The locks were intact; other appliances such as the TV, DVD player, printers, photocopying machine were left untouched; only the computers were taken.

By Bulatlat.com

MANILA – Gabriela Women’s Party said they have reasons to believe that the theft of the computers in their national headquarters in Tandang Sora in Quezon City is not just an ordinary case of robbery.

“We have strong reasons to believe that this was not an ordinary case of robbery or akyat-bahay. Highly trained individuals were tasked to get computers to access sensitive organizational files and nothing more,” Gabriela secretary general Lana Linaban said, citing their initial probe on the incident.

On June 13, between 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., an unidentified number of persons broke into the office and took Gabriela’s two desktop computers, monitors and a laptop. The women’s group said the burglars did not take other appliances and valuables such as the television set, DVD player, photocopying machine, printers, among others.

The in-house staff and residents were all asleep when the incident took place. There were also no signs of forced entry. “Locks of all the drawers and cabinets were intact. The computer cables were deftly removed indicating that those responsible for the break in had technical skills and computer know-how.

“Recent important data include files from the just concluded organizational activity of our party. Gabriela Women’s Party held its 13th National Women’s Council last May 26 and 27 and 5th National Convention last May 28. All consolidated regional chapter reports reflecting successful organizing efforts, projects and campaigns, electoral plans as well as names of women leaders and members are stored in those computers,” said Linaban.

Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan said the Gabriela Women’s Party has long been a target of political persecution.

“Since our successful foray into the parliament, our representatives and leaders have been the target of black propaganda, fabricated criminal cases, harassment and extra-judicial killings especially under the Arroyo administration,” Ilagan said, adding that the political persecution continues under President Benigno “Noynoy” C. Aquino III’s Oplan Bayanihan.

Despite this, Ilagan vows to “remain strong because they enjoy the support of the people who are also victims of severe economic and political violence.”

“Amidst these renewed attacks, we will not be intimidated. We remain vigilant as we continue to perform our duty to serve the marginalized majority, especially the women and children,” Ilagan said.

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