Militant groups in Negros Occidental will meet the State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday with a rally at the Bacolod City public plaza. In a press conference yesterday, representatives from the National Federation of Sugar Workers, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, and PAMALAKAYA, said they will protest the oppressive and repressive laws implemented by the Arroyo administration, particularly the anti-terror law.

Participating in the rally are members of BAYAN, Gabriella, League of Filipino Students, Anakbayan, urban poor groups, and peasant groups from southern Negros, the group said.

"While the President gives her SONA, we will also raise our voices to denounce the Human Security Act which is an instrument to terrorize those who are against the administration and are working for freedom and democracy," Sid Castillo of NFSW said.

He added that the militants will also call for justice for victims of extra judicial killings, review of the repressive agrarian reform program, and the ouster of President Arroyo.

Aside from political repression, the group charged the Arroyo administration with oppressive economic policies with the implementation of Expanded Value Added Tax, oil price increase and the Mining Act of 1995.

The group added that the Human Security Act is immoral, unconstitutional and inhuman, and will only be used by the government against its political enemies. They said, these issues will be brought to the attention of members of Congress by partylist groups affiliated with them, Castillo said adding that they are represented in congress by congressmen from Bayan, Anakpawis and Gabriela.*NAB

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