Makabayan solons seek probe into 'Red October'
MANILA, Philippines — Members of the House of Representatives' Makabayan bloc called on the Committee on Human Rights to look into the supposed "Red October" plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.
The lawmakers filed House Resolution 2216 to conduct an inquiry into the conspiracy that may be a "prelude to a massive crackdown against the opposition and result to widespread human rights violations."
Reps. Carlos Zarate (Bayan Muna), Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers), Emmi de Jesus (Gabriela), France Castro (ACT Teachers), Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), Ariel Casilao (Anakpawis) and Sarah Elago (Kabataan) filed the resolution on Tuesday.
The "Red October" plot initially came from statements from Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Carlito Galvez and deputy chief for operations Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade.
The two military officials claimed that the Liberal Party, the Magdalo group of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and communist groups were planning to oust Duterte on September 21.
All three groups have denied involvement in the supposed "Red October" plot but the military insisted that the conspiracy has basis.
"Whereas, various groups and government officials raised serious concerns and condemned the AFP's malicious implication of individuals and groups in the alleged 'Red October ouster plot,'" the resolution read.
The Makabayan lawmakers noted that there has been an apparent red-tagging of progressive groups, including religious organizations.
They also expressed concern that the supposed ouster plot was another scheme to derail peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels.
"The leadership of the Department of National Defense and the AFP, prior to the said suspension of the peace talks, have long objected to the conduct of the peace negotiations, despite positive progress to the conduct of the peace negotiations, despite positive progress made by GRP and NDFP panel in the last four rounds of talks held between August 2016 and April 2017," the lawmakers said.
The lawmakers also cited the statement of LP president and Sen. Francis Pangilinan that military officials who gave false intelligence reports about a supposed destabilization plot against Duterte whould be fired.
"Such allegations by the military who are supposed to protect the people put the lives and safety of the individuals and leaders of the groups in grave danger. Such unvalidated and unverified claims of 'destabilization plots' will further worsen the culture of impunity and the already grave human rights situation in the country," the resolution read.
Galvez, meanwhile, has cleared the political opposition of supposedly working with communist rebels to overthrow the Duterte administration.
“This is a sinister plot of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army. They would like to have coalition with the opposition. That’s why our intention is to protect the legitimate opposition,” Galvez said during the budget hearing of the Defense department. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
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