‘Security in place for ex-prexy Aquino amid Reds’ arrest order’
Palace stresses only one gov’t, justice system in PH
MANILA – The Malacañang on Sunday assured that former president Benigno Aquino III is well protected following t he National Democratic Front’s (NDF) announcement of his indictment over the violent dispersal of farmers in Kidapawan City last year.
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella reminded that “we only have one government and one justice system in the Philippines.”
“We only have one government and one justice system in the Philippines. Only the appropriate body can rule on the issue of the violent dispersal of farmers in Kidapawan,” Abella added.
The NDF on Saturday said that the “revolutionary government” had indicted Aquino and other officials i ncluding North Cotabato governor Emmylou Taliño- Mendoza, Kidapawan City mayor Joseph Evangelista, North Cotabato 2nd District representative Nancy Catamco, as well as military and police officials over the violent dispersal.
It said that the indictment “effectively prescribes the arrest” of Aquino and the others.
A copy of the indictment paper posted on the Communist Party of the Philippines’ website said that the trial will start “upon the arrest and capture” of Aquino and the others.
“Security measures are in place to guarantee the protection of the former President and other personalities mentioned by the announcement of the National Democratic Front,” Abella said.
The announcement of the NDF was made on the first anniversary of the violent dispersal of at least 6,000 farmers in Kidapawan City in Apr. 1, 2016. Two persons were killed and over a dozen were hurt as policemen arrested and dispersed the protesting farmers.
Dozens of protesters were arrested and charged following the dispersal. The police had said that a New People’s Army commander was among those nabbed.
The protesting farmers had also filed charges against government officials, including former Interior secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, former Philippine National Police chief director general Ricardo Mendoza and t he North Cotabato governor. (