 will liberate and rechannel huge funds for salaries,
education, health, shelter, and other economic and social services
ala-Argentina.

Thank you!



(SGD.)

Crispin Beltran



Copy furnished:

1. Secretary-General, House of Represenatatives, 2. Members of the
House

Bring me to Congress for Monday's plenary sessions

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran *

Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email:
crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news





*NEWS RELEASE *

*March 10, 2006*

"If helping the poor is a crime,

and fighting for freedom is rebellion,

then I plead guilty as charged."

--Crispin Beltran, August 1982 Supreme Court hearing



* *

Bring me to Congress for Monday's plenary sessions,

Rep. Beltran requests PNP

* *

Illegally-detained Anakpawis Congressman Crispin Beltran intends to attend
next week's plenary sessions at the House of Representatives, calling on the
Philippine National Police (PNP) to escort him from Camp Crame to Congress
from March 13 to 15.



In a handwritten letter addressed to PNP Director-General Arturo Lomibao,
Rep. Beltran requested for police escorts to and from the House of
Representatives from March 13 to 15, in order to attend plenary sessions.



Beltran expressed intentions to specifically lobby for the passage of the
P125 across-the-board wage hike bill for private-sector workers, the P3,000
across-the-board salary hike for government employees, and the repeal of the
Presidential Decree 1177, which allows for the automatic budgetary
appropriations for debt servicing.



While in illegal detention at Camp Crame, Rep. Beltran expressed
apprehensions over his absence at the ongoing hearings on the national
budget, particularly for appropriations concerning the welfare of the labor
sector, urban poor, migrants, and land reform.



The letter was distributed to Gen. Lomibao and Hon. Roberto Nazareno,
Secretary-General of the House of Representatives earlier this morning. No
response from the PNP has been registered as of this afternoon. ###

slams "Dept of No Justice" for coddling big-time smugglers while clamping down on peoples' leaders

*From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran *
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email:
crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news


MARCH 8, 2006



*DOJ has done a great injustice to my husband, Cong. Beltran's wife laments*

*slams "Dept of No Justice" for coddling big-time smugglers while clamping
down on peoples' leaders *

* *

*It's not only the police who are in an uproar over the court's recommended
release of suspected smuggling lord Samuel Lee. The family of illegally
detained Anakpawis Congressman Crispin B. Beltran is also crying foul over
recent reports of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court' release order for
Lee despite the charge of bribery lodged against him, saying that . *

* *

*"Why is the court suddenly recommending the release of Samuel Lee, who
reportedly has close ties with the First Family? **This justice system is
arresting and jailing innocent and patriotic people like my husband and
letting the real criminals go away scot-free," an infuriated Rosario
Beltran, the wife of Cong. Crispin Beltran, said. *

* *

*"There are so many corrupt government officials, so many smugglers, illegal
loggers, jueteng lords, murderers, and criminals on the loose in our
country, why can't the justice system finally clamp down on all of them?
Instead, the courts are allowing savages like these to go free, while
condoning the state's political repression of progressive party list
representatives like my husband,| she said. *

* *

*"In this country, those who serve the people and work for national freedom
are the ones who are being jailed as criminals," she said.*

* *

*"The DoJ has done a great injustice to my husband. It only goes to show how
rotten and dysfunctional our justice system is becoming under the Arroyo
administration. **The Department of Justice is coddling big-time smugglers
and clamping down on peoples' leaders. **It should be renamed the Department
of Injustice or the Department of No Justice," she added. ** *

* *

*"If this is the way our justice system is turning out to be, then do not be
surprised why more and more people are turning away in disgust at the
government and looking to other avenues for social change. My husband's
anger at the way things are going is an outburst of despair from an
honorable man who survived the hell of Martial Law, but are being made to go
through the same injustices twenty (20) years later," Mrs. Beltran said. *

* *

*"Ka Bel is doing all he can to call for social change within the due
process of the law and the framework of party list representation, calling
for basic social reforms such as the P125 and P3,000 across-the-board wage
hikes. He has also shown himself to be willing to undergo the procedures of
law, but this administration is really *

* *

*Mrs. Beltran also expressed renewed apprehensions for Cong. Beltran's
health. *

* *

*"Last week, while inside his cramped and poorly-ventilated detention cell,
my husband (Crispin Beltran) had recurring nightmares of being tortured,"
Mrs. Beltran said, "Now, he is barely able to walk since the hearing at the
**Makati** Regional Trial Court hearing yesterday. Namamaga ang binti niya,"
she said. ###*

Union leader missing, family suspects of abduction

Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR)
Rm. 702 Culmat Building 127 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Brgy. Mariana, Quezon City
Telefax: 7210241 email address: ctuhr.gmail.com, philtu_rights@yahoo.com


March 8, 2006
News release

Union leader missing, family suspects of abduction

Rogelio Concepcion, 36, and officer-in-charge of Solid Development Corp. Workers Association (SDCWA) in Brgy Mataas na Parang, San Ildefonso, Bulcan, has been missing since 10:00 at night of March 6, 2006 and family fears that he was abducted by suspected members of the 24th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Rogelio’s wife, Marissa Concepcion reported that her family was alarmed when Rogelio did not go home after his 10:00pm work schedule, which he has not done in the past. Marissa added that she spotted a suspicious van parked near their house in the afternoon of March 6 and it stayed until late in the evening. Concepcion’s family and co-workers suspect the military as behind his abduction.

According to the of Kilusan ng Manggagawa sa Bulacan (KMB), since November 2005, members of the 24th Infantry Battalion under the command of Gen Jovito Palparan’s 7th ID, entered the factory of Solid Development Corp. and conducted `military census’ on the workers of Solid Development. Concepcion and Ador Vasalio, the former president of the union reported constant surveillance as both of their houses were being watched. KMB also revealed that the military has been looking for Vasalio in belief that he is a member of New People’s Army.

On May last year, the union staged a strike because of the management’s refusal to recognize the union despite the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) decision declaring the union as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent.

Solid Development Corporation in San Ildefonso, Bulacan is a manufacturing company that produces thread.

As of the present, the military are still stationed within the Solid Development Compound while Concepcion is still missing. #

Mensahe ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news


"If helping the poor is a crime,
and fighting for freedom is rebellion,
then I plead guilty as charged."
--Crispin Beltran, August 1982 Supreme Court hearing

Mensahe ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan
Marso 8, 2006

Pinakamataas at pinakamaalab na pagpupugay sa kababaihang nakikibaka para sa tunay na kalayaan at panlipunang pagbabago!

Tanda ang Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan ng patuloy na isinusulong na pakikibaka ng kababaihang anakpawis para sa kalayaan, sahod, lupa, trabaho, at karapatan. Sa loob at labas ng Kongreso, patuloy nating iginigiit ang P125 at P3,000 across-the-board na dagdag-sahod para sa mga manggagawa sa pribado at pampublikong sektor, upang pakinabangan ng milyun-milyong pamilyang Pilipino. Ang kababaihang anakpawis din ay
kabilang sa mga nasa harap ng pakikibaka laban sa pag-iral ng mga kontra-mamamayang batas katulad ng pahirap na dagdag na Value Added Tax, ang mapanlinlang na Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), at ng Oil Deregulation Law na pabor sa mga ganid na kumpanya ng langis. Araw rin ito ng higit nating pagtutol sa mga patakaran ng kontraktuwalisasyon at mababang sahod, na pangunahing sumasalanta sa mga babaeng manggagawa sa buong kapuluan.

Ang ika-8 ng Marso ay hindi lang isang Araw ng Pagdiriwang. Araw rin
ito ng Protesta laban sa isang Pangulong na nagdulot ng gutom at gulo
sa ating bayan. Sa kabila ng mga praise release ng rehimeng Arroyo
hinggil sa diumanong pag-angat ng ekonomiyang Pilipino, ramdam ng
sambayanang Pilipino ang kirot ng kakapusan at talim ng pasistang
pangil ng estado.

Isinusuka at kinamumuhian natin ang babaeng nakaluklok ngayon sa
Palasyo, na nagbabalatkayong Inang Bayan ngunit tumatalikod sa
tungkuling arugain ang nagugutom na sambayanan. Masahol pa sa asong
ulol ang huwad na Pangulo sa kanyang panggigipit sa mamayan at sa mga
makabayang lider-anakpawis, ngunit isang tutang tiklop ang buntot sa
dikta ng dayuhang kapitalista.
Anti-women wanti poo r anti-nationa

Ipinagbubunyi natin ang matalas at matibay na paninindigan ng
kababaihang anakpawis at kilusang kababaihan laban sa mga huwad,
gahaman, mapanupil at pahirap na rehimen ni Gng. Arroyo. Ipinamamalas
ng mga katulad ni Gabriela Women's Party Rep. Liza Maza ang diwa ng
pakikibaka na sinimulan nina Gabriela Silang sa kanyang paglaban noong
panahon ng kolonyalistang Espanol. Sa harap ng banta ng estado ng
ilegal na aresto patuloy pa ring gumagampan ng gawain bilang
kongresistang kumakatawan sa mamamayan.

Ipinapagpatuloy ng mga babaeng lider-manggagawa ang diwa ng mga Lisa
Balando, na pinaslang ng mga tropa ng estado sa isang rali sa tapat ng
Kongreso noong Mayo 1, 1971, panahon ng Batas Militar, sa kanilang
araw-araw na paninindigan para sa karapatan at kapakanan sa loob at
labas ng pabrika. Nagbibigay-pugay ako dahil patuloy na umaalab ang
apoy ng dantaong pakikibaka sa inyong puso at diwa, mga babae at
kasama. Mabuhay ang lahat ng kababaihang tumitindig para sa
katotohanan at kalayaan!

Mabuhay ang mga bagong Gabriela ng ating panahon! Mabuhay ang
sambayanang Pilipino! Isulong ang laban hanggang sa tagumpay!

Cong. Beltran attends court hearing today

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news
NEWS RELEASE
March 7, 2006

Cong. Beltran attends court hearing today
Gov't prosecutors given seven days to refute motion filed by Rep.
Beltran's lawyers


The state prosecutor who gave Anakpawis Cong. Crispin Beltran and his
lawyer Atty. Romeo T. Capulong only ten minutes to probe the rebellion
charge filed against Beltran was given an entire week to answer to the
latter's refutations.

The Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 138 has given government
prosecutors seven days to refute the Motion for Judicial Determination
of Probable Cause filed by Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran's lawyers.

Department of Justice Prosecutor Emanuel Velasco will have until March
14 to submit comments and additional evidence, as ordered by MRTC
Branch 138 Presiding Judge Sixto Maretta, Jr.

The hearing today proceeded as scheduled at 10:00. As ordered by Judge
Maretta at the yesterday, Rep. Beltran's military custodians brought
him from Camp Crame to the MRTC to attend the hearing.

Rep. Beltran's legal counsels from the Public Interest Law Center
(PILC) refuted several of the charges against Beltran, in the
rebellion case filed against him by the PNP and the DOJ at the inquest
presided over by Velasco.

Velasco was the state prosecutor who gave Rep. Beltran and Atty.
Capulong only ten minutes to go through the rebellion charges filed
against the former at the inquest last Monday, February 27.

Atty. Romeo T. Capulong presented 'incontrovertible evidence' against
the rebellion charge, challenging the charges as "pure concoctions".
"Rep. Beltran's name was not mentioned in the supposed documents
[presented by the PNP in their complaint to the DOJ]," Atty. Capulong
noted, saying this was also exacerbated "by the bias and partiality of
the public prosecutors in the case".

Atty. Capulong presented evidence refuting accusations that Rep.
Beltran allegedly attended the 10th Plenum of the Communist Party of
the Philippines for six months from August 1992 to February 1993,
including Rep. Beltran's planner of activities for 1992, and his
passport issued in 1990 with an expiry date of 1995, emphasizing that
the documents show that Beltran even logged in travels to Osaka, Japan
and France during the supposed period of the plenum.

The court acceded to Prosecutor Velasco's motion, giving him seven (7)
days to answer to the motion. ###

Arroyo regime will not threaten me into silence --Rep. Beltran

*From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran *

Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email:
*crispinbeltran@gmail.com
*

URL: http://* www.geocities.com/ap_news *


*NEWS RELEASE March 7, 2006 *


*Arroyo regime will not threaten me into silence--Rep. Beltran*


In his first public appearance since his illegal arrest and detention last
February 25, Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran will be speaking out against the
illegality and arbitrariness of his arrest and continuing detention,
castigating Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye,
the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ)
Secretary Raul Gonzales for "the current state of intensifying political
repression that they have imposed on the entire Filipino people".


The court hearing on a motion filed by Rep. Beltran's legal counsels will
start today. Attys. Romeo T. Capulong, Rachel F. Pastores, and Amylyn B.
Sato of the Public Interest Law Center (PILC) submitted a Motion for
Judicial Determination of Probable Cause on Criminal Case No. 06-452
entitled People of the Philippines vs. Lawrence San Juan, Crispin Beltran,
et al, now pending before the Regional Trial Court of Makati City, Branch
137.


The hearing was initially held yesterday as scheduled at the MRTC. Rep.
Beltran was prevented from attending the hearing due to the PNP's
non-issuance of a permit for Rep. Beltran to do so. Presiding Judge Sixto
Maretta, Jr. of the RTC Branch 138, however, yesterday ordered Rep.
Beltran's military custodians to produce him before the court today at 10
AM.


At today continuation of the hearing, Rep. Beltran will be allowed to show
by controverting evidence that his arrest was unlawful, his detention
arbitrary, and his illegal arrest and indefinite detention in violation of
his parliamentary immunity from arrest, according to Rep. Beltran's counsels
from the PILC. Rep. Beltran will also prove that there is absolutely no
basis to prosecute him for the charge of rebellion and that the prosecutors
involved in his detention acted in violation of his constitutional rights
and pertinent rules of court.


Rep. Beltran also slammed the 'creeping state of *de facto* Martial Law
imposed by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her cohorts'."I am not thankful
in any way for the lifting of Presidential "imposition" 1017, since it has
effectively put in place mechanisms for further political repression and
violations of civil liberties and press freedom by the state," he said.


"The Arroyo dictatorship should be held liable for the creeping media
censorship and the dastardly human rights violations against progressive
parliamentarians it has committed under the pretext of quelling a 'state of
emergency', including my illegal arrest and arbitrary detention and the
political harassment against the five other party list representatives
Rafael Mariano, Liza Maza, Satur Ocampo, Joel Virador, and Teddy Casino,"
Rep. Beltran said.


Rep. Beltran's family have also been calling for the immediate release of Ka
Bel on humanitarian grounds. The 73-year old Beltran, a recovering stroke
victim and diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes, has been confined at
the PNP General Hospital since March 2 for unstable blood pressure levels.


In spite of his deteriorating health, Rep. Beltran vowed to fight against
the 'political repression that this illegal, corrupt, fascist, and anti-poor
regime is waging against its staunchest critics'.


"The Arroyo regime will never be able to threaten me into silence. I will
continue to struggle and speak out for national democracy and freedom in the
streets, in Congress, in the courts, and even in jail," Rep. Beltran said.
###

MEDIA ADVISORY: ON KA BEL'S APPEAL

MEDIA ADVISORY

*March 06, 2006 *

*ATTENTION: NEWS DESKS *

*HEARING*
*ON KA BEL'S APPEAL*
*TOMORROW*

* *




*"If helping the poor is a crime,*
*and fighting for freedom is rebellion,*
*then I plead guilty as charged. *
--Crispin Beltran, August 1982 Supreme Court hearing**



Today from 8:30 to 9:30 AM, Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran's legal counsels
from the Public Interest Law Center (PILC) attended the hearing on their
Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause, filed at the Makati
Regional Trial Court, Branch 137.



The hearing will resume *tomorrow, March 7, at 10:00 AM at the Branch 137 of
the Regional Trial Court of Makati,* where Congressman Beltran will be
allowed to show that his arrest was unlawful, his detention arbitrary, and
his detention unjust. He will prove that there is absolutely no basis to
prosecute him for the charge of rebellion.



*HEARING on the Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause*

*filed by Cong. Beltran's legal counsels*

MARCH 7 (Tuesday), 10:00 AM
Makati Regional Trial Court, Branch 137

Protest picket led by the Free Ka Bel Movement, Kilusang Mayo Uno, and
Anakpawis to be held outside RTC.



Media coverage of this hearing is humbly requested.

Photo opportunities available.



*For inquiries, please contact Lisa Ito at (0927-7967006)*

*or Anakpawis National Headquarters at 4269442 .*

*Thank you very much.*

Statement of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran to the Free Ka Bel Movement

*From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran *

Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email:
crispinbeltran@gmail.com

URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news



*March 6, 2006 *

* *

*Statement of Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran to the Free Ka Bel Movement*

*March 6, 2006, 3:00 AM, Inside Hospital Jail, PNP, Camp Crame, Quezon City*

* *

To: The Free Ka Bel Movement

Recto Hall, Faculty Building, UP Diliman Quezon City



Mga ginagalang na convenors at kasapian:



Malugod na saludo at pagbati!



Maraming salamat sa paglulunsad ninyo ng Free Ka Bel Movement. Higit
kailanman, napapanahon ito.



Alam nating lahat na ang kalayaan ay matayog at mahirap na abutin. Ito rin
ang tila isang panaginip na hangarin. Si Patrick Henry, sa kanyang hangaring
lumaya, ay nagsisigaw, "Give me liberty or give me death." Si Ninoy Aquino
naman, makalipas ang halos dalawang daang taon at sa harap ng hukumang
militar ay sumigaw: "I better die on my feet with honor, than to live on
bended knee in shame!". Tatlong (3) taon matapos siyang patayin, niragasa ng
taongbayan ang diktadura't itinapon ito sa basurahan ng kasaysayan.



Borrowing a few positive notes from Ninoy's uncompromising stand, I said a
few days ago: "I will do my best to get out from this illegal detention, so
I can be with you once again inside and outside Congress."



This was quoted by fourteen (14) Belgian friends in a letter to me on March
2, 2006 (one of the hundreds of foreign support groups) who declared: "We
respect and honor Ka Bel as a spokesperson for the workers and the poor. We
know that the party Anakpawis stands for: national freedom and democracy,
livelihood, genuine respect for human rights, social justice and peace."



Hihintayin pa ba natin ang international strike laban sa Pilipinas?



Hihintayin pa ba natin ang daluyong at tsunami ng bayan na, dahil sa
pagkakakulong at posibleng kamatayan ng anim na (6) na maliliit na 'Ninoy',
at posibelng marami pang isusunod, tulad nina (Gloria Step Down Movement
Spokesperson) Dennis Maga at (KMU leader) Marcial Dabela, ay maaaring
sumambulat?



There are big writings on the wall! Nakapangingilabot, ngunit kailangang
harapin ng masang gutom at galit!



Samantala, napakahalaga ng inyong kilusan―upang maunawaan ng ilegal, ganid,
malupit, at mandarayang mang-aagaw ng trono sa Malakanyang, ang maaari
niyang sapitin kung hindi pa siya agaran at kusang-loob na magresign. Sa
kabilang banda magpapatuloy naman ang (po)pularisasyon at expansyon ng
organisado, palaban, at demokratikong mamamayan.



Sana ay mapakinggan ng Malakanyang ang inyong sinasanib na tinig.



Mabuhay kayo!



*(SGD.) Crispin Beltran *

*"Ka Bel"** *

Free Ka Bel Movement kicks off

*From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran *

Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email:
crispinbeltran@gmail.com

URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news





*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *

*March 6, 2006 *

* *

*Free Ka Bel Movement kicks off*



A broad alliance calling for the immediate and unconditional release of
Anakpawis Congressman Crispin B. Beltran was launched earlier this
afternoon, promising to snowball into a nationwide movement in defense of Ka
Bel's liberties and against political repression.



The 'Free Ka Bel Movement' was launched starting 1 PM at the University of
the Philippines Claro M. Recto Hall, during a forum by the National
Centerfor the Protection of Workers Rights (NCRPW), Kilusang Mayo Uno
(KMU), and
Anakpawis.



Convenors of the Free Ka Bel Movement included former Vice-President
Teofisto Guingona, Cong. Edcel Lagman, Amado Gat Inciong, KMU Chairperson
Elmer Labog, Prof. Ronald Simbulan (UP Faculty Regent), Rosario Beltran
(Cong. Beltran's spouse), Cherry Clemente (Anakpawis Secretary-General), and
Director Joel Lamangan (Co-Chairperson of the NCPWR).



During the forum, Ofelia Balleta, Rep. Beltran's Acting Chief of Staff, read
aloud a handwritten and signed statement by Rep. Beltran for the Free Ka Bel
Movement, composed on March 6, 2006 3:00 AM, inside the 'hospital jail' of
the Philippine National Police General Hospital, Camp Crame.



"Alam nating lahat na ang kalayaan ay matayog at mahirap na abutin. Ito rin
ang tila isang panaginip na hangarin…Hihintayin pa ba natin ang daluyong at
tsunami ng bayan na, dahil sa pagkakakulong at posibleng kamatayan ng anim
na (6) na maliliit na 'Ninoy', at posibelng marami pang isusunod, tulad nina
(Gloria Step Down Movement Spokesperson) Dennis Maga at (KMU leader) Marcial
Dabela, ay maaaring sumambulat?" Rep. Beltran wrote.



"Napakahalaga ng inyong kilusan―upang maunawaan ng illegal, ganid, malupit,
at mandarayang mang-aagaw ng trono sa Malakanyang, ang maaari niyang sapitin
kung hindi pa siya agaran at kusang-loob na magresign. Sa kabilang banda
magpapatuloy naman ang pularisasyon at expansiyon ng organisado, palaban, at
demokratikong mamamaan…Sana ay mapakinggan ng Malakanyang ang inyong
sinasanib na tinig," Rep. Beltran wrote to the members and leaders of the
Free Ka Bel Movement.



Meanwhile, the hearing on the Motion for Judicial Determination of Probably
Cause filed by Beltran's legal counsels from the Public Interest Law Center
(PILC) will be continued tomorrow 10:00 AM at the Branch 138 of the Makati
Regional Trial Court. Rep. Beltran is expected to attend upon the order of
Presding Judge Sixto Marreta Jr. to his military custodians to produce
Beltran before the court tomorrow. ###

Legal battle for Cong. Beltran's liberty starts

*From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran *

Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email:
crispinbeltran@gmail.com

URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news



*NEWS RELEASE March 6, 2006*

* *

*Legal battle for Cong. Beltran's liberty starts*

*Beltran prevented by PNP to appear before court today, ordered to appear
before Makati RTC tomorrow *



Despite the Philippine National Police (PNP)'s refusal to let illegally
jailed Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran attend today's hearing, his legal
counsels have proceeded with a motion seeking to nullify the charges slapped
against the 73-year old parliamentarian and veteran labor leader.



Attys. Romeo T. Capulong, Rachel F. Pastores, and Amylyn B. Sato of the
Public Interest Law Center (PILC) submitted a Motion for Judicial
Determination of Probable Cause on Criminal Case No. 06-452 entitled People
of the Philippines vs. Lawrence San Juan, Crispin Beltran, et al, now
pending before the Regional Trial Court of Makati City, Branch 137.



Rep. Beltran was prepared and all set to attend today's hearing at 8:30 AM
at Branch 137 of the Makati Regional Trial Court. However, no order from the
Philippine National Police (PNP) permitting him to appear before the court
was issued this morning. He remains under military custody at the PNP
General Hospital, where he was confined since last week due to unstable
blood pressure levels.



During the hearing before Presiding Judge Sixto Maretta, Jr. of the RTC
Branch 138, Atty. Capulong narrated the circumstances of Rep. Beltran's
arrest, saying that the arresting officers and operatives of the
PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) violated Section 8,
Rule 113 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure.Atty. Capulong
questioned the validity of the arrest by the CIDG operatives and also noted
a "clear bias and lack of impartiality on the part of the public prosecutors
involved" in the charging and inquest of Cong Beltran.



As there is no probable cause, the case should be dismissed, Rep. Beltrans
attorneys urged. In the PILC's Prefaratory Statement to the Motion, Atty.
Capulong reiterated that the "antecedent facts of the case prove the
following":



(1) There was a deliberate scheme to arrest Cong. Beltran without a
warrant of arrest and to file criminal charges and detain him indefinitely.

(2) The deliberate machination and malicious delay in resolving the
request for the immediate release of Cong. Beltran and in resolving the
inciting to sedition case was purposely intended to await the hasty filing
and questionable conduct of the inquest proceeding for the alleged offence
of rebellion.

(3) This is a serious case of malicious persecution of Cong. Beltran on
account of his political beliefs and activities.

Atty. Capulong suggested that the sedition case be (1) dismissed outright,
(2) subjected to further investigation, and that (3) further proceedings be
conducted.



Judge Maretta set the continuation of the hearing to March 7 (tomorrow) at
10:00 in the morning at the Makati Regional Trial Court. He also ordered
that the accused (Rep. Beltran) be given notice of the hearing and that his
custodians from the Philippine military be ordered to present him at the
hearing tomorrow.



As the hearing was going on, some 50 members of Anakpawis and the Kilusang
Mayo Uno held a short protest action outside the Makati RTC, urging the
immediate and unconditional release of Rep. Beltran and his immediate
transfer to a hospital of his choice. ###

Free Ka Bel Movement

*free ka bel MARCH 6 ACTIVITIES*

KMU and Anakpawis is set to conduct a protest action in connection with the Motion for the Determination of Probable Cause of Beltran's case

---

*OUTSIDE the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) *
*near J.P. Rizal.*
*8: 30 am *

Reference:
KMU Sec.Gen.Joel Maglunsod

---

*Sagot sa panawagan ni Ka Bel: Tuloy ang laban!*
*P125 itaas ang sahod!*
11 am
Piket sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sa Intramuros, Manila

Reference:
Joselito Ustarez, KMU Vice President

---

*LAUNCHING: FREE KA BEL! MOVEMENT*
*PRESS CONFERENCE AND FORUM*
*1 PM, Claro M. Recto Hall at the Faculty Center in UP Diliman, QC.*

The Free Ka Bel Movement is a broad alliance of labor advocates and freedom and democratic-loving individuals and organizations that calls for the immediate release of KMU Emeritus and Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran.

*We are asking for a media coverage. Thank you. For more details, you may contact Prestoline Suyat, KMU Spokesperson @ 09163225642.*

Anakpawis Congressman Crispin B. Beltran and his legal counsels have filed a Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause,

MEDIA ADVISORY
March 05, 2006

ATTENTION: NEWS DESKS

*"If helping the poor is a crime,*
*and fighting for freedom is rebellion,*
*then I plead guilty as charged."***
--Crispin Beltran, August 1982 Supreme Court hearing





After being illegally arrested, unjustly jailed, and charged with sedition
and rebellion, Anakpawis Congressman Crispin B. Beltran and his legal
counsels have filed a *Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause*,
with the aim of dismissing his case and setting the 73-year old labor leader
and four-time 'Most Outstanding Congressman" Awardee free.



The hearing on this motion will start tomorrow, March 6.



*HEARING on the Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause *

*TOMORROW, March 6, MONDAY, 8:30 AM*

Branch 137, Regional Trial Court of Makati

*(under Judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino)*



Media coverage of this hearing is humbly requested.

Photo opportunities available.

*For inquiries, please contact Lisa Ito at (0927-7967007) .*

* Thank you very much. *

Gov't prevents Ka Bel from fulfilling his duties as a public servant

*From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran*
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news

MARCH 6, 2006


*White doves and documents for Cong. Beltran
Gov't prevents Ka Bel from fulfilling his duties as a public servant- staff

*In a bitter twist of irony, it is the Arroyo government that is preventing
Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Congressman Crispin B. Beltran from fulfilling
his duties as a public servant.

As a militant trade union leader of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Ka Bel was
first unjustly arrested and jailed by the Marcos dictatorship on rebellion
charges from 1982 to 1985. Now, more than two decades later under the Arroyo
regime, he faces the same unwelcome prospect of jail as a duly-elected
73-year old congressman of Anakpawis Party List.

But being unjustly and inhumanely jailed by the Arroyo regime will not stop
Rep. Beltran from performing his duties as a Congressional representative of
the Filipino toiling masses. As Rep. Beltran is physically unable to go to
Congress and read all the newspapers, letters, and unsigned papers piling up
on his desk, he has requested his staff to go to Camp Crame and bring these
documents for him to pore over while in police custody. Beltran's staff,
along with numerous sympathizers, will be visiting Ka Bel this afternoon.

These documents include newspapers, letters, and congressional papers, such
as the Order of Business documentation from the Journals Section, minutes of
previous sessions, unsigned resolutions, and press releases. All of these
are slowly piling up on his desk ever since his absence last week.

During his usual working days at Congress, the first thing Rep. Beltran does
upon arriving at the office is to survey the morning papers for updates on
issues concerning workers, peasants, urban poor, and migrants and edit his
press releases for the day. While doing this, he consults with legislative
stadd and scribbles notes or clips articles of particular interest for his
personal files. In between Congressional hearings, sessions, or other
appointments, he pores through readings on various issues, keeping himself
updates with new statistics or developments.

Anakpawis members and students from the University of the Philippines also
dramatized the call to release Ka Bel from the illegal and unjust detention
by setting white doves free in front of the UP Oblation, a traditional
symbol of freedom.

Rep. Beltran was illegally arrested and jailed since February 25 by the CIDG
of the PNP He was first detained in a small solitary cell with poor
ventilation. During his inquest on Monday, charges of rebellion were slapped
against him, to the strong condemnation of his legal counsel Atty. Romeo
Capulong. On Tuesday, Beltran, a recovering stroke victim diagnosed with
hypertension and diabetes, was rushed to the PNP General Hospital for
unstable and high blood pressure levels.


Rep. Beltran will also have a hearing on the rebellion charges filed against
him at the Branch 137 of the Makati Regional Trial Court (under Judge Jenny
Lind Aldecoa Delorino) on March 6 at 8:30 am. Atty. Romeo Capulong of the
Public Interest Law Center (PILC) has filed a Motion for Judicial
Determination of Probable Cause, which will be heard tomorrow.

References: Ofelia Balleta (Acting Chief of Staff) and Lisa Ito (media
officer) at 0927-7967006 or 426-9442.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Unfinished business for Cong. Beltran to be sent to Camp Crame tomorrow

March 04, 2006
ATTENTION: NEWS DESKS

"If helping the poor is a crime,
and fighting for freedom is rebellion,
then I plead guilty as charged."
--Crispin Beltran, August 1982 Supreme Court hearing


It's the government that is ironically preventing Ka Bel from fulfilling his
duties as a public servant.

But being unjustly and inhumanely jailed by the Arroyo regime will not stop
Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran from performing his functions as a
Congressional representative of the Filipino toiling masses.

TOMORROW, Cong. Beltran's staff will bring nearly one kilo worth of unread
and unsigned papers, letters, resolutions, and other 'unfinished business'
for him to read and sign while in Camp Crame, in time for the resumption of
Congress sessions on Monday.

FREE KA BEL NOW!
March 5 (Sunday) activities
10 AM – Militants and UP students release white doves for Ka Bel's release,
University of the Philippines Diliman (in front of the UP Oblation)
11:00 – Cong. Beltran's staff will assemble at the UP Oblation to bring his
papers to Camp Crame
12:00 – Expected arrival at Camp Crame

Media coverage is requested.
Photo opportunities available.

For inquiries, please contact Lisa Ito at (0927-7967007) .
Thank you very much.

Presidential Proclamation 1017 is the real destabilizer

*From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran *

Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email:
crispinbeltran@gmail.com

URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news **

**

*NEWS RELEASE *

March 3, 2006**

*"If helping the poor is a crime,*

*and fighting for freedom is rebellion,*

*then I plead guilty as charged."*

--Crispin Beltran, August 1982 Supreme Court hearing





*Presidential Proclamation 1017 is the real destabilizer-Cong. Beltran*



While currently in confinement at the Philippine National Police (PNP)
General Hospital, Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran issued this statement in
response to news of Presidential Proclamation 1017's lifting earlier this
morning:



*Para sa masa at sambayanan: *

* *

*Taos puso akong bumabati sa inyong maningning at makasaysayang tagumpay.
Ginati ninyo ang halimaw na PP 1017 sa loob lamang ng walong araw. *

* *

*Bahag ang buntot ng diktadurang arroyo binawi ang proklamasyon. Natakot ang
impositor sa namumuong daluyong ng dmokratikong tsunami ng mamamayan na
tiyak na gagapi at tatapon sa reyna ng kadiliman sa basurahan ng kasaysayan.
*

* *

*Bumabati rin ako sa ating mga organisasyon ng masang Anakpawis (toiling
masses) sa Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), sa Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas,
Pamalakaya, Kadamay ,Migrante International, mga kaibigan sa ibayong data
lalo na sa International League for Peoples' Struggles (ILPS) at maraming
iba pa. Espesyal na pasasalamat sa magigiting na manananggol ng bayan sa
pangununa ni Atty. Romeo Capulong ng Public Interest Law Center. *

* *

*Mabuhay kayo. Tuloy ang laban. *

* *

*Crispin Beltran *

*March 3, 2006 12:44 PM*



Beltran also called for his "immediate release and the nullification or
withdrawal of the recent rebellion charges against known opponents of Mrs.
Arroyo".



"These charges against me and the five other party list representatives are
spurious and baseless, meant to suppress the broad movement for GMA's
ouster. These rebellion charges are the fruits of the poisonous tree which
is PP 1017, it must be expunged and all those arrested or threatened with
arrest must be immediately freed," he said.



"Mrs. Arroyo and her cohorts especially Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales, PNP
Chief Arturo Lomibao , Mike Defensor and Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye must
all be held responsible and accountable for the havoc and damages wrought by
PP 1017. The Filipino people have all the more reason to seek the ouster of
GMA and the setting up of a transition council for real national unity,
socio-economic relief, and good governance," Beltran said.



Shortly before his confinement at the Philippine National Police (PNP)
General Hospital yesterday at 12:15 PM, Rep. Crispin Beltran expressed his
condemnation of the Presidential Proclamation 1017 issued by Mrs. Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo.



A handwritten and signed note by Rep. Beltran dated March 2, 2006 at 1:30
AM, composed inside the maximum security detention cell No. 3, Building
'Bravo', PNP Custodial Detention, Camp Crame, reads as follows:



*"PP-1017 is currently the DESTABILIZER "par excellence" with brutal
efficiency. The hungry and angry must kill this animal of gluttony and
tyranny. The imposition must be swept away by the democratic human tsunami
into the dustbin of history. I am committed to partake in this rare lexicon
for rational freedom and democracy!"*



*Release for illegal detention is best way to stabilize Beltran's health*



As of this morning, Rep. Beltran's medical condition has slowly stabilized,
with a blood pressure of 140/80 as of 10 AM.



So far, laboratory tests on Beltran (ECG, urine and stool tests) have
yielded normal results. Beltran is also taking continuous maintenance
medicine for hypertension every eight hours, says Olive Lalusis, Beltran's
daughter who is currently monitoring his condition.



"He is getting better. But release from illegal and inhumane detention, and
the dropping of these false charges, is still the best way to stabilize our
father's health," Lalusis said.



Meanwhile, Atty. Amylyn Sato of the Public Interest Law Center (PILC), which
represents Cong. Beltran, said that Criminal Case No. 132943 (Inciting to
Sedition) field against Beltran on February 27 has been already raffled off
to the Branch 43 Metropolitan Trial Court in Quezon City. No warrant of
arrest has been issued as of press time. Beltran's charge of rebellion was
raffled to the Regional Trial Court of Makati Bracnh 137 of Makati.



Sato said that the PILC is currently eyeing possible legal measures against
the said charges. ###*

Presidential Proclamation 1017 is the real destabilizer

*From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran *

Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email:
crispinbeltran@gmail.com

URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news **

**

*NEWS RELEASE *

March 2, 2006**

*"If helping the poor is a crime,*

*and fighting for freedom is rebellion,*

*then I plead guilty as charged."*

--Crispin Beltran, August 1982 Supreme Court hearing





*Presidential Proclamation 1017 is the real destabilizer-Cong. Beltran*





Shortly before his confinement at the Philippine National Police (PNP)
General Hospital yesterday at 12:15 PM, Rep. Crispin Beltran expressed his
condemnation of the Presidential Proclamation 1017 issued by Mrs. Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo.



A handwritten note by Rep. Beltran dated March 2, 2006 at 1:30 AM, composed
inside the maximum security detention cell No. 3, Building 'Bravo', PNP
Custodial Detention, Camp Crame, reads as follows:



*"PP-1017 is currently the DESTABILIZER "par excellence" with brutal
efficiency. The hungry and angry must kill this animal of gluttony and
tyranny. The imposition must be swept away by the democratic human tsunami
into the dustbin of history. I am committed to partake in this rare lexicon
for rational freedom and democracy!"* (SGD.) Crispin Beltran



As of this morning, Rep. Beltran's medical condition has stabilized, with a
blood pressure of 140/80.

* *

World outrage at Cong. Beltran's arrest grows

*From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran *

Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006

Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email:
crispinbeltran@gmail.com

URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news **

**

*NEWS RELEASE *

March 2, 2006**

*"If helping the poor is a crime,*
*and fighting for freedom is rebellion,*
*then I plead guilty as charged."*
--Crispin Beltran, August 1982 Supreme Court hearing

* *

*World outrage at Cong. Beltran's arrest grows*

*Ka Bel moved to tears at show of international solidarity vs political
repression*



The illegal arrest and detention of Anakpawis solon Rep. Crispin "Ka Bel"
Beltran is beginning to draw outrage from the international community, as
the steady influx of support statements to Anakpawis, Bagong Alyansang
Makabayan (BAYAN) and the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)'s emails shows.



Prior to his confinement at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General
Hospital yesterday for hypertension,

Individuals and organizations from at least 17 countries have written
letters of protest addressed to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo condemning
the illegal and unconstitutional arrest of Cong. Crispin Beltran after the
announcement of Presidential Proclamation 1017.



Letters (sent through email), photographs, and support statements from
Canada, the United States, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Korea,
Australia, India, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Malaysia, Belgium, Norway, Italy,
Greece and Hong Kong have been steadily filling the inbox of Cong. Beltran's
emails. The letter writers range from international human rights
organizations, Filipino immigrants, foreign trade unions and confederations,
Malaysian students and Nepalese peasants.



Many also condemned the arrest of Gloria Step Down Movement (GSM)
Spokesperson Dennis Maga and KMU member Marcial Badela Monday by the police,
while attempting to visit Beltran at Camp Crame, and the attempts to arrest
five other progressive partylist representatives Rafael Mariano of
Anakpawis, Satur Ocampo, Joel Virador, and Teddy Casino of Bayan Muna, and
Liza Maza of Gabriela.



Many of them castigated Pres. Arroyo for her administration's violation of
human rights.



"The British Columbia Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (BCCHRP)
has publically and widely denounced the illegal and anti-democratic and
inhumane declaration of Emergency Rule in the Philippines. Having
investigated the human rights situation in the Philippines on an ongoing
basis, we are aware that your record of human rights violations is the worst
in Philippines history and one of the worst in the world. We are working to
draw attention to this irrefutable fact," wrote BCCHRP chairperson Barbara
Waldern.



Canadian-based Anti-GATT-WTO activist Aziz Choudry slammed Beltran's illegal
detention as a sign of *de facto* Martial Law. "I note that the charge which
has been used as a pretext to arrest and detain Congressman Beltran dates
back some twenty years to the martial law era, and am greatly concerned that
the politically repressive actions of your government are more in keeping
with the Marcos era than those of a supposedly parliamentary democracy,"
Choudry wrote.



Solicitor Luningning Alcuitas-Imperial of Lawyers Rights Watch Canada, a
Vancouver-based NGO in special consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council of the United Nations, wrote to Pres. Arroyo on March 1.



*"*We remind you that the Philippine Government is a signatory to the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and that it is also a party to all the
major Human Rights instruments. In particular, we remind you that your
government is a signatory to the International Convention on Civil and
Political Rights, which has an established mechanism to monitor its
implementation. Your government is bound to observe all provisions of the
said instruments," Imperial wrote.



Many concerned citizens are also writing to their respective governments to
condemn the Arroyo administation's human rights violations.


University of Auckland Law Faculty Prof. Jane Kelsey: wrote to New Zealand
Prime Minister Helen Clark, saying "As Prime Minister you are in a unique
position to repeat the stand you took in the 1980s. I urge you to convey,
publicly, to President Arroyo's representative the New Zealand government's
condemnation of the state of emergency and the Philippine government's
breach of its international human rights obligations. I also urge you to
demand the immediate release of those who have been detained and endorse
calls from the Philippines for an independent fact-finding and investigation
team composed of representatives from human rights groups, the Church, local
government, and the Commission on Human Rights to inquire into the illegal
arrest and detention of Congressman Crisipin Beltran."*

*

Cong. Beltran was moved to tears after reading the first batch of letters in
his cell last Monday, wife Rosario Beltran says.



Copies of the letters and support statements may be procured from the Office
of Rep. Beltran.

Cong. Crispin Beltran on PP 1017

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news


A MESSAGE TO MEDIA FROM CONG. CRISPIN BELTRAN
(Text from a short note handwritten by Cong. Crispin Beltran on March 2,
2006)

By: Rep. Crispin Beltran
(March 2, 2006 at 1:30 AM,
inside maximum security detention cell
No. 3, Building 'Bravo', PNP Custodial Detention,
Camp Crame, QC.)

PP-1017 is currently the DESTABILIZER "par excellence" with brutal
efficiency.
The hungry and angry must kill this animal of gluttony and tyranny.

The imposition must be swept away by the democratic human tsunami into the
dustbin of history.

I am committed to partake in this rare lexicon for rational freedom and
democracy!

(SGD.)
Crispin Beltran

Labor group calls for continued vigilance until PP 1017 lift

From: KILUSANG MAYO UNO

NEWS RELEASE
March 1, 2006

Labor group calls for continued vigilance until PP 1017 lift

The militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) calls on members of the media, lawyers, academic professionals and all progressive organizations and democratic-loving Filipinos to openly and aggressively continue protests for the immediate lifting of Presidential Proclamation 1017 after the Malaca�ang issued a statement on the state of national emergency this morning.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today said the Palace will decide to lift the state of national emergency after 24 to 72 hours awaiting reports from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of National Defense (DND), and Philippine National Police (PNP) regarding the state of destabilization plots, troop control, and general peace and order situation.

KMU National Chairman Elmer Labog said that different sectors should continue defiance of PP1017 on the streets, schools, factories and communities. We must carry on with the fight to defend democracy. It is apparent that Mrs. Arroyo is shaken by the strong protests by the different sectors opposite to her claim that the people accepted her proclamation calmly and peacefully."

The labor leader asked, "How else will the people react calmly as she claimed when the PP 1017 bluntly attacked the democratic, civil and political rights of the people preceding rally bans and crackdown on progressive lawmakers? Arroyo's double talk on PP1017 as a decisive act to preserve democracy is rubbish. Workers are determined to fight Arroyo's brand of autocracy."

Countdown to March 8 protests

Women workers warns of defying rally ban on Int'l Women's Day

A week before the celebration of the international women's day, KMU Women's Department Secretary Nenita Gonzaga said, "Women workers won't be cowed and deterred on March 8 in assembling and expressing our abhorrence and anger to this administration's state of emergency."

"It is a shame that a woman-president should be the one to put democracy to yet another death. Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's proclamation and the preceding events of arresting Anakpawis Rep. and KMU Emeritus Chairperson Crispin Beltran further revealed her true skin as an anti-worker and anti-people president. But we should not be afraid, we should continue to fight," she stressed.

The labor leader said that the preceding rally bans and charging of progressive lawmakers were also the situation under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. She remembered that political repression was at its height at the same time when workers are being paid inhumane wages amidst spiraling prices of basic commodities and services. While workers conduct strikes to fight this miserable plight, the regime ban strikes and attack picket lines.

Gonzaga is a veteran-woman-labor-leader who also suffered repression during Marcos regime. She was a staff of National Federation of Labor Unions (NAFLU) during the martial law years when Felixberto "Ka Bert" Olalia was a NAFLU Chairman.

Gonzaga was apprehended on Sept. 23. 1972, two days after the declaration of Martial Law on Sept. 21. She said the military took her primarily to frighten and bribe her to turn her and speak against Olalia. But she said that she remained steadfast and loyal to the workers cause.

Meanwhile, KMU International Department Secretary Tess Dioquino said that women workers from other countries are in solidarity in condemning the arrest of Beltran and other progressive lawmakers. National Alliance of Philippine Women in Canada, Grassroots Women, Australian Manufacturing Workers, Filipino Resource Center (FRC), All Pakistan Trade Union Federation, Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and individuals from Brussels, Belgium, Malaysia and many more expressed support for Beltran.###

A MESSAGE TO MEDIA FROM CONG. CRISPIN BELTRAN

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news


A MESSAGE TO MEDIA FROM CONG. CRISPIN BELTRAN
(Text from a short note handwritten by Cong. Crispin Beltran on March 2, 2006)

By: Rep. Crispin Beltran
(March 2, 2006 at 1:30 AM, inside maximum security detention cell No. 3, Building 'Bravo', PNP Custodial Detention, Camp Crame, QC.)

PP-1017 is currently the DESTABILIZER "par excellence" with brutal efficiency. The hungry and angry must kill this animal of gluttony and tyranny.

The imposition must be swept away by the democratic human tsunami into the dustbin of history.

I am committed to partake in this rare lexicon for rational freedom and democracy!

(SGD.)
Crispin Beltran

A CALL TO OUR FRIENDS IN MEDIA

March 02, 2006
URGENT ATTENTION:


A CALL TO OUR FRIENDS IN MEDIA:

Cong. Crispin Beltran's blood pressure remains in unstable condition ever
since being admitted to the Philippine National Police General Hospital at
12:15 PM today.

His condition has to be closely monitored
for the next 72 hours.

Cong. Beltran has been diagnosed with hypertension and is recovering from a
mild stroke. His illegal arrest and incarceration in Camp Crame have
contributed to his deteriorating plight. Anakpawis and Cong. Beltran's
family are calling for Ka Bel's immediate transfer to a hospital of his
choice on humanitarian grounds.

We are requesting for your vigilance in monitoring Cong. Beltran's condition
at this most crucial time.

For inquiries, please contact Lisa (0927-7967007) or Yolly
(0922-8122982) .
Thank you very much.

Cong. Beltran transferred to PNP Hospital for hypertension

From the Office of Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran
Lisa C. Ito, Public Information Officer (+63)927.796.7006
Tel. # (+632) 426-9442 Email: crispinbeltran@gmail.com
URL: http:// www.geocities.com/ap_news



March 02, 2006
NEWS RELEASE

Cong. Beltran transferred to PNP Hospital for hypertension

Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran is currently confined at the Room No. 1 of
the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital for hypertension.

According to PNP-GH Head Nurse Maj. Geraldine Adaglao, he was admitted to
the Emergency Room at around 11:30 AM today for hypertension, with a blood
pressure level of 170/100. He was admitted to the hospital proper at 12:15
p.m. today.

As of 1:30 PM today, he was given maintenance medicine and will undergo
laboratory tests (urinalysis, x-ray, and CBC) for further examination.

Anakpawis reiterates its call to release Cong. Beltran immediately from
police custody, be transferred to a hospital for confinement under the
custody of the House of Representatives as per House Resolution No. 1169, in
order to be given proper medical attention.

This confinement at the PNP Hospital only affirms the findings in the
clinical abstract prepared by Dr. Reginaldo Pamugas and Dr. Melani
Hernandez-Sionzon on February 26, 2006.

We emphasize that Cong. Beltran's arrest and incarceration is
unhumanitarian, illegal and unconstitutional. This arrest under the Arroyo
administration's 'state of emergency' is a grave violation of his civil and
political rights. It must be condemned by all freedom-loving Filipinos and
the international human rights community.


Reference: Ofelia Balleta, Acting Chief-of-Staff, Office of Cong. Beltran

Solidarity Message from Greece

Solidarity Message

On behalf of members and supporters of Communist Party of Greece (marxist-leninist) and the whole of the Greek democratic people, we express our solidarity and denounce the illegal arrest of Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran, MP elected under Partylist Representative of Anakpawis and former Chairperson of International League of Peoples Struggle. We confirm our solidarity to progressive forces of the Philippines, which fight against the counter-democratic measures and the "emergency state" impose by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.We demand the immediate release of Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran, and for this purpose we intend to organize a demonstration outside the Embassy of the Philippines in Athens.

International Affairs Bureau
Communist Party of Greece (marxist-leninist)

Athens 28 February 2006

Terror is gripping many towns of Bulacan

*ALYANSA NG MAMAMAYAN PARA SA PANTAONG KARAPATAN (ALMMA)*

*BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN – BULACAN*

* *

* *

*MEDIA ADVISORY*

* *

Terror is gripping many towns of Bulacan because of numerous cases of
murders, forced disappearances, and other forms of human righhts violations.



The Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Pantaong Karapatan (ALMMA) and the Bagong
Alyansang Makabayan- Bulacan is inviting you to a *PRESS CONFERENCE* to tell
the media and the people the human rights situation in Bulacan.



It will be held on March 2, 2006, 10-12 a.m. at Malolos Resort Club Royale
in Malolos City, Bulacan. Your attendance will be appreciated.



Reference:: Fr. Rolly de Leon, spokesperson ALMMA

((0917) 432-7849


*ALYANSA NG MAMAMAYAN PARA SA PANTAONG KARAPATAN (ALMMA)*

*BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN – BULACAN*

* *

*Press Statement*

*March 2, 2006***

*Ref: Fr. Rolly de Leon*

* (0917) 4327849*

* *

In the year 2005, more than 800 persons have become victims of different
cases of human rights violations. Mauling, threats, robbery, arsons,
illegal arrests, illegal searches, physical and mental torture, illegal
detention, aiming of guns, dispersal of picket lines, murder - these best
describes the horrifying experience the people have suffererd from the
elements of the 56th Infantry Battalion, 24th IB, of the Philippine Army,
PNP Provincial Mobile Group(PMG-305th, 306th), PNP-Maritime. These incidents
happened in the towns of San Miguel, San Ildefonso, Norzagaray, Angat,
Obando, Meycauayan, Dona remedies Trinidad, and Calumpit.



In all these cases, not a single word of condemnation was heard from the
government. Citizens who had the courage to speak up were harassed and were
threatened that soldiers will go after them when they speak up.



*January – February, 2006*



Twenty five persons have already become victims of murder, forced
disappearance, physical and mental torture , mauling, massacre,
interrogation, and illegal detention. These happened in the towns of San
Ildefonso in the following barangays: Maasim, Pinaod, Pala-pala, Buhol na
Mangga, Sapang Putik, Poblacion. The alleged perpetrators are elements from
the 56th IB under the command of Lt. Col. Noel Clement and elements of the
24th IB.



The same incidents are still on the rise. People are being murdered almost
daily. These once peaceful towns are now gripped with terror and fear of
people's lives. People are no longer productive because they fear that when
they get out of their houses, they will be the next victims of murder.



The government continues to ignore and are silent about the almost daily
murders although they know who the perpetrators are.



There is no more respect to the constitution. No more respect for Basic
Human Rights.

There is no more respect to life. They are spreading terror.



ALMMA recognizes that there is an armed conflict between the Armed Forces of
the Philippines (AFP) and the New Peoples Army (NPA). It also recognizes the
fact that they follow a set of rules or conduct or rules of war in
accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and
International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL) that were signed by the GRP and
NDFP in 1998.



But in all these cases, the victims are all innocent and unarmed civilians,
members of legal and legitimate people's organizations, church people,
and elements
of local governments that were tagged as "suspected supporters" of the NPA.



It is stated in our Constitution:



*Article III, Section 1: No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or
property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the
equal protection of the laws.*

* *

*Section 2: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses,
papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whaever
natureand for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search warrant or
warrant of arrest shall be issued except upon probable cause to be
determined personally by the judge after examination under oath of
affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and
particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things
to be seized.*



The AFP and the PNP are supposed to be the protectors of the people's
rights. But in these cases, they themselves are the VIOLATORS.



Because of these, ALMMA and BAYAN condemns these cases of human rights
violations which started to occur when Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan was
assigned in Central Luzon last Sept. 1, 2005. Although cases of crimes had
been happening in the province, *political killings *started when he was
assigned in Central Luzon.



*STOP the continuous killings of citizens struggling just to be alive!*

*STOP the murders of innocent civilians, activists, church people and
elements of government!*

*Condemn and hold accountable the Gloria-Palparan conspiracy for all these
crimes!*

*Throw OUT the 56th, 24th Infantry Battalion of the Phil. Army from Bulacan!
*

*OUST Gloria!*

*Recognize and Respect Civilian Supremacy over the Military!*