CPP/Ang Bayan: Militarization in NEMR intensifies

Propaganda article from the English language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Dec 21): Militarization in NEMR intensifies

Following Southern Mindanao, Northeastern Mindanao (NEMR) is the most militarized region in the island. The US-Aquino regime has turned the region into a virtual garrison to pave the way for the unbridled plunder of NEMR’s natural resources by big mining interests, plantations and hydropower projects.

In the latter part of November, about 300 Philippine Marine troops docked at Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. In the same period, 11 six-by-six trucks full of military troops from Davao arrived in Agusan del Sur. These are on top of the nine fullsize AFP battalions already in the region—the 26th, 29th, 30th, 36th and 75th IB under the 4th Infantry Division; the 1st and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalions; and the 2nd and 3rd Special Forces Battalions. In addition, the AFP also utilizes paramilitary forces to attack the people and the revolutionary movement. These paramilitary groups forcibly recruit members from the peasantry and the Lumad people.

Relentless combat operations are being implemented full throttle under Oplan Bayanihan to attack Lumad communities staunchly defending their ancestral lands. Currently, the main target of combat operations are upland communities along the Agusan-Surigao del Sur border that stand in the way of coal and gold mining and the expansion of the Itochu-Dole and Sumifru banana plantations; the oil palm plantations of Agusan Plantation Inc.(API) and Filipinas Palmoil Plantations Inc. (FPPI); and the hydropower projects of Global Sibagat Hydropower.

They are also targeting communities in Agusan del Norte that will be affected by the hydropower projects of the Lopez family-owned First Gen Hydropower Corp; Equi-Parco Construction; Agusan Power Corp; and Asiga Green Energy. The military wants to obliterate all obstacles to these projects by attacking mass organizations and Lumad and peasant leaders strongly opposed to the destruction of the environment who have exposed the regime’s violent and antipeople programs.

These military operations have also resulted in numerous human rights violations and the widespread dislocation especially of Lumad and peasants. In October, more than 2000 residents from 16 communities in Lianga and San Agustin, Surigao del Sur were forced to evacuate after the 36th IB, 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion, 3rd Special Forces and paramilitary groups killed Lumad leader Henry Alameda, threatened other Lumad leaders, burned down a school and camped in civilian communities. This November, 383 residents or 140 families from eight communities in Bunawan and Rosario, Agusan del Sur fled after the 75th IB killed Filjohn Poloyapoy and abducted his two brothers. On November 18, seventy families likewise evacuated from Purok 1, Barangay Pinagalaan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur after the 75th IB terrorized farmers and branded them members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The National Democratic Front in Northeastern Mindanao said that the revolutionary movement would not weaken in the face of such militarization. Instead, militarization further spurs the oppressed people to join the democratic revolution. It added that the relentless military operations being launched by the US-Aquino regime provide the NPA with opportunities to mete blows on the brutal troops defending local and foreign companies that destroy the environment and attack the people.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141221/militarization-in-nemr-intensifies