Abat's backers here to carry on struggle

Cebuano supporters of former defense secretary Fortunato Abat, who declared himself president of a transition government and was arrested by authorities, announced that they will continue their campaign for the reform of the government by tapping different sectors here next year.

Retired general Jesus Hermosa, a member of the executive committee of the Christian Nationalist Union-Visayas, said they cancelled their activities this month in the spirit of Christmas.

Hermosa met with other supporters of Abat in Cebu, most of them former government officials and representative from different sectors.

Hermosa said that the suffering of the Filipino people next year will continue if there are n reforms in the government.

Salvador Solima, a member of the group supporting Abat, said they only want the improvement of the quality of life for every Filipino.

The 80-year-old retired general and his colleagues are already facing charges of inciting to sedition filed by state prosecutors against them before the San Juan Metropolitan Trial Court for their statements against the government. - Jose P. Sollano