VARIOUS groups in Northern Mindanao have formed an alliance to fight "tyranny and fascism" which it said is becoming apparent in the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Calling itself the "Movement Against Tyranny (MAT)," one of the organizers of the newly-formed regional alliance said the movement is to fight the "alarming" policies of Duterte, such as the war on drugs, and his declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
"Nakita nato na dunay similarity ang present administration ni Digong sa face of a tyranny. Nacontrol na niya ang Congress, judiciary, and executive, all at the same time, and this is one of the dangers of a democratic country such as the Philippines. Ang iyang pagka-tyrannical makita gyud ilabina sa Mindanao this is why it is fitting to launch this movement in our island mismo," lawyer Czarina Musni said.
Musni said the movement wants martial law in Mindanao lifted saying martial law may be used as a tool to advance an agenda other than combating terrorism.
The event on Monday, October 23, was participated by Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate, former Bayan Muna representative Teddy Casiño, and a former member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and human rights advocate Samira Gutoc-Tomawis.
Zarate in his statement of support, said the movement is created to brave the storms that the country is about to face.
"Napapnahon ang launching dahil sa nagyayari sa bansa. Today, na-announce na na tapos na ang military operations sa Marawi. Pero ang malaking tanong, tapos na din ba ang panghihirap at digmaan na sinimulan nila sa Marawi? Tapos na ba ang kaguluhan sa bayan at sa Mindanao?" he said.
"While we are gathered here, farmers are still marching to achieve land reform, while the Moros still striving to fight for their rights, samantalang tuloy naman ang pang-aalipusta at pagmumura ng Presidente," Zarate said.
"May nagbabadyang bagyo na paparating sa ating bayan, bagyo na kailangang paghandaan. Mahaba pa ang lalakbayin natin, wag umasa sa pagbabagong puro pangako," he added.