Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA)
Two letters to Focus on the Global South
January 2005
From Joji of CPA
Dear friends,
Vicky Corpuz and I have been discussing these disturbing developments and possible action. I think it is truly unfortunate that Focus has mentioned groups like CPA and others without first consulting them, and widely distributing this letter, which may cause other potential harm. I feel it is not wise to escalate the conflict, so we’ll will find other ways to express our concerns, but not through this widely distributed sign-on letter.
All the best,
Joji
From Joan Carling of CPA
Dear Peter,
Thanks for this.
We are also alarmed and share your concern over the accusations made by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to certain activists like Walden and others. We also denounce any unjustified charges, accusations and threats to anyone and the potential use of violence for unfounded charges.
But we are also concern on the mention of CPA and other organizations in the letter of Focus as “associated to or working closely with the CPP”. We find this as unfounded and witchhunting, and can be interpreted that we may have something to do with the accusations made by the CPP to Walden and other individuals. We will be writing to Focus directly to raise this point.
I hope you can also support our concern. Its really unfortunate that this kind of event in the country is now put at the international level, but maligning some legitimate organizations like CPA who has been working with Focus and other organizations.
Joan