Harassment and vilification of lawyers labeled to be “leftist” is another addition to the continuing trend of attack against groups that are progressive in upholding the people’s rights. We continue to denounce this and repeat our urgent plea to the government to ensure the protection and security of the members of the Union of People’s Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) and the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL). Regardless of political affiliation, we remind that equal protection of the law must be accorded to all. It is expedient that all steps are taken so that the injustice committed to the late Atty. Ben Ramos will not be repeated. Lawyers who choose to bravely fight for the poor and oppressed must be supported and protected, not threatened nor disparaged.