This story
was taken from Bulatlat, the Philippines's alternative weekly
newsmagazine (www.bulatlat.com, www.bulatlat.net, www.bulatlat.org).
Vol. VI, No. 39, Nov. 10, 2006
Militant Leader
Survives Attempt on Life Pastor Billy Austin, chairperson of the militant Bagong
Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance or Bayan) Ilocos chapter, was shot
by still unidentified men around 9 p.m. last night in Vigan City (407kms north
of Manila). Austin was brought to Lahoz Hospital. Two other militants, Lenville Salvador and Avelino Dacanay,
who were with Austin during the attack, were not hit but traumatized by the
incident. Dr. Carol Araullo, Bayan national chair, said, "We are certain
that the attack on Pastor Billy is politically-motivated and the handiwork of
the military or death squads. The Arroyo government has not stopped its policy
of annihilation against leaders and members of progressive groups despite a case
filed against her before the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal (PPT)." Last October 30, Bayan and groups of victims of human rights
violations filed charges against Arroyo before the prestigious international
tribunal.
© 2006 Bulatlat
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Bulatlat
Posted 4:00 p.m., Nov. 10, 2006