Bulatlat: Context of Talaingod incident | The decades-old struggle of Lumad in Pantaron Mountain Range for ancestral land, right to self-determination

From the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/National Democratic Front (NDF)/New People's Army (NPA) online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Dec 1): Context of Talaingod incident | The decades-old struggle of Lumad in Pantaron Mountain Range for ancestral land, right to self-determination



Sunrise view from Salupongan Ta Tanu Igkanugon Learning Center (Photo by Loi Manalansan)

MANILA – The incident on Nov. 28 was not the first closure of a Lumad school in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. In 2014, during the administration of President Benigno Aquino, the Salugpongan Ta’Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center Inc. (STTICLC) located in the hinterlands of Talaingod also experienced attacks from the military and paramilitary forces.

Their communities are being bombed or if not, militarized. Schools are being occupied by heavily armed soldiers harassing students and teachers, leading to disruption of their classes. They have evacuated several times and returned once again to their communities not only to continue their education but to protect their home, the Pantaron Mountain Range – one of the largest remaining old growth forests in the Philippines.

Pantaron Mountain Range cuts across the provinces of Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur. In this 12,600 sq. km. mountain range lies the remaining 1.8 million hectares of virgin forest that supply water to major rivers of Mindanao. It also supports immense biodiversity and links important breeding sites of the Philippine eagle at Mount Kitanglad and Mount Apo.

In light of the recent events, Bulatlat compiled some of its stories on Pantaron Mountain Range to provide context why the government has been deploying battalions of soldiers in Mindanao and why Lumad schools are under attack.



Terror in Ancestral Lands

“Life on the run” aptly describes the situation of the Lumads, the collective name for the 18 indigenous ethno-linguistic groups in Mindanao. These tribes have found life more dangerous since the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched Oplan Alsa Lumad, the military operation that created the Lumad paramilitary group called Alamara and uses them to fight their own people. (Click here to read more)

The Fugitive of Talaingod

In 1997, a warrant of arrest was issued against Datu Guibang and 25 other leaders of his tribe who had fought, using their spears and arrows, the armed goons of [1] Ecowood plywood whose expansion encroached into the tribal lands of the Ata Manobos. Ironically, it was also the year when the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), which purported to protect the rights of indigenous peoples, was signed into law by then President Fidel Ramos. (Click here to read more)

‘We shall defend our land, we shall never surrender’

“Land is our life. Water springs from here and we live here.” (Click here to read more)

Mindanao natural resources, protectors under siege

Since the start of 2014, reports revealed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has mobilized at least 30 combat maneuver battalions against the New People’s Army (NPA) forces in the South, Far South, Northeast and North Central Mindanao. (Click here to read more)



Student Ronald Bongcalas yearns to go back to school. (Photo by J. Ellao / Bulatlat.com)

‘Let children be’ | Manobo kids call to end militarization of tribal school

For 17-year-old Ronald Bongcalas, Salugpongan Ta’Tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center (STTICLC) is just like any other school where students are taught how to read, write and count. But he considers his school as special because they also learn about sustainable farming and how to enrich their Manobo culture.

And for this, Bongcalas told Bulatlat.com, the military has branded their school as an “NPA school.” (Click here to read more)

Lumad students long for peace in their schools

Indigenous people in far-flung areas have little or no access to the government’s social services like education. With the help of the people’s organization, schools were built for the children of the indigenous people who have to travel for hours to go to school in the town center.

Epoy and his classmates were grateful to the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines for taking the lead in building their school. When they were beginning to fulfil their dreams, state security forces arrived. (Click here to read more)

The Lumad school on Pantaron Range

For the Manobos to turn against the school would be to turn against the fruit of their own blood, sweat and tears, for the STTICLCI is actually borne out of the Lumads’ struggle for their right to self-determination and their territories in Talaingod.

It was built by, and named after the indigenous group Salugpungan Ta’tanu Igkanugon, which means “Unity of People to Defend the Ancestral Land” in Manobo. The group was formed on Nov. 30, 1994, uniting 83 Manobo tribes of Talaingod to defend the ancestral domain against encroachment of the logging company Alcantara and Sons (Alsons). (Click here to read more)

Indigenous peoples call: ‘Carry on the struggle’

“We refuse to give up the struggle, and they try to kill us; we give up, and they will still kill us. So, it’s better to carry on the struggle.” (Click here to read more)



Datu Guibang Apoga (2011 Bulatlat File Photo)

‘Bakwet’ | Defending the land by leaving

Leaving their mountain communities entail a range of sacrifice on the nature-loving Lumád, who have to stay in cramped, humid tents in the city, subsisting on noodles and sardines, vulnerable to the elements, idle, bored and longing for their farms. Their anxiety increases every day in the city, as they worry that their crops had all rotten, their abandoned poultry stolen and eaten, and their homes ransacked by soldiers – as what they had seen many times coming home from an evacuation.

But being in the city, they are closer to government agencies to whom they bring their grievances, and to the media, to make known to the public the injustice they experienced. (Click here to read more)

To join the paramilitary or to be killed? Talaingod datu chose to leave home

Five soldiers led by Lt. Eric Sumaliday and Lt. JR Bacayan stayed at the living space under his hut. The soldiers also repeatedly asked him about his Lumad group, Salugpungan Ta’tanu Igkanugon (Unity of the People to Defend the Ancestral Land), and its leaders, Datu Doloman Dausay and Datu Guibang Apoga, the latter a fugitive in the last two decades.

Bontulan knew the backdrop of the military harassment is Pantaron Range, the last remaining old growth forest in the country, where logging and mining companies have been kept out by the fierce resistance of Lumád tribes. Although there is also the undeniable presence of the NPA in the area — which contributed to how it had remain intact — the civilian communities are the ones which bore the brunt of military offensives, triggering massive evacuations. (Click here to read more)



“Who would like to go home? The army and the Alamara are still there, that’s our problem,” said Datu Kailo Bontulan (File Photo by Davao Today)

Unabated killings | Lumád stage indignation ritual at Camp Aguinaldo

On Nov. 7, at 4 a.m., Datu Manliro Landahay was shot dead at his home in Panga-an community, Palma Gil village, Talaingod. Landahay was a council member of the Salugpungan Ta’tanu Igkanugon, the umbrella organization of 83 Manobo tribes in Talaingod. (Click here to read more)

The waters of Dulyan flow free

In far-flung areas such as Dulyan, the national government has long failed to provide basic social services to the people. Education, healthcare, and public utilities are still inaccessible for the majority of Filipinos, especially in most rural communities where socio-economic inequity and injustice are apparent and unimaginable.

State abandonment is very visible in every inch of Dulyan’s unpaved roads and battered classrooms and houses. The only state intervention that the community receives is the constant siege of fascist attacks by military and paramilitary groups. Under the banner of counter-insurgency, state forces have been targeting communities like Dulyan that resist land monopolies and destructive ‘development’ projects. (Click here to read more)

‘We only want peace in our schools, communities’
The cases of Amelia Pond and Dominiciano Muya, a teacher and agriculturist respectively, both from the Salugpungan schools of Davao del Norte, highlight how Lumád schools and their staff have been under attack from state security forces, from the past regime and even under President Duterte. (Click here to read more)



A grade school student fetching water, as part of her routine, from a newly installed community water system

Lumad students vow to get justice for slain schoolmate

Bay-ao was shot dead by two members of the Lumad paramilitary group Alamara, Joven and Ben Salangani, who are cousins and residents of sitio Barobo in Palma Gil. Ben Salangani is also with the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), to which many Alamara men were accredited. The Alamara reportedly threatened that if any of their men were killed in fighting New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, they will take it out on the community. (Click here to read more)

Lumad schools face harassments as new school year opens

Salugpongan Ta ‘Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center (STTICLC) in Talangingod, Davao del Norte said at least five of their campuses have either been occupied or are being harassed by government as the new school year opened today. (Click here to read more)

Warrior chieftain hostaged and tricked to surrender, Lumad say

Lumad organizations Salupongan Ta ‘Tanu Igkanugon and PASAKA Confederation of Lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao Region said Datu Guibang Apoga, who led the Manobo’s successful resistance against logging and mining operations at the Pantaron Mountain Range, did not surrender nor spoke of giving up their struggle to defend their ancestral land.

“In his speech delivered at the assembly, Datu Guibang Apoga spoke of his desire for the Lumad schools to continue to serve his people. Owing to his failing health and increasing age, he spoke of what he perceived as his inadequacies as the tribe’s tribal chieftain.” (Click here to read more)

http://bulatlat.com/main/2018/12/01/context-of-talaingod-incident-the-decades-old-struggle-of-lumad-in-pantaron-mountain-range-for-ancestral-land-right-to-self-determination/

2 Cafgus, soldier slain in Agusan encounter

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 1): 2 Cafgus, soldier slain in Agusan encounter

Two members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) Active Auxiliary (CAA) and an Army soldier were killed, while an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were believed to have also died or wounded in a fierce Friday dawn encounter at the Kaunlaran area in Remedios Trinidad Romualdez (RTR) town, Agusan del Norte.



(Jun Ryan Arañas / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a report reaching the command centers of the military and police yesterday, a squad of Cafgus and soldiers from the 29th Infantry Battalion (29th IB) were conducting patrols when the rebels detonated an anti-personnel mine at 3 a.m., triggering an ambush and a gunbattle.

The Cafgus were based in Barangay San Antonio in RTR.

The government forces engaged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA Northeastern Regional Committee (NEMRC), an initial flash report said.

Meanwhile, more troops of the 29th IB from Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte province were dispatched to beef up the pursuing Cafgus and soldiers in Kaunlaran area.

The mobile force of the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office and Cabadbaran City Police Station were also deployed to conduct blocking positions along the possible escape route of the fleeing rebels.

As of press time, wide pursuit operation was still ongoing to seek out the fleeing NPAs within the Mount Ilong-Ilong and Diwata ranges in RTR, Agusan del Norte province.

The command center of 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade based at Camp Bancasi here also alerted pilots of the Tactical Operations Group (TOG) of the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Strike Wing for possible air support for the pursuing troops.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/01/2-cafgus-soldier-slain-in-agusan-encounter/

Duterte spends a billion pesos to acquire new guns for soldiers, cops

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 2): Duterte spends a billion pesos to acquire new guns for soldiers, cops

President Duterte has spent a billion pesos to acquire new guns for soldiers and policemen to guard against deadly rebel attacks.



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
(ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

The President admitted he was “sick and tired” of the brazen rebel assaults that left many soldiers and cops dead so the government decided to purchase new weapons.

“I have decided to give you sidearms, all of you. As a matter of fact, it costs me about a billion pesos to provide every one of you,” the commander-in-chief said before a recent assembly of troops at Camp Rajah Sikatuna in Bohol.

“Pagtapos ng December ma-deliver na lahat [The delivery will be completed after December],” he added.

In recent weeks, the President has distributed new Glock pistols to government security forces during his visits to military and police camps. Duterte was concerned about the safety of policemen and soldiers, especially those unarmed off-duty uniformed personnel, amid the threat posed by communist rebels.

The rebel attacks have also prompted the President to propose the formation of a death squad to target the assassins of the New People’s Army. The Palace however said the President merely floated the “idea” to protect and defend people from rebel assassins.

The President, in his recent Lanao del Norte visit, urged the troops to remain on guard against the communist rebels.

“I’m tired and sick and tired of their style where they kill soldiers when they go home to their families. You wait for them in the terminal and then you board the same truck and shoot them even when they are unarmed so now I gave all army and police personnel new guns,” he said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/02/duterte-spends-a-billion-pesos-to-acquire-new-guns-for-soldiers-cops/

Suspected NPA rebel killed in clash with Army soldiers in Sarangani

From GMA News  (Dec 1): Suspected NPA rebel killed in clash with Army soldiers in Sarangani

A suspected member of the New People's Army died during a clash with government soldiers in Sarangani on Thursday.

The victim was identified as Sue Boding alias Pedped, a resident of Sitio Blebak, Little Baguio, Davao Occidental, according to the Philippine Army's 72nd Infantry Battalion (73IB).

Troops from 73IB went after a group of NPA rebels led by alias Rusi of Front Central under Weakened Guerilla Front 71, Far South Mindanao Region in Sitio Sulkili, Barangay Kihan in the municipality of Malapatan after receiving information that the group was planning to conduct an ambush operation.

The rebels were reportedly planning to ambush government troops providing security assistance to personnel of the Sarangani Provincial Health Office conducting medical services in hinterland sitios in Barangay Upper Suyan. The said barangay has a measles outbreak which already claimed 18 lives.

The clash occurred at noon on Thursday after the soldiers encountered five NPA rebels from Rusi's group.

The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes.

Recovered from the scene was one caliber .45 pistol.

The victim's body was brought to a funeral home in Malita, Davao Occidental.

“We regret that our fellow Filipino brother has to die for this unworthy purpose of the CPP-NPA Terrorists. They did not even consider the situation of their fellows who were affected by the outbreak. The only viable option for them is to embrace a peaceful life and avail of the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program," said Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, commander of the Philippine Army's 1002nd Brigade.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/676695/suspected-npa-rebel-killed-in-clash-with-army-soldiers-in-sarangani/story/

Military intensifies operations vs NPA in ComVal after attack on banana trucks

From the Business World (Dec 2): Military intensifies operations vs NPA in ComVal after attack on banana trucks

THE MILITARY has intensified its operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Compostela Valley (ComVal) province following last week’s attack on two trucks of Sumifru (Philippines) Corp.

First Lieutenant Daren C. Gapay, 66^th Infantry Battalion civil-military operations officer, reported that NPA members flagged down the trucks loaded with Cavendish bananas along the Ngan Road in Barangay Tamia in the town of Compostela, and when the vehicles did not stop, they were fired upon.

The military report said a mother and her five-year old son were wounded in the incident.

The non-government group Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) has earlier reported on alleged labor rights violations by Sumifru.

https://www.bworldonline.com/military-intensifies-operations-vs-npa-in-comval-after-attack-on-banana-trucks/

2 dead, 3 hurt, 2 missing in NoCot ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2): 2 dead, 3 hurt, 2 missing in NoCot ambush



Several of the firearms recovered by responding police and military troopers from the suspects in the Saturday (Dec. 1, 2018) ambush in Matalam, North Cotabato. (Photo by PRO-12)

COTABATO CITY – Two farmers were killed, three were injured while two others were missing after an ambush in a farming village of Matalam, North Cotabato Saturday morning, police said.

Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, police director for Region 12 (Soccsksargen), said the ambush happened at around 10:30 a.m. in Purok Ragsak, Barangay Kibudoc, Matalam, Cotabato.

Rasco said the fatalities were identified as Tata Angeles, 25, George Dilanggalen, 50, both farmers and residents of Barangay Kibudoc.

Injured were During Panga, 40, Jomer Intol Sultan, 17, and Samsudin Delanggalen, 18.

Police identified the missing as Datu Ali Sultan, 23 and Suharto Delanggalen, all residents of Purok Sultan Maslani-Campo, also of Barangay Kibudoc.

Rasco said all the victims belonged to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under the Nur Misuari faction.

Responding police officers, led by Chief Inspector Placer, recovered 14 rifles and eight grenade launchers from the suspects identified as Joel Viajante, 41; Romar Prado, 29; Redmar Samson, 32; Reynaldo Mosquera, 41; Efren Mosquera, 51; Warlito Mosquera, 37; Danilo Mercado, 25; Lando Helera, 43; Jonathan Viajante, 42; Alvin Villarin, 30; Dennis Olvido, 34; Johnny Patria, 27; and four minors, all residents of Barangay Estado, Matalam, North Cotabato.

The seized firearms included five Carbine rifles, two Garand rifles, seven M16 rifles, two M79 grenade launchers, and assorted ammunition.

Investigation showed the victims were heading to their farms on three separate motorbikes when ambushed.

The Matalam police responded along with the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion troopers, led by its commander, Lt. Colonel Neil Roldan, and caught the 16 suspects red-handed with firearms and ammunition.

Initial report showed the violence was triggered by land dispute involving the suspects and the victims.

The suspects are now detained at the Matalam police jail.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1055478

Deployment of troops under MO 32 only temporary

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2): Deployment of troops under MO 32 only temporary

The deployment of additional troops in provinces under Memorandum Order 32 is only temporary, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said late Thursday.

"(This deployment) is only temporary to help troops on the ground," he added.

Also, Lorenzana said the memorandum order will allow the deployment of strike forces against rebel groups operating in these provinces which includes Samar, Bicol and Negros Oriental and Occidental.

He added the order was warranted because New People's Army f(NPA) forces in these provinces remain quite formidable.

"Malakas pa yung kalaban dyan (The enemy there is still strong), the NPA keeps doing things like burning, killing people so this is a preemptive thing para masugpo sila (to curb them) (and) we can pursue our 'Build, Build, Build' program," he added.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued Memorandum Order 32 on Nov. 22 amid "sporadic acts of violence allegedly committed by lawless groups particularly in the provinces of Samar, Negros Oriental and Occidental, and Bicol Region.

“There is a need to reinforce the directive of the President in order to prevent further loss of innocent lives and destruction of property and bring the whole country back to a state of complete normalcy as quick as possible,” he said in the memorandum order.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1055480

New infantry division to go after Abu Sayyaf in Sulu: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2): New infantry division to go after Abu Sayyaf in Sulu: Lorenzana

Another infantry division will be created, and the unit will be deployed in Sulu to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf terror threat once and for all.

This was disclosed by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in an interview with reporters late Thursday.

He added the unit will provide permanent military presence in the province.

"We are going to create another division. We will have permanent presence in Sulu and eliminate once and for all itong (this) Abu Sayyaf (threat)," Lorenzana said.

"We are going to recruit more people for that division," he added.

As of this posting, the Philippine Army is composed of 10 infantry divisions, one mechanized infantry division, artillery regiment and various support units.

A Philippine infantry division normally consists of 5,000 to 6,000 officers and enlisted personnel.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered the beefing up of troops in Sulu after a clash with Abu Sayyaf terrorists left five soldiers dead and several others wounded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1055479

Stop exploiting our children, Lumad leaders tell Satur

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2): Stop exploiting our children, Lumad leaders tell Satur



Concerned members of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities on Saturday confronted Bayan Muna president and former solon Satur Ocampo and his companions at the Talaingod Police Station for allegedly recruiting children to rally against the government.

Bai Pilar Libayao, Municipal Indigenous People Mandatory Representative, told Ocampo and his companions to respect the lumad and to stop exploiting their children.

"We have great respect for you, but do you respect us? You don't have to bring the children if there's no war in the mountains. Why would you bring them there?" she said in the vernacular.

Libayao said the National People's Army (NPA) and some non-government organizations (NGOs) are the ones destroying peace in the mountains.

Lumad tribes, she said, are peace-loving people who work quietly to provide food for their children and do not want to take sides between the activists and the government.

"Disturbance happened because you came here. In the evening, the NGOs are good at talking to children. If they're unable to evacuate [the children], armed people will go up the mountains to get the children. No soldier will go up the mountains if there are no one from the other group there, that is the truth," she said.

Libayao said her husband was killed by members of the NPA to silence him from talking about the group's activities.

"There's a radio announcement that lumads have human rights, but the soldiers, none, those killed by NPAs, none. There's no one saying that soldiers are the ones who abuse, because it's the NPAs who first kill the soldiers)," she said.

Alamara group founder Datu Andigao Agay, who was also at the Talaingod police station, said Ocampo's group has no right to file a police report against the lumad or the police regarding the incident.

"We appeal to you, release our children and bring your teachers. It is not right that you'll have us reported...you are the guilty ones, you should be the ones reported because this is our territory," he said.

A woman from Ocampo's group explained that they were in the area “to rescue” children and teachers of the Salugpungan Learning Center following the supposed forcible closure of the school. She added they were fired upon at the checkpoint because of the rescue.

Meanwhile, Libayao said their group deserves to be detained because what they did is a form of child exploitation.

"That's right because you're getting children in the middle of the night, what is the problem? Why perform a rescue, is there a war?" she said, adding that the Lumad elders are no longer interested with the Salugpungan schools.

"We don't like your schools anymore, no more teachers from you. Every time you enter [our area], people are killed because of war, you kill our leader, so we don't like you,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1055507

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Gunitain ang Araw ni Bonifacio, Ama ng Rebolusyong Pilipino! Mangahas Makibaka Mula sa Paninidigang Demokratiko, Progresibo at Makabayan!

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 30): Gunitain ang Araw ni Bonifacio, Ama ng Rebolusyong Pilipino! Mangahas Makibaka Mula sa Paninidigang Demokratiko, Progresibo at Makabayan!

Maria Roja Banua
Spokesperson
NDF-Bicol
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

November 30, 2018

Nakikiisa ang NDF-Bikol sa paggunita ng sambayanan sa Araw ni Bonifacio. Si Gat Andres Bonifacio ang ama ng Rebolusyong Pilipino ng 1896 na buong lakas at tatag na lumaban sa pananakop ng mga kolonyalistang Espanyol. Sa panahon ng imperyalistang panunupil at mga papet na reaksyunaryong gubyerno, hinihingi ng panahon ang ibayong pagkakaisa ng mamamayan at ang pagsasabuhay ng makabayang diwang ipagtanggol ang soberanya ng bansa at ang kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino.

Sa kasalukuyan, pinag-aagawan ang bansa ng dalawang imperyalistang kapangyarihang US at Tsina. Samantala, nananatili lamang inutil ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa usapin ng pagtataguyod ng kasarinlan ng bansa at sa pagtanggi niyang magpatupad ng makatwiran at makabayang patakaran sa internasyunal na relasyon. Tuta si Duterte sa dalawang ekonomyang kapangyarihang nagpapasasa sa bansa, nag-aagawan ng teritoryo sa pamilihan at sa estratehikong pusisyong militar.

Sa isang banda, lantarang ipinamimigay ni Duterte sa Tsina ang karapatan ng bansa sa West Philippine Sea (WPS). Hindi niya ipinatupad ang nauna nang desisyon ng internasyunal na hukumang Arbitral Tribunal noong 2016 na nagbigay ng hatol na ang Spratly islands, Scarborough Shoals at iba pang bahagi ng WPS ay marapat na ituring na exclusive economic zone at extended continental shelf ng Pilipinas at nakaayon sa karapatan ng Pilipinas na nakasaad sa UN Convention on the Law of the Seas. Sa halip, pumirma si Duterte sa 26 na Memorandum of Understanding na kinabibilangan ng pagpasok ng bansa, kasama ang Tsina, sa ‘magkasanib na eksplorasyon’ sa karagatang ng Pilipinas, kahit taliwas ito sa proteksyong isinasaad ng Konstitusyon para sa mga gayong eksklusibong karapatan ng estado.

Sa kabilang banda naman, walang patumangga ring tumatalima ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa lahat ng neoliberal na tulak at programa ng panunupil na itinataguyod ng imperyalistang US. Ang pagpapatupad ng pahirap sa masang batas na Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN), na bahagi ng Comprehensive Tax Reform Package (CTRP) ay kapalit ng US$739 milyong Partnership for Growth na pinasok ng Pilipinas at ng US noong 2011. Sa pamamagitan nito, ibayong makahuhuthot ng labis na tubo ang mga dayuhang mamumuhunan mula sa US sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasa ng buwis sa mamimili at pagkakaroon ng mga tax incentives, tax holidays at iba pang insentibong sa esensya ay babawas sa gastos ng produksyon ayon sa interes ng mga may-ari nito.

Maging ang kumprehensibong plano ng rehimeng US-Duterte upang supilin ang paglaban ng mamamayan ay nakabalangkas sa kontra-insurhensyang doktrina ng US. Pinahihintulutan ni Duterte ang pagyurak ng tropang US sa soberanya at integridad ng bansa kapalit ng suporta nito sa pagtatayo niya ng isang militaristang diktadura. Sa bisa ng Memorandum Order 32, ipinailalim ni Duterte ang bansa sa ‘state of national emergency’ sa batayan umano ng tumitinding banta ng ‘lawless violence’ ng CPP-NPA-NDFP. Ginagamit ito ngayon ng US na dahilan upang buuhin ang Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippnes (OPEP) ng US. Ito ang pinakabagong ‘anti-teroristang operasyon’ ng imperyalistang US upang mailusot nito ang ibayong panghihimasok ng dayuhang militar sa bansa.

Kahit ipinagbabawal ng mismong reaksunaryong Konstitusyon, mayroong 200-300 dayuhang tagapayo ang AFP mula sa US.Sila ay permanenteng nakadeploy sa bansa, nagbibigay ng mga pagsasanay at nagdidirehe ng ilang operasyon ng AFP. Sunud-sunod din ang pagbibigay ng US ng ayudang militar sa AFP na ginagamit sa mga operasyong militar sa ilalim ng Oplan Kapayapaan.

Malinaw na walang pampulitikang kapasyahan ang papet na gubyerno ng bansa. Wala itong kakayahang ipagtanggol ang soberanya ng bansa laban sa banta ng sukdulang panghihimasok at pananakop. Bagkus, ang rehimeng US-Duterte pa mismo ang nangunguna sa panunupil sa mamamayan at lantarang paglabag sa sarili nitong mga batas at Konstitusyon.

Walang ibang masusulingan ang masang Pilipino kung hindi ang ipagpatuloy at isulong ang bagong tipo ng Rebolusyong Pilipino na sinimulan noon ng Katipunan sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Bonifacio. Ang mga anak ng bayan ng kasalukuyang panahon ang mangangahas na makibaka upang labanan ang pagbayo ng mga neoliberal na patakaran, biguin ang todo-gera ng rehimeng US-Duterte at pigilan ang anumang banta ng pananakop kapwa ng imperyalistang US at Tsina. Tulad nang kung paano tinugis at tinaguriang mga ‘bandido’ ang mga Katipunero at mamamayang nag-armas upang labanan ang pananakop ng Espanyol noon, marapat ding harapin ng mga bayani ng kasalukuyang panahon ang hamon ng pagbabalikwas para sa makauring interes kahit sa harap ng tumitinding pasismo ng estado. Anumang marahas na balakid ang iharap ng mga reaksyunaryo, marapat na isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan hanggang sa ganap nitong tagumpay. Sa huli, kasaysayan ang magpapatunay kung sino ang tunay na nanindigan para sa bayan at sino ang tunay na kaaway ng sambayanan.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/gunitain-ang-araw-ni-bonifacio-ama-ng-rebolusyong-pilipino-mangahas-makibaka-mula-sa-paninidigang-demokratiko-progresibo-at-makabayan/

CPP/NDF-Southwest Negros: NPA harass Army Patrol Base in Hinobaan: 1 soldier killed, 1 wounded

NDF-Southwest Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 1): NPA harass Army Patrol Base in Hinobaan: 1 soldier killed, 1 wounded

Andrea Guerrero
Spokesperson
NPA-Southwest Negros
New People's Army

December 01, 2018

A unit of the Armando Sumayang, Jr. Command (ASJC), the New People’s Army (NPA) Southwest Negros Guerrilla Front, harassed an Army Patrol Base in Sitio Bugtong Kahoy, Barangay Asia, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental last November 27, 2018, 8 o’clock in the morning.

A Philippine Army soldier, Jayr Calunan, was killed while Staff Sergeant Ricky Ignacio, detachment commander from the 12th Infantry Battalion, was wounded in action.

This is in response to the people’s vehement demand for the end of militarization in the countryside and an answer to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) “all out war” declaration in Negros.

According to reports gathered by the ASJC from the organized masses in Southern Negros, the 15th IB troops occupied schools, barangay halls and public markets and transformed houses of locals into their detachment. Residents were made to wear army uniforms and were forced to guide combat operations.

The 15th IB also released a list of residents and called on them to go to the army detachments and surrender. They threaten people with their firearms and take pictures of people they suspect as members or supporters of the NPA. A curfew was imposed in areas curtailing the movement of civilians in the localities. They were forced to leave their houses near their farms and form a hamlet instead. They were not allowed to got to their farms. Soldiers damaged crops, farm products and farm animals.

In the most recent incident, three persons wearing bonnets, believed to be military elements, forcibly entered houses especially of peasant leaders in the hinterlands of Sipalay City.

These measures do not only sow terror, violate human rights and deprive residents in southern Negros of their civil liberties. The economic life of the people is suffering gravely as well. Apart from the intensifying militarization in the countryside, there is also extra judicial killings and harassments in the legal mass movement.

The ASJC calls on the people in Southern Negros to courageously fight against the growing fascism in their areas. Expose and oppose the violations and abuses of the Peace and Development Teams of the military and their paramilitary groups and the lies and deception propagated by the 303rd Brigade. Support and join the NPA to strengthen the people’s revolution and throw out the AFP from the countryside.

The ASJC together with the rest of the NPA units in Negros Island is one with the people in confronting Duterte’s Memorandum Order 32, the looming declaration of nationwide martial law and the fascist dictatorship of the US-Duterte regime.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/npa-harass-army-patrol-base-in-hinobaan-1-soldier-killed-1-wounded/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Exercise Pagsisikap 2018, Bahagi ng Palabas na State of National Emergency, Gilas-Pananakot at Pagsasayang ng Pondong Publiko

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 1): Exercise Pagsisikap 2018, Bahagi ng Palabas na State of National Emergency, Gilas-Pananakot at Pagsasayang ng Pondong Publiko

Maria Roja Banua
Spokesperson | NDF-Bicol
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

December 01, 2018

Mula Nobyembre 26 hanggang 29, nagsagawa ang pwersang nabal ng Pilipinas ng isang pagsasanay militar sa mga baybayin ng Brgy. Lidong, Sto. Domingo, Albay at Brgy. Rawis, Legazpi Ciy. Ayon sa tagapagsalita ng Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) na si Ensign Jane Sasil, ang naturang pagsasanay ay upang ‘masubukan ang kanilang tropa sa anumang sitwasyon’ sa karagatan o kalupaan.

Ang Exercise Pagsisikap 2018 ay bahagi ng paghahanda ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa ikinakamada nitong deklarasyon ng pambansang batas militar. Sang-ayon sa palabas na ang bansa ay nasa state of national emergency, tinitiyak ni Duterte na ang lahat ng pwersa ng kanyang reaksyunaryo at mersenaryong sandatahang lakas ay nakahandang pigilan at supilin ang anumang tipo ng paglaban ng mamamayan.

Wala nang ibang binigyang-pansin ang rehimeng US-Duterte kundi ang kanyang pagmamadaling makumpleto na ang mga rekisitos para sa pormal na deklarasyon ng batas militar na magsusolido ng kanyang tiranikong paghahari. Binubuhusan ng napakalaking pondo ang militar samantalang patuloy na kinakaltasan ang pondo para sa mga pangunahin at batayang pampublikong serbisyo.

Habang ipinaparada ng Philippine Navy ang kanilang mga pinakabagong barko tulad ng BRP Davao del Sur at ang mga pinakabagong donasyon ng imperyalistang US, patuloy na pinapasan ng masa ang walang patumanggang pagsirit ng presyo ng bilihin laluna sa papalapit na okasyon ng kapaskuhan.

Mapanghamon sa masang Bikolano ang mapanindak na mga sasakyang pandagat at pagpapakitang-gilas ng NAVFORSOL , kasabay ang Albay PNP, sa harap ng tumitinding kahirapan, kagutuman at tingiang pagbili o pagpila pa sa NFA RICE. May kakayahan ang gubyernong tustusan ang modernisasyon ng mga kagamitan ng kanyang sandatahang lakas samantala inutil sa harap ng pagresolba sa problema ng kahirapang ang mga neoliberal na patakaran din ng gubyerno ang mismong nagdudulot.

Ngunit, titiyakin ng masang Bikolano at ng sambayanan na walang patutunguhan ang isang rehimeng walang silbi at lulong sa pagpapalawig ng kanyang pasistang paghahari. Alam ng masa na ang mga pagsasanay na ito at iba pang kahalintulad na gawain ay paghahanda para sa ibayo pang pandarahas at pang-aatake sa kanyang hanay. Hindi malilihis sa isip ng masa ang katotohanang habang nagdarahop ang taumbayan ay ibinubuhos ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang lahat ng rekurso at panahon sa paglulunsad ng todo-largang gerang malinaw na sumusupil sa makatwirang paglaban ng mamamayan at walang ibang layunin kundi ang itindig ang kanyang militaristang kaharian.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/exercise-pagsisikap-2018-bahagi-ng-palabas-na-state-of-national-emergency-gilas-pananakot-at-pagsasayang-ng-pondong-publiko/

CPP/NPA-SMR: Terror, summary killings, school burning and fake news among AFP staples in North Cotabato

NPA-Southern Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 1): Terror, summary killings, school burning and fake news among AFP staples in North Cotabato

Isabel Santiago
Spokesperson
Mt. Apo Sub-Regional Operations Command
NPA-Southern Mindanao Region

December 01, 2018

The implementation of martial law in Mindanao has already resulted in innumerable human rights violations that the AFP, especially the rotten 39th IB and 19th IB in North Cotabato, have resorted in peddling fake news to cover up their reign of terror, summary killings and assault against schools in the hinterland Lumad and peasant villages in the province.

In the morning of November 15, at least 15 masked and fully-armed AFP soldiers and members of the paramilitary Bagani swooped down a day care center in Brgy. Mahongcog, Magpet and tied up and terrorized teacher Amelita Nebres. In keeping with a storyline, the AFP soldiers declared themselves to be members of the NPA Guerilla Front 53 carrying out a punitive action against the hapless teacher who supposedly failed to deliver an extortion letter to the officials of village. The AFP soldiers then proceeded to burn the day care center before fleeing the scene.

It is a curious state of affair, however, that a fully-armed group was able to manhandle a civilian and burn down a school when a similarly heavily-armed AFP detachment sits just a hundred meters away and in the midst of civilian houses in Brgy. Mahongcog. The village has in fact become rather like a virtual military garrison, serving as a de facto command post for all counter-insurgency and psywar operations being carried out by the 39th IB and 19th IB. Even the masses in Brgy. Mahongcog and neighboring villages are incredulous of the AFP’s obvious lies.

What the masses in Magpet and nearby towns know for sure is the fact that it is the fascist AFP troops who have mastered the vicious modus operandi of demonizing and demolishing schools, harassing teachers and students and killing members and officials of Parents, Teachers and Community Association (PTCA), as their commander-in-chief GRP Pres. Rodrigo Duterte promised on several occasions to “bomb Lumad schools” and “flatten” their hills.

On November 18, Esteban Empong, a PTCA official of a Lumad school in his village in Sitio Pag-asa, Brgy. Cabalantian, Arakan, was shot dead while staying at a relative’s house in Brgy. Sagundanon in neighboring town Kitaotao, Bukidnon by troopers of the 19th IB and paramilitary CAFGU. Empong, himself a previous teacher of the Lumad school, had been tagged and repeatedly ordered to “surrender” by the 39th IB and 19th IB as an NPA member with a P35,000 bounty on his head.

On November 18, five minors and students of a Lumad school were accosted, two of whom were physically assaulted, in Sitio Bantaan, Brgy. Bagumbayan in Magpet by members of the 19th IB who were on combat operation. Soldiers hit one student several times on his side, wrapped his head inside a cellophane bag until he could hardly breathe and tried to slit his throat with a bolo. Tagged as being run by the NPA, their Lumad school and teachers were vilified during so-called “community meetings” by the 39th IB and the 19th IB.

It should be remembered that on October 23, 2015, AFP troops under the 8th and 23rd IB instigated and escorted the village chief and some cohorts to demolish a Lumad school in nearby Brgy. White Culaman in Kitaotao town, Bukidnon. The school had also been tagged by the AFP as an “NPA school.” For several years since their opening, Lumad schools in Magpet, Arakan and Makilala in North Cotabato have received the same red-baiting, harassment and terrorizing from the 39th IB, the 19th IB and previous abusive AFP units assigned in the province.

The propensity to orchestrate a scenario and promptly peddle misinformation for the media to lap up is by no means a new tactic employed by AFP troops in North Cotabato. On October 19, in a fit of desperation, the 19th IB fed the media a story of a “45-minute encounter” with NPA forces in Brgy. Lanao-Kuran in Arakan town, “killing a certain Alvin” and “wounding 2 female rebels” and finally “seizing an M14 rifle” to round up an elaborate tale that is as far from the truth as their claim of weakening the masses’ armed revolutionary resistance in North Cotabato.

The lies which the AFP troops perpetuate to cover their burning of a day care center and the supposed “encounter” in Arakan are merely part of their scheme to justify their continued and intensifying militarization under martial law and Oplan Kapayapaan. Worse, these falsehoods serve as smokescreen for the real and heinous crimes that their soldiers continuously perpetrate against civilians.

In early October, a fact-finding delegation tasked to investigate the rights violations committed by AFP and paramilitary troops in Magpet were themselves harassed by soldiers encamped in civilian houses and structures in Brgy. Balite. Nevertheless, the delegation was able to document cases of torture, harassment, intimidation and forced surrender of Lumad and peasant residents.

Not a single person is fooled by the worn-out AFP propaganda that the implementation of martial law has not resulted in rights violations and killings in North Cotabato. Already a deeply fascist and corrupt armed institution, the AFP and their paramilitaries are being emboldened by Duterte to commit the most heinous crimes against the people and line their pockets with funds from forced surrenders and extortion of civilians.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/terror-summary-killings-school-burning-and-fake-news-among-afp-staples-in-north-cotabato/

CPP/NPA-SMR: Kalisang, pagpatay, pagsunog og eskwelahan ug fake news naandang buhat sa AFP sa North Cotabato

NPA-Southern Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 1): Kalisang, pagpatay, pagsunog og eskwelahan ug fake news naandang buhat sa AFP sa North Cotabato

Isabel Santiago
Spokesperson
Mt. Apo Sub-Regional Operations Command
NPA-Southern Mindanao Region

December 01, 2018

Tungod kay ang pagpatuman sa balaod militar sa Mindanao miresulta na sa dili maihap nga mga pagyatak sa tawhanong katungod, walay kapilian ang AFP, labaw na ang dunot nga 39th IB ug 19th IB sa North Cotabato, kundili ang pagbaligya og fake news aron tabunan ang paghari sa kalisang, pagpatay ug atake sa mga eskwelahan sa hilit nga mga baryo sa Lumad ug mag-uuma sa probinsya.

Sayong buntag niadtong Nobyembre 15, dili moubos sa 15 ka nagtaptap ug armadong mga membro sa AFP ug paramilitar nga Bagani ang midunggo sa usa ka day care center sa Brgy. Mahongcog, Magpet ug migapos sa nalisang nga magtutudlo nga si Amelita Nebres. Subay sa ilang giandam nga istorya, mideklara ang mga sundalo nga mga membro kuno sila sa NPA Guerilla Front 53 kinsa nagpatuman og silot batuk sa magtutudlo sa iyang kapakyasan nga ihatag ang extortion letter sa mga opisyal sa barangay. Gisunog gilayon sa mga sundalo ang day care center ayha mihawa sa nahitaboan.

Apan kahibulongan ang kahimtang nga nabuhat sa usa ka armadong grupo ang paghulga sa usa ka sibilyan ug pagsunog sa usa ka eskwelahan samtang adunay detatsment sa AFP dili layo sa nahitaboan ug anaa sa tunga sa kabalayan sa mga sibilyan sa Brgy. Mahongcog. Sa tinuod, nahimo nang daw usa ka baraks sa kasudalohan ang maong baryo nga nagsilbing usa ka command post sa tanang mga kontra-insurhensiya ug saywar nga operisyon nga ginapatuman sa 39th IB ug 19th IB. Bisan ang mga masa sa Brgy. Mahongcog ug mga sikbit nga barangay wa nagatuo sa tataw nga bakak sa AFP.

Ang siguradong gituohan sa mga masa sa Magpet ug sikbit nga mga munisipyo mao ang kamatuoran nga ang pasistang mga tropa sa AFP mismo ang maoy hawud sa mangtas nga modus operandi sa pagpanamastamas ug pagbungkag sa mga eskwelahan, pagpangharas sa mga magtutudlo ug estudyante ug pagpatay sa mga membro ug opisyal sa Parents, Teachers and Community Association (PTCA), samtang ang ilang commander-in-chief nga si GRP Pres. Rodrigo Duterte pila ka higayong nagsaad nga “bombahon ang mga eskwelahan sa Lumad ug “patagon” ang ilang mga bukid.

Niadtong Nobyembre 18, gipusil-patay sa mga tropa sa 19th IB ug CAFGU si Esteban Empong, opisyal sa PTCA sa usa ka Lumadnong eskwelahan sa iyang baryo sa Sityo Pag-asa, Brgy. Cabalantian, Arakan, samtang nagpuyo siya sa balay sa iyang paryente sa Brgy. Sagundanon sa munisipyo sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon. Usa ka kanhing magtutudlo sa ilang Lumadnong eskwelahan, pila ka higayong gipasanginlan ug gimandoan nga mosurender si Empong sa 39th IB ug 19th IB kinsa nagbutang og P35,000 nga ganti alang sa iyang ulo.

Niadtong Nobyembre 18, lima ka menor-de-edad nga mga estudyante sa usa ka Lumadnong eskwelahan ang giharang ug gisukit-sukit sa mga membro sa nag-operisyong tropa sa 19th IB sa Sityo Bantaan, Brgy. Bagumbayan sa Magpet. Gisumbag sa mga sundalo ang kilid sa usa sa mga estudyante, gisulod og cellophane bag ang iyang ulo hangtud nga naglisod siya og ginhawa ug gisulayan og gulgol ang iyang liog gamit ang sundang. Atol sa mga “pulong-pulong” nga gilunsad sa 39th IB ug 19th IB, gipasanginlan sa mga sundalo nga eskwelahan sa NPA ang ilang tulunghaan ug mga rebelde kuno ang ilang mga magtutudlo.

Kahinumdoman nga niadtong Oktubre 23, 2015, gikuyogan sa kasundalohan ilalom sa 8th IB ug 23rd IB ang kapitan ug pipila niya ka kauban sa pagguba sa usa ka Lumadnong eskwelahan sa sikbit nga barangay sa White Culaman sa munisipyo sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon. Gipasanginlang “eskwelahan sa NPA” ang maong tulunghaan. Sulod sa pila ka tuig sukad sa ilang pag-abli, gibaton sa mga Lumadnong eskwelahan sa Magpet, Arakan ug Makilala sa North Cotabato ang susamang pasangil, pagpanghulga ug pagpanghadlok gikan sa 39th IB, 19th IB ug uban pang mga abusadong yunit sa AFP nga na-asayn sa probinsya.

Dili na bag-o alang sa mga tropa sa AFP sa North Cotabato ang pagmugna og mga bakak ug pagbaligya niini ngadto as midya. Niadtong Oktubre 19, desperadong gibalita sa 19th IB sa midya ang istorya sa usa ka “45-minutos nga engkwentro” tali sa pwersa sa NPA sa Brgy. Lanao-Kuran sa Arakan, diin “napatay ang usa ka ginganlang Alvin,” “samdan ang 2 ka babayeng rebelde” ug “nasakmit ang usa ka riple nga M14.” Ang maong makuti nga sugilanon labihan ka layo sa kamatuoran, sama sa ilang pangagpas nga ila nang napahuyang ang armadong rebolusyonaryong pagsukol sa masa sa North Cotabato.

Ang giluwatang mga butbot sa mga tropa sa AFP aron tabunan ang ilang pagsunog sa usa ka day care center ug ang nahitabong engkwentro kuno sa Arakan kabahin lamang sa ilang iskema aron hatagag-rason ang padayon ug nagkagrabeng militarisasyon ilalom sa balod militar ug Oplan Kapayapaan. Labaw pa, kining mga bakak nagsilbing taming sa tinuod ug linuog nga mga krimen nga padayong ginapahamtang sa ilang kasundalohan batuk sa mga sibilyan.

Niadtong sayong bahin sa Oktubre, gihulga sa mga sundalo nga nagkampo sa kabalayan ug mga sibilyang istruktura sa Brgy. Balite, Magpet ang mismong delegasyon kinsa nagtumong nga imbestigahan ang mga kaso sa pagyatak sa tawhanong katungod nga hinimoan sa AFP ug mga paramilitar niini. Bisan pa man, natala sa maong delegasyon ang mga kaso sa tortyur, pagpanghulga, pagpanghadlok ug pugos nga pagpasurender sa mga residenteng Lumad ug mag-uuma.

Walay si bisan kinsa ang nalimbong sa gasgas nang propaganda sa AFP nga wala miresulta sa mga pagyatak sa katungod ug pagpatay ang pagpatuman sa balaod militar sa North Cotabato. Daan nang hingpit nga pasista ug korap nga armadong institusyon, ginadasig ang AFP ug ilang mga paramilitar sa mga pagpanghulhog ni Duterte nga buhaton ang labihan ka ngilngig nga mga krimen batuk sa katawhan ug paburoton ang ilang mga bulsa gamit ang pundo gikan sa pagpangilkil ug pugos nga mga pagpasurender sa mga sibilyan.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/terror-summary-killings-school-burning-and-fake-news-among-afp-staples-in-north-cotabato/kalisang-pagpatay-pagsunog-og-eskwelahan-ug-fake-news-naandang-buhat-sa-afp-sa-north-cotabato/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Panukalang Death Squad sa AFP-PNP, Mukha ng Lawless Violence at Paghahanda para sa Isang Pambansang Batas Militar ng Rehimeng US-Duterte

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 1): Panukalang Death Squad sa AFP-PNP, Mukha ng Lawless Violence at Paghahanda para sa Isang Pambansang Batas Militar ng Rehimeng US-Duterte

Maria Roja Banua
Spokesperson
NDF-Bicol

December 01, 2018

Nakikiisa ang NDF-Bikol sa pagkundena at paglalantad ng masang Bikolano sa higit na mapangahas at lantarang mga hakbangin ng rehimeng US-Duterte upang ibuslo ang sambayanan sa bitag ng isang pambansang Batas Militar. Nakapagngangalit ang palabas niyang ang pagwawasiwas ng kanyang kampo ng pasismo ay sa ngalan umano ng pagpigil sa ‘lawless violence’ ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Ang totoo, ang sambayanang Pilipino ang pangunahing target ng planong ito.

Sa paglalabas niya ng Memorandum Order No. 32, ipinapaloob niya ang bansa sa state of national emergency na sa esensya ay nagbibigay-laya sa kanyang sandatahang lakas na ibayong maghasik ng pasismo at paghaharing militar laban sa bulnerableng hanay ng sibilyang populasyon ng bansa. Ang kautusang ito, kasabay ang pagbubuo umano ng National Task Force laban sa CPP-NPA-NDFP at pagpapatuloy ng Oplan Kapayapaan, Oplan Tambay at Oplan Tokhang ay mga hakbang tungo sa manipulasyon o pagkansela ng eleksyong 2019, linulutong pagbabago ng konstitusyon para sa pederalismo at ang pormal na deklarasyon ng rehimeng US-Duterte ng pambansang Batas Militar na nagsisilbi sa kasapakat niyang paksyon ng naghaharing uri at imperyalistang interes. Isang pasistang diktadurang US-Duterte na higit na masahol kaysa sa diktadura noon ng kanyang idolong si Marcos ang malinaw na tinatahak upang makapanatili sa kapangyarihan.

Pinag-uusapan ngayon ng mga upisyales ng AFP-PNP at ng gubyernong Duterte ang pagbubuo ng mga tinatawag nitong ‘ISPARO units’ at ‘death squads’ sa hanay ng AFP at PNP. Sa bisa nito, magkakaroon ng walang sagkang kalayaan ang mga elemento ng militar at kapulisan na magsagawa ng mga operasyon laban sa mga arbitraryong target nito.

Iginigiit ng mga tagapagsalita ng AFP-PNP na walang dapat ikabahala ang publiko dahil tanging mga indibidwal na may kaugnayan sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan lamang ang target ng mga ‘death squad’. Ang tanong ng sambayanan, ano ang espesyal na kakayahan ang AFP-PNP na pag-ibahin ang isang sibilyan at isang komunista kung parehas silang hindi armado? Gayundin, paano bibigyang-matwid ng AFP-PNP ang pagtarget at pagpatay sa sinuman – may kaugnayan man sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan o wala, nang hindi dumaraan sa karampatang prosesong ligal?

Ito ang tunay na mukha ng lawless violence sa bansa. Iisa lamang ang ibig sabihin ng nakababahalang panukalang pagbubuo ng ‘death squads’ na ito – ibayong magiging malaya ang militar at kapulisan sa pag-atake sa sibilyang populasyon sa anumang pagkakataon at malayang bigyang-matwid lamang ang paglabag sa karapatang-tao bilang isang ‘espesyal na operasyong militar’. Tahasan nitong linalabag ang Protocol II ng Geneva Conventions at iba pang internasyunal na batas ng digmaan na pumuprotekta sa karapatan ng mga sibilyan mula sa kapahamakan at nagsasaad sa karapatan ng isang kombatant sa due legal process.
Kapag naipatupad, tatambalan ng higit pang masahol na mga operasyong death squad sa mga kabayanan at matataong lugar sa kalunsuran ang mararahas na operasyong militar sa kanayunan. Layunin nitong higit pang sindakin at supilin ang masa at gawing ligal ang laganap nang “EJK” o ekstrahudisyal na pamamaslang sa bansa. Ibayong malulubog sa kultura ng walang pakundangang pagpatay at kawalang pananagutan ang bansa sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Duterte.

Ngayon pa lamang, itinataguyod na ng brutal at hindi makataong Oplan Tokhang ang pagpatay ng PNP sa daan-daang sibilyan araw-araw nang hindi man lamang dumaan sa due legal process. Paulit-ulit na naririnig ng publiko ang dahilang ‘nanlaban’ sa ganitong mga kaso ng pagpatay. Malinaw ang malawakang paglabag sa karapatang-tao. Maging sa internasyunal na komunidad, umani na ng sala-salabat na batikos ang notoryus na Oplan Tokhang na ito.

Nauulol si Duterte kung inaakala niyang masisindak ang masang api at pinagsasamantalahan sa pagwawasiwas niya ng todo-largang gera laban sa mamamayan. Walang ibang tatahakin ang plano ni Duterte na pormal nang maideklara ang Batas Militar kundi ang tuluyang pagkabigo. Sa pagmamadali at pagkagarapal niyang maitayo ang kanyang diktadura, nagpapanukala at nagpapatupad siya ng mga batas na malinaw na kontra-mamamayan at direktang umaatake sa interes ng sambayanan.

Walang tanong sa isip ng masa na ang tunay na lawless violence ay ang walang pakundangang karahasang pangunahing itinataguyod ng papet na rehimeng Duterte. Patung-patong ang kaso ng mga ekstrahudisyal na pamamaslang at ilang daang libong pamilya na ang biktima ng mapang-abusong Oplan Tokhang at Oplan Kapayapaan sa buong kapuluan. Anumang pagbabalatkayo at kaiga-igayang palamuti ng ‘pagbabago at kapayapaang’ ituran ng kanyang kampo, mulat ang sambayanang Pilipino na ang tanging pamamaraan upang maipagtanggol ang interes ng nakararami ay ang manindigan para sa makatwirang paglaban ng mamamayan at ang isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan nang may ibayong kapasyahan at katatagan.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/panukalang-death-squad-sa-afp-pnp-mukha-ng-lawless-violence-at-paghahanda-para-sa-isang-pambansang-batas-militar-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte/