CPP demands release of Ka Bart in line with JASIG and peace talks*
CPP Information Bureau
January 5, 2011
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today demanded that the Aquino government respect the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and, in this regard, immediately release Tirso Alcantara (Ka Bart) before the resumption of formal peace talks.
Ka Bart is a leading official of the New People's Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Southern Tagalog and is among the NDFP's Philippine-based consultants for peace negotiations. He was arrested yesterday after being wounded in a firefight. He is currently being held in Camp Nakar in Lucena, Quezon.
"The revolutionary movement demands respect for the rights and humane treatment of Ka Bart," said the CPP. We demand that his lawyers and doctors be given immediate access to Ka Bart in order to assist him in his legal and health care needs."
"We hope the upcoming resumption soon of formal peace negotiations will not be stalled by the further holding in custody of Ka Bart, who is covered by the JASIG," CPP said further.
