OFWs vow to block revolutionary government

MANILA, Philippines — A group of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) yesterday vowed to block any attempt by the Duterte administration to install a revolutionary government.

“We vow to stop any move by the Duterte regime to sabotage or suppress the growing mass movement of the people. We are aware that the President is capable of creating scenarios to declare nationwide martial law, but we will not be intimidated,” Migrante International spokesman Arman Hernando said in a statement.

According to Hernando, the continuing harassment and persecution of activist leaders and organizations as well as the cancelation of talks with the communist groups are clear moves by Duterte to install himself as a fascist dictator like the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

Hernando said Migrante and other groups are prepared to mobilize people in the country and overseas to force Duterte to step down.

Migrante also criticized the Duterte government for the violent dispersal of the homeless and members of the urban poor group Kadamay during a rally in front of the National Housing Authority (NHA) yesterday.

The violent dispersal by the Philippine National Police (PNP) resulted in the arrest of Migrante member Paul Reyes and injury to a number of protesters.

Migrante is planning to file counter-charges against the PNP as Reyes allegedly suffered police beating during the incident.

According to Hernando, Migrante supports the call for decent and affordable housing for the poor.

He said the Duterte administration has neglected the poor.

President Duterte has doused fears that he would declare a revolutionary government to counter supposed threats to his administration.

“There will be no revolutionary government. I will assure you that I can enforce the law,” Duterte said on Wednesday night.

The President earlier said the establishment of a revolutionary government would be a last resort should things turn chaotic.