4 May 01

Latest on the situation in the Philippines, from my friend there:

"Our government is actively pursuing people it believes are behind inciting=20 crowds to storm the palace in Manilla. They declared a =E2=80=98State of Reb= ellion'=20 (whatever that is), which they say will be lifted on the seventh of this=20 month. Between then and now, they can justify the deployment of army troops= =20 in the metropolis as well as unlimited warrantless arrests and searches. I'= m=20 sure it's just a coincidence that they are arresting and searching only thei= r=20 political opponents!

They've raided and trashed many private houses already. It's their way of=20 letting people know that political opposition is not cool. Most of the=20 =E2=80=98suspects' have surrendered peacefully. One of those wanted is the f= ormer=20 Chief of the National Police. This is the same man who sought to deny law=20 abiding citizens legitimate access to firearms. I bet he wishes he had one=20 now! Can't say I feel sorry for him.

Just another beautiful day in the tropics!"

/John