CPP: Magdalo leader in Palace video a modern-day Judas

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Tuesday branded Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala as a modern-day Judas for allegedly lying about a supposed collusion of rebels with mutinous soldiers to oust President Arroyo. "Si Kapitan Gambala na isa sa pinakamaingay noong Oakwood mutiny ay kabilang dun sa nabili, nasuhulan at pusakal na anti-kumunistang paksyon ng Magdalo (group)," said CPP spokesman Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal in a statement. The mutinous Magdalo soldiers launched a short-lived takeover of the Oakwood Premier Suites at Makati City's commercial district on July 27, 2003. Last year, Gambala and about a dozen other Magdalo officers issued a manifesto in support for President Arroyo. The other faction, however, led by Lt. (s.g.) Antonio Trillanes, revived their threat to oust the President from power. "Ang kahintulad nyay makabagong hudas sa halagang 30 pirasong pilak ay ipinagkanulo ang kanyang maestro sa mga eskribas at pariseo," said Rosal of Gambala. Interviewed for the Palace's video entitled "Sabwatan sa Kataksilan" (Alliance in Treachery), Gambala said the Left indeed made efforts to "make ties" with their ranks in a supposed coup attempt last February 24. Gambala's statements were parallel to the administration's claims that the botched coup was a concerted effort among disgruntled military, the communist movement and opposition leaders. "Ang itunuturing na ngayong panginoon ni Gambala at ang kanyang mumurahing paksyon ng Magdalo ay ang mandarambong, mandraya, sinungaling at nangungunyapit sa poder na si Gloria Arroyo," Rosal added. Meanwhile, Rosal denied that the CPP's armed faction, the New People's Army, connived with Brigadier Gen. Danilo Lim of the First Scout Ranger Regiment to overthrow the administration. "Hinding hindi makikiisa ang CPP at NPA para maglunsad ng kudeta o anumang anyo ng military takeover. May sarili itong paraan ng pagpapabagsak sa puppet at pasistang gubyerno at iyan ay ang protracted people's war o matagalang digmaang bayan," Rosal said. Rosal said the Communist Party has its own plan to topple the government.-GMANews.TV