Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the National Democratic Front of Philippines (NDFP) Negotiating Panel.

San Jose, CA - On Feb. 24, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a state of emergency, banning public protests, allowing for government takeover of the media and arrests without warrants. This declaration came on the eve of the twentieth anniversary of the revolt that ousted former dictator Ferdinand Marcos and was aimed at stopping mass protests trying to commemorate the date.