Philippines government tries to frame Lagman, BMP

Wednesday, August 7, 1996 - 10:00

By Reihana Mohideen

MANILA — The Ramos government has ordered the "neutralisation" of the "Lagman group", which it claims is out to sabotage the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, to be held here in November. Apparently a report from national security adviser Joe Alomonte to the government states that the "Lagman group" plans to "stage bombings and hold hostage, kidnap or even liquidate foreign delegates attending the summit".

Filemon "Popoy" Lagman is chairperson of the socialist workers centre BMP and the alleged head of the Manila Rizal regional committee of the anti-Stalinist split from the Communist Party.

Previous to the "security" report, a murder complaint had been filed against Lagman by the head of the presidential intelligence unit on June 28. The only "evidence" presented are the statements of two confessed gunmen who are known collaborators of the military.

The murder charge and the "terrorist plot" claims are widely believed to be attempts by the government to disrupt the protests planned by the workers' movement against APEC. A press statement issued by Lagman on behalf of the BMP states, "What the Ramos government is trying to sabotage is the planned labor conference against APEC to be attended by delegates from 2000 local unions nationwide. Perhaps the prospect of 2000 union presidents holding a counter-conference to discuss the impact of globalisation on labor is very terrifying ... and for this conference to launch a 2000 vehicle caravan to Sibic very 'terroristic'."

Lagman points out that if this is designed to drive him underground once more, it will be of no avail. "If in opposing APEC because of its anti-worker and anti-union essence, I again must go to jail or be killed ... so be it. I won't go underground just because of the worn-out antics of an old scarecrow like Joe Alomonte."

The BMP remains committed to building a successful movement in opposition to the official APEC summit in November. It has called for international support to help build a successful conference. The stronger such support, the BMP points out, the harder it will be for the government to marginalise the opposition to APEC. Labour's counter-conference is being planned from November 21 to 23.
[Next week's Green Left Weekly will carry an interview with Popoy Lagman.]