The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) condemned in the strongest terms the New Year’s Eve killing of Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge Henrick F. Gingoyon, a judge known for his handling of sensational cases, one of which is the PIATCO case, when he ruled that the government should pay PIATCO $62 million early last year. This ruling was also upheld by the Supreme Court (SC) with some modifications. 

According to Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos, secretary general of KMP, “this is definitely related to his line of work and specifically the PIATCO case, because the one he opposed is none other than the political Mafia family in Malacanang and it exacted its revenge with swiftness and precision that can only be done by military operatives under its pay. The RTC decision was upheld by the SC only in December 19; he was cased in the succeeding days and was killed just before the year ended. That is less than a week’s time to complete the whole assassination process.”

“Political killers now have become so brazen because they know they have the backing of Gloria who has done nothing not even lip service to serve justice to the victims and their relatives. The killers and their mastermind are also sending a signal for other progressive organizations and individuals to stop their criticism of this corrupt and illegitimate government or they will be next. By killing Judge Gingoyon, Gloria’s ilk is saying that we will spare no one, not even a judge to get what we want,” added the peasant leader.

“Gloria it sees want to welcome the New Year with the blood of a progressive judge, this is not a good sign of what lies ahead for those like us advocating for genuine change and the ouster of Gloria. Malacanang and the military are upping the ante in political killings, but we will not be cowed, Gloria’s corrupt ways would continue if we do nothing,” he stressed.

“We just need to heighten our vigilance and safe guard our ranks, we may have Malacanang’s most rabid attack dogs against us but we have the people’s support,” ended Ramos. # # #   
 

KMP - 1 January 2006