Press Release

Referrence: Phoebe Mendoza

Contact # - 0910-3507990

Members of the 76^th Infantry Battalion, arbitrary arrested, without warrant, 4 members of Gabriela Women’s Party list in Quezon at 11:30am on March 1, 2005.

According to witnesses, Miralyn Gamba, Leonila Manalo, Nancy Elle and a pregnant Aileen Ramos were walking along the highway of Sitio Balugbog, Brgy. Bataan, Sampaloc, Quezon when 2 soldiers of the 16^th IB passed by. After a few minutes, the soldiers fired a warning shot and asked the women to halt. The Soldiers did not identify themselves and refused to answer the women’s queries as to the circumstances of their "arrest."

Three more soldiers arrived and dragged the women; Gamba made a scene at the middle of the road, and asked a passing jeepney for a ride to the town proper. The 5 soldiers followed and told them they will be brought to the headquarters of the Southern Luzon Command at Camp General Nakar, Lucena City. Out of fear, Elle jumped out of the jeepney window. Her companion also forced their way out, rushed to the headquarters of the PNP station of Sampaloc, Quezon, and asked for help. They were not able to leave the police station anymore.

At around 12:30 midnight, elements of 415^th PPMG arrived w/ Col. Marasigan. Despite of protests and resistance from their relatives and members human rights watchdogs KARAPATAN, the police and the soldiers dragged the women to their vehicles. They refused to give information on where the 4 will be detained.

GABRIELA- Quezon Secretary General, Lani Talisic insisted that the four were arrested on the basis of the military’s paranoia over the security of the US military operating in the towns of Real, Infanta and Gen.Nakar.

Talisic added, "Disregard for the basic human rights is always a part of military operations in our province. But this recent incident, showing more daringness and callousness on the part of the military, is surely done for the reason. It could only because of the US-RP Balikatan Military Exercises in North Quezon. The Government and military, together with the US government, have always branded progressive organizations, including women’s organizations, as rebel fronts and security threats."

KARAPATAN Secretary General Napoleon Pornasdoro further stressed, " This is not surprising. They are paranoid over the security of the US military forces operating in North Quezon. The puppet local military and government will do anything they think is necessary to protect their imperialist masters, at the expense of the people. This has always been the case, arresting of progressive and legal organizations in lieu of the revolutionary forces."

Talisic further assured, " We will surely file charges."