Press Release
March 9, 2009

"THE KILLING MUST STOP" - KIKO

Independent senator and justice advocate Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan condemned today the slaying of 20-year old Rebelyn Pitao, an elementary school teacher who is the daughter of Leoncio Pitao alias Commander Parago.

"We condemn the killing in the strongest possible terms. Government must go after the perpetrators relentlessly lest it be accused of condoning the crime or, worse, being behind it," Kiko said.

Pitao was abducted last week by men reportedly with the military. She was on her way home when she was taken captive. A day later, she was found dead with torture marks on her body.

Her father heads the NPA's Pulang Bagani command based in Davao.

The killing comes in the middle of Malacañang's announcement that it is sending a team to the Netherlands to explore a possible resumption of negotiations with leaders of the National Democratic Front (NDF). Some lawmakers have already expressed fears that this incident will lead to a breakdown in peace talks.

"If the government is really committed to peace, it must stop the killing," Pangilinan said.

"How can we extend a hand of peace if the other hand is carrying a gun--and shooting civilians at that? Is this how we intend to achieve peace?"

Pangilinan also expressed fears that the slaying would only strengthen rebel groups' resolve to retaliate and mount terror attacks against government troops and even civilians.

"We cannot allow this to continue, for the sake of peace and development in the South and in the rest of the country. The killing must stop," Kiko reiterated emphatically.

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