The IBP 25th Board of Governors has no cause for concern over the order of the NTC
The IBP 25th Board of Governors has no cause for concern over the order of the NTC to internet service providers in the Philippines to block the websites of several organizations as indicated in the letter-request of the National Security Adviser
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr has sufficient basis in fact and in law to request the NTC to order the blocking of the websites.
Statements of several former cadres of the CPP-NPA-NDF provide the first hand bases for the request of the NSA. This is in addition to the other supporting documents and evidences.
The NSA is prudent enough not make decisions based on hearsay.
In this context, we invite the 25th IBP Board of Governors to sit down with former CPP-NPA-NDF cadres so that you will hear the truth from them. By then, you will know that the NTC and the NSA are justified in their actions.
By then, you will realize that there is more to be done for the victims of the CPP-NPA-NDF atrocities.
The 25th IBP BOG can not deny the fact that these blocked websites promote "armadong pakikibaka", "rebolusyon", and echoes the propaganda issuances and statements of the CPP-NPA-NDF media bureau. In our book, promotion of terrorist propaganda material is not within the reasonable bounds of press freedom. Terrorists in this country are enemies of the people and the state deals with them with a heavy hand.
Combatting terrorism and denying them of a propaganda platform should not, and must not be equated to silencing of nuns, priests, and reporters. The conclusion is not based on proper premises.
When did terrorists became priests, nuns, and reporters? The IBP 25th BOG should not jump into a hasty conclusion when there is no sufficient premise to support such conclusions.
IBP 25th BOG must realize na dito sa Pilipinas, walang puwang ang CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist organization and their allied front organizations.
Being a professional news media organization entails a certain degree of moral responsibility to safeguard the welfare and the best interests of this country and must not go into the realm of promoting a particular partisan interest of a designated terrorist organization.
Freedom of expression is never absolute.
Freedom of expression must not be used as a cover to promote anti-government propaganda and must not serve as a platform to further the cause of a designated terrorist organization.
The IBP 25th BOG must not confuse criticism of government policies with the overt acts of the government to protect the state snd the people from all enemies, foreign and domestic, the CPP-NPA-NDF included and all their allied front organizations including their organizations in the Fourth Estate.
To highlight this point, IBP 25th BOG must realize that they are free to express their sentiments, along with many others, including those from the affected news organizations, on the actions of the NTC on the request of the National Security Adviser without fear of being censured.
This is how the government holds the Freedom of Expression in high regard.
However, the government has the sacred duty of protecting the safety and welfare of the Filipino people so that the NTC order must remain in force and effect.
The IBP current BOG is also reminded that the plurality of voices is very much alive in this country.
The government, however, does not intend to give a voice to any designated terrorist organization thru any of their allied front organizations.
This government loves its people so much that it is not willing to risk the safety and well-being of the people by providing its enemies a breathing space in any of its communities.
To the IBP 25th BOG,
in your desire to give a voice to the marginalized sectors of Philippine society,
give a voice instead to the victims of the CPP-NPA-NDF atrocities.
give a voice instead to the former rebels and cadres of the CPP-NPA-NDF who have so much truth to tell about the evils and crimes of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
continue to speak the truth and to speak out against corruption in the bureaucracy,
but never ever allow yourselves to be used by the CPP-NPA-NDF and by their allied front organizations.
as a country of laws, and as a people who believe in the rule of law, let us work for justice for those who are the real victims of atrocities and abuses. Let us not be blinded and be deceived by the propaganda of the CPP-NPA-NDF and their allied front organizations.
Like you, there are those of us in the legal profession who aspire for a just and lasting peace by working to put an end to the 53 year-old communist insurgency.
Please understand that in this case, our country and our people are at stake. We cannot allow the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist organization to walk the halls of the Fourth Estate and our communities with impunity.
moreover, we assure you all that the National Security Adviser knows best when it comes to matters of state security and human security concerns.
We thank you for your concern.
We hope to engage you in a meaningful dialogue with the NTF-ELCAC so that you can become part of the whole-of-nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict.
Flosemer Chris Gonzales
Spokesperson for Legal Affairs, NTF-ELCAC