House Minority Bloc condemns US action vs Venezuela, capture of Maduro

The Minority Bloc of the House of Representatives condemned what it described as United States military aggression against Venezuela, including the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio on Monday joined a protest condemning the US attack on Venezuela alongside other progressive groups.

In a statement, the Makabayan bloc described the incident as “state-sponsored terrorism,” saying it violated the foundations of international law.

“The kidnapping of President Maduro is nothing short of state-sponsored terrorism. This is not just an attack on Venezuela–it is an attack on the very foundations of international law,” the Minority Bloc said.

Maduro was reportedly captured on January 3 following what was described as a large-scale US military operation and is set to face drug- and weapons-related charges. US President Donald Trump has said Washington would play a major role in “running” Venezuela until a formal transition of power takes place.

The Minority Bloc said the attack was driven by US interest in Venezuela’s natural resources, particularly oil and minerals, and claimed it revealed the true nature of American foreign policy.

“Ang brutal na pag-atake na ito ay walang ibang layunin kundi ang pag-agaw sa yaman ng Venezuela-ang kanila Ang langis at mineral–at Ang pag-agaw ng puppet regime,” Makabayan said.

The group warned that the US action against Venezuela could set a precedent for similar interventions elsewhere, including the Philippines, and called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to issue a clear condemnation.

“Is Marco Jr. going to cheer Trump’s action? Ang katahimikan ng gobyerno ng Pilipinas sa harap ng ganitong karahasan ay paglabag sa international law ay katumbas ng pagsang-ayon,” the bloc said.

“We demand the cancellation of Trump’s planned visit to the Philippines this year as this thg or not welcome in our shores,” it added.

The Minority Bloc also urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to raise the issue before the United Nations, ASEAN, and the Non-Aligned Movement, calling for the immediate release of Maduro, the cessation of hostilities, and the withdrawal of American forces from Venezuelan territory.

“Today it is Venezuela and President Maduro; tomorrow it could be any nation or leader that dares to chart an independent path. Kung Hindi tayo tutol ngayon, tayo Naman Ang susunod,” the group said.