Bayan-negros hits police for victim-blaming

MILITANT group Bayan-negros abhorred the Philippine National Police’s pattern of blaming the victims of extrajudicial killings as a mere excuse of investigating groups and individuals who have the strongest motive, promoter, and implementer of social injustices and vilification campaign.

Michael dela Concepcion, secretary-general of Bayan-negros, said Police Regional Office-6 director Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao has already narrowed down the possible motives in the killing of human rights lawyer Benjamin Ramos Jr., his defense of farmers in land disputes and his alleged gambling activities.

Bulalacao earlier said Ramos provides legal assistance and counsel for farmers involved in the forced land occupation and land grabbing, receiving an alleged share where it has infuriated the landlords and legitimate land beneficiaries.

Another angle that is being investigated is his involvement in gambling as he is deeply engaged in such vice, although, the claim is still being verified.

“The pattern of the PNP is presenting various angle just like Sagay 9 massacre, then picking up the outrageous motive, and conclusively pin it to the victim themselves. Bulalacao were quick to label it as part of the debunked Red October plot, while Sagay City police admitted it wasn’t finished the investigation, and yet to have an affidavit of the landlord and leaser,” dela Concepcion said.

He said the PNP should investigate the Philippine Army that started the vilification campaign that leads to the lawyer’s murder.*

ALVIN GRAVA/AKSYON RADYO JUSTICE FOR BEN. Members of the farmers and fishermen association, who were clients of slain lawyer Benjamin Ramos Jr., deny the lawyer received dues for legal services in a press conference at the Negros Press Club (NPC) in Bacolod City Monday. They also denied Ramos’ supposed vice which is gambling.