The Manila Critics Circle strongly denounces the brutal slaying of poet and National Book Awardee Ericson Acosta. We condemn such an act of military violence with impunity that assumes the disguise of authority and justice in resolving perceived sociopolitical conflicts in our land. We decry the use of terror to silence the intellectuals of this sad republic.
Acosta’s art activism and research work on peasant conditions and rural development were the work of a man of honor, in service of the poor and the oppressed of this nation.
We call upon the government and the Philippine military to be accountable for the systemic perpetuation of violence against innocent and unarmed civilians. We demand the cessation of baseless allegations of “terrorism” and “subversion” against our writers, artists, and academics. We clamor for truth and reject any form of false information that misleads the Filipino people.
Let true justice prevail. Let free expression soar with wings like eagle across this archipelago.
Manila Critics Circle