Saturday, November 23, 2019

Global Terrorism Index 2019

Posted to the Relief Web (Nov 20, 2019): Global Terrorism Index 2019

REPORT from Institute for Economics and Peace
Published on 20 Nov 2019


Download PDF (4.18 MB)Global Terrorism Index 2019


Download PDF (587.58 KB)Global Terrorism Index 2019 - Briefing


Download PDF (288.74 KB)Global Terrorism Index 2019 - Wall Chart


*Access 163 country rankings in the full report
* Afghanistan down: Afghanistan was the country most impacted by terrorism in 2018, replacing Iraq, which had held that position since 2004.
* Impact trend: Since 2002, all the countries have remained on the 10 most impacted list apart from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

GLOBAL RANKINGS
A Global Overview
Deaths from terrorism halved in the last four years, but the number of countries affected is growing.
* Global security threat: 71 countries recorded at least one death from terrorism in 2018 — the highest second number of countries since 2002.
* European improvement: Deaths in Europe fell by 70%, with Western Europe recording its lowest number of incidents since 2012.
* Far-right terrorism up: There has been an increase in far-right terrorism for the third year running, in Western Europe, North America and Oceania, with deaths up by 52% in 2018.

ECONOMIC IMPACT Estimating the global impact

The economic impact of terrorism model includes costs from four categories: deaths, injuries, property destruction, and GDP losses from terrorism.

What does it tell us? Deaths from terrorism are the largest category in the model, accounting for 58% of the global economic impact of terrorism — equivalent to $19.3 billion 2018.

By the numbers
* GDP losses are the second largest category contributing to 39% of the total, or $12.9 billion.
* Property destruction is estimated at 2% of the global economic impact of terrorism, with injuries at just 1% of the total.
* In 2018, all four categories in the economic impact of terrorism model decreased from 2017 levels — that's down by $20.6 billion.

KEY FINDINGS Far-right terrorism in the West

The last few years have seen a growing concern over the threat posed by far-right extremism and terrorism — particularly in the West.

The rise in-far right attacks has led some observers to state that far-right domestic terrorism has not been taken seriously enough by the West, and that security and intelligence services should be paying closer attention to this threat.

Despite far-right terrorism accounting for a tiny fraction of the worldwide total, incidents have been increasing in the West, particularly in Western Europe, North America and Oceania:
* The total number of incidents in the West have increased by 320% over the last five years — see the chart below for 1970 – 2018.
* There have been eleven far-right attacks in the last 50 years that have killed more than 50 people.
* The three largest politically motivated terrorist attacks in the West in the last 50 years have been perpetuated by far-right extremists.

Far-right terrorism in the last ten years has become increasingly associated with individuals with broad ideological allegiances rather than specific terrorist groups.

https://reliefweb.int/report/world/global-terrorism-index-2019

OPAPP hopeful of passage of P3.8-B PAMANA budget for 2020

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 24, 2019): OPAPP hopeful of passage of P3.8-B PAMANA budget for 2020



Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. (File photo)

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. has expressed optimism that Congress will approve the proposed PHP3.8-billion budget for the implementation of the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) program in 2020.

In a press statement sent to media on Saturday, Galvez said PAMANA will help bring “sustainable economic growth and long-lasting peace” in conflict-ridden communities across the country.

Galvez issued the statement as he recognized the need to provide assistance to more remote, underdeveloped, and vulnerable areas.

“[PAMANA] project will help us sustain holistic development in hard-to-reach areas. Projects such as farm-to-market roads, water supply systems, livelihood programs, and environmental protection initiatives are designed to be impact-driven and will hugely contribute to boosting socio-economic development in conflict-affected, vulnerable areas, and last-mile communities,”
he said.


A complementary track to peace negotiations, PAMANA is anchored on the principle of winning the peace by forging strategic partnerships with national agencies in promoting more convergent delivery of goods and services and addressing regional development challenges in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas.

“We are really grateful to both houses of Congress for the support they have given to PAMANA over the years. We hope to reach more communities and implement more peace promoting and conflict-sensitive projects once our proposed PAMANA 2020 budget is approved,” Galvez added.

The areas that are benefitting from PAMANA program include Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol, Quezon, Mindoro, Negros, Panay, Davao, Compostella Valley, Caraga, Central Mindanao, Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

In 2019, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) earmarked a total of PHP386.862 million for PAMANA projects.

The OPAPP partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the implementation of a community-driven development program for indigenous peoples (IPs); the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples for the granting of education assistance for IP communities; and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation for the provision of health care insurance.

The design and delivery of PAMANA are conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting to avoid the recurrence of violence, especially in strife-ridden communities in the Bangsamoro Region which suffered from over 40 years of armed struggle.

Galvez said it was necessary to extend development interventions to “isolated, hard-to-reach, and conflict-affected” communities through the national government’s convergence program, in a bid to ensure that “no one is left behind in the process of development.”

OPAPP director Andres Aguinaldo Jr., who also serves as the national program manager of PAMANA, is leading the series of year-end assessment and planning sessions nationwide.

Aguinaldo thanked the local government representatives for supporting the implementation of PAMANA projects in their areas.

“OPAPP will endeavor to continue the PAMANA, a program which has been a dynamic element in improving access of communities to greater socio-economic interventions being delivered by our government,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086881

AFP-CRS: Joma’s claim of “FAKE” NTF-ELCAC programs

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 23, 2019): Joma’s claim of “FAKE” NTF-ELCAC programs



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2857284534290252/?type=3&theater

Joma’s claim of “FAKE” NTF-ELCAC programs

"Sison knows exactly what's happening in the field and he is worried. And the greatest worry of this greedy and corrupt decrepit is how NTF-ELCAC has affected and greatly diminished funds he has swindled from international organizations who have finally woken up to the lies of this terrorist.”

MGEN ANTONIO G PARLADE JR AFP
Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, J7, AFP

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Eastern Visayas Media Support 'Whole of Nation Approach'

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 23, 2019): Eastern Visayas Media Support 'Whole of Nation Approach'



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2854821974536508/?type=3&theater

EASTERN VISAYAS MEDIA SUPPORT 'WHOLE OF NATION APPROACH'

Members of Eastern Visayas media expressed their support towards the implementation of the “whole-of-nation approach” approach in resolving the five-decade long local communist armed conflict through the signing of a manifesto.

More than 75 journalists from print, radio, television and online media from six provinces in Eastern Visayas signed the declaration following a three-hour briefing on Executive Order 70 which tackles the institutionalization of the “whole-of-nation approach” and mandates the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Discussions in the media briefing centered on how the propaganda machine of the National Democratic Front, Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army works among different sectors and how it “wittingly or unwittingly” used the media in its propaganda.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA Atrocities Against People and Properties Reasons for RP Inclusion i Global Terrorism Index

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 22, 2019): CPP-NPA Atrocities Against People and Properties Reasons for RP Inclusion i  Global Terrorism Index

CPP-NPA ATROCITIES AGAINST PEOPLE AND PROPERTIES, REASONS WHY PHILIPPINES IN TOP 10 GLOBAL TERRORISM INDEX. Communist rebels continue to make violent attacks in the countryside as part of their senseless terror campaign aimed at destabilizing peace.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA Supporters Surrender in Lanao del Sur

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 22, 2019): CPP-NPA Supporters Surrender in Lanao del Sur



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2853662807985758/?type=3&theater

CPP-NPA SUPPORTER SURRENDER. Four New People’s Army (NPA) supporters surrendered because of dissatisfaction, coupled with pressures by the continued military operations against them in Lanao del Sur.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com
Read full here: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086515

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: DND@80: One Defense Team

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 22, 2019): DND@80: One Defense Team



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2853623537989685/?type=3&theater

DND AT 80. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana underscored the importance of keeping the bureaus under the DND united to defend the country from foreign and local threats.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: IED Bearing CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 22, 2019): IED Bearing CPP-NPA 

Image may contain: 2 people, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2853611841324188/?type=3&theater

APPREHENDED CPP-NPA MEMBERS. The 20th Infantry Battalion, while conducting combat patrol at Barangay Henogawe, Gamay, Northern Samar on November 17, 2019, apprehended two persons carrying improvised explosive device and a caliber 45 pistol with one magazine loaded with six rounds of ammunition.

Baldoza was identified by the operating troops as he surfaced on August 3, 2017 and surrendered his M14 rifle. However, he returned to the NPA in October of same year.

He admitted that he was carrying the said IED upon orders of communist terrorist leader (CTL) Rosalinda Esponilla @Meagan to be emplaced along the route intended for the government troops who are operating in the area.

The troops identified the suspects as Agosto Baldoza @Allan and Ricky Capoquian, both residents of said barangay have standing warrant of arrest and were identified to have participated in the 2004 attacked of Gamay Municipal Police Station.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Sniper Company Activated

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 22, 2019): Sniper Company Activated

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2853597944658911/?type=3&theater

SNIPER COMPANY ACTIVATED. BGen Bagnus Gaerlan, acting commander of the Army's 1st Infantry Division, described the 11th Division Sniper Company at Camp Maj. Cesar Sang-an in Pulacan, Zamboanga del Sur as a highly specialized force multiplier that will provide sniping capability to the Infantry Battalions of the 1st Infantry Division. In his keynote speech, he told the snipers to train and work with dedication and pride to accomplish their tasks (Nov. 21, 2019).

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA Persona non Grata in 30 Panay LGUs

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 22, 2019): CPP-NPA Persona non Grata in 30 Panay  LGUs

No photo description available.

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2851075024911203/?type=3&theater

CPP-NPA PERSONA NON GRATA IN PANAY. Thirty local government units (LGU), including a city and five barangays in Panay Island, have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as persona non grata.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA Mass Surrender

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2019): CPP-NPA Mass Surrender

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2851072044911501/?type=3&theater

MASS SURRENDER. An official from the Philippine Army hopes that supporters of New People’s Army (NPA) in the Ilocos Region will follow suit the mass surrender that happened in Region 3 recently.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA 'Unwelcome' in Pangasinan

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2019): CPP-NPA 'Unwelcome' in Pangasinan

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2851070321578340/?type=3&theater

CPP-NPA DECLARED PERSONA NON GRATA. The Sangguniang Bayan in Mabini, Pangasinan has passed a resolution declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as persona non grata and condemning their atrocities.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: IHL Violation Case Filed Against CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2019): IHL Violation Case Filed Against CPP-NPA

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2852918768060162/?type=3&theater

IHL VIOLATION CASE AGAINST CPP-NPA. This time, it is going to be a fight in court, not in war zones; and an exchange of arguments, not bullets.

The army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) filed the first case of violation of International Humanitarian Law or IHL (Republic Act 9851) against the New People’s Army (NPA) for alleged war crimes involving civilians and non-combatants, Wednesday, November 20.

The complaint was filed before a local court in Cagayan de Oro City, while several people staged demonstration outside the Hall of Justice to protest the ‘NPA-perpetrated’ atrocities.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: RP Navy, Coast Guard, 1st Joint Exercise

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2019): RP Navy, Coast Guard, 1st Joint Exercise

 Image may contain: one or more people and text

INTER-AGENCY EXERCISE. To harmonize operations in securing the country's vast waters, the Philippine Navy (PN) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) formally opened Exercise "PAGKAKAISA" 2019 at the Nonato Multi-Purpose Hall, Naval Base Cavite, Cavite City on Wednesday, Nov 20.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: President Duterte to Sustain Defense Modernization

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2019): President Duterte to Sustain Defense Modernization

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2851049454913760/?type=3&theater

DEFENSE MODERNIZATION. President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday vowed to sustain the modernization program of the Department of National Defense (DND) as he thanked the country’s troops for defending the country against threats.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Lanao Sur Residents Cooperate, Yield 44 Loose Firearms

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2019): Lanao Sur Residents Cooperate, Yield 44 Loose Firearms

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2850227708329268/?type=3&theater

LOOSE GUNS. Military and officials of Lanao del Sur inspect the 44 assorted loose firearms that were surrendered by residents of Bayang town.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Female CPP-NPA Combatant Suffers Sexual Abuses

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2019): Female CPP-NPA Combatant Suffers Sexual Abuses

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2850226904996015/?type=3&theater

FEMALE COMBATANTS AS SEX SLAVES. Former female rebels revealed their sad experience as a victim of sexual abuse from their NPA commander.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS:Minor CPP-NPA Member, Surrenders in Bukidnon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2019): Minor CPP-NPA Member, Surrenders in Bukidnon

Image may contain: 2 people, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2850215118330527/?type=3&theater

YOUNG CPP-NPA SURRENDER. The Eastern Mindanao Command slammed the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) continuous use of minors in their effort to overthrow the government, after a 16-year old member of their group surrendered to authorities on the evening of November 16, 2019, at St. Peter, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Sports for Peace

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2019): Sports for Peace



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2850214008330638/?type=3&theater

EVERLASTING PEACE. Bangsamoro Sports Commission (BSC) chairman Norhan Uka underscored that sports is vital to lasting peace as he spoke before 50 fourth year MAPEH student volunteers during the inaugural leg of the first ever Mindanao Sports for Peace Caravan with the conduct of Ate Kuya Leadership Training at the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: 140 LGUs in Eastern Visayas Reject CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2019): 140 LGUs in Eastern Visayas Reject CPP-NPA



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2850490521636320/?type=3&theater

UNWELCOME. At least 140 local government units in Eastern Visayas have declared the New People’s Army as persona non grata for derailing development efforts in their communities

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: RP 10th in Terrorism Global Index

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2019): RP 10th in Terrorism Global Index

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https://www.facebook.com/ntfelcac/photos/a.114055740032819/125779765527083/?type=3&theater

RP 10th in Terrorism Global Index

"That's sad to be in top 10. But let's congratulate the CPP NPA NDF, including their allies in the Kamatayan bloc, for making us land in that spot, exactly as they wanted it to be. And Joma is right. Insurgency is the milking cow of the CPP by corrupting our system through intimidation and extortion.

We have almost contained the ASG terror problem but the CPP NPA, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the US, UK Australia, NZ, and the EU, has been terrorizing the countryside with its violent attacks against civilians, business sector, and even their own people. This group has been killing their own people, including progressive members, then cunningly put the blame on the government. Their former Sparu hitman, James Durimos @Juros who surrendered last month confirmed the hits the CPP asked him to do in Panay to discredit the government. Now they have reported their own Karapatan exec Hanimay Suazo to be missing, after her payments of bail for captured CPP NPAs have been exposed. Who else will they target next?Any of those CPP NPA underlings can be easily "liquidated", just like what the NPA did to Randy Felix Malayao, in Nueva Viscaya for financial and sexual oppostunism. And Brandon Lee? Cui bono?

They have been conducting arson to those not giving in to their extortion and this is driving away investors. At the labor front, they have been terrorizing our industries, with their violent strikes, pushing the poor workers they have duped to the front of picket lines, and incites them to become violent. They have been using children, as young as 12 yrs old, for their terroristic agenda, and they get away with it because of their allies in congress. Still they have the gall to call for a Congressional inquiry on the crackdown against these terrorist groups. Cheap propaganda.

But they are succesful in painting our country as a dangerous place to be, with all these alleged human rights abuses of state forces, red-tagging by the government, only because of a biased media. They will flood the papers with news of fake "bakwits" or soldier killed by fellow soldier, as if thats the most news worthy piece to write about. But do they want to write about this child warriors or missing child activists?

We all know now that these allegations of human rights abuses, crackdown on "progressive" groups are designed for the CPP to continously collect funds from foreign funding agencies and NGOs they have duped. Recently recovered documents from the NPA in Samar and top CPP leaders confirm this modus of using NGO funding to promote and sustain their agenda. In fact, the CPP plan for the years to follow until 2022 is increase CPP funds through more foreign conduits and NGOs (Limang Taong Programa ng Partido 2017-2021, Samar)

There is an on-going crackdown against these violent terrorists but none for plain dissenters. Peaceful assembly is welcome in our democracy but the people have ran out of patience against violence. NTF ELCAC has drawn the line and there is no room for vacillation. 50 years of CPP NPA violence is long enough.

The NTF ELCAC will help in the amendment of the Human Security Act (HSA). We need a law to help the state do its job to protect the people and its democratic institutions, not a law that clips its arms and enables terrorists to go scot free or safeguards the human rights of criminals rather than majority of our citizens. Right now our HSA can be classified as an "anti-police law", that allows Kamatayan bloc to freely roam around, collect their fat checks from Congress, and get away with all these crimes of violence that they are equally guilty of like the CPP NPA. That's the irony of our democracy. No wonder our neighbors have left us behind. And Joma Sison is smiling about it."

MGen Parlade
NTF ELCAC

#NTFELCAC
#EO70

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: 459 CPP-NPA Rebels, Supporters Surrender in Central Luzon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2019): 459 CPP-NPA Rebels, Supporters Surrender in Central Luzon

Image may contain: 6 people, people smiling, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2850492744969431/?type=3&theater

REBEL SUPPORTERS SURRENDER.

A total of 459 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and their supporters voluntarily surrendered to the folds of the government in just a span of two weeks.

This was done through the efforts of the 48th Infantry Battalion, 69th Infantry Battalion, 84th Infantry Battalion and 91st Infantry Battalion all under the 703rd Brigade.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

NDF/Sison: On the worsening problem of unemployment and other dismal economic and social conditions

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Nov 23, 2019): On the worsening problem of unemployment and other dismal economic and social conditions



According to figures from the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA), 10 million people lost their jobs in the third quarter of 2019. That is a whopping 23 per cent of the Philippine labor force of 44 million people.

Adult joblessness rose in Balance Luzon (25 percent), Mindanao (19.9 percent) and Metro Manila (24.5 percent).

The unemployment figure does not include underemployment, which has been understated at 16.4 per cent of the labor force and which in fact consists mostly of fully unemployed doing occasional odd jobs.

The underemployment figure is usually far higher than the unemployment figure and is always used to conceal full unemployment.

Under the Duterte regime, the rates of unemployment and underemployment have soared. But the regime has usually claimed a mere 3 to 5 per cent unemployment rate or an incredible employment rate of 95 to 97 per cent.

It is an interesting question whether 10 to 12 million Filipinos or at least 25 per cent of the labor force who cannot find employment in the Philippines but find it abroad and even make substantial foreign exchange remittances should be considered employed within the Philippine economy when in fact they are not employed here.

If one adds up the total number of unemployed residing in the Philippines and those unemployed going abroad to take jobs, it can be said that easily more than 50 percent of the labor force of 44 million people are not employed in the Philippines.

The dismal conditions of massive unemployment in the Philippines are due to the lack of genuine development through land reform and national industrialization and the wastage of resources due to high import-dependent consumption, mounting debt and tax burden, overpriced infrastructure projects, rampant bureaucratic corruption and wanton military spending.

Despite the fast worsening wage and living conditions, the soaring rate of unemployment, the inflation of the prices of food and other basic commodities and the rapid spread of mass poverty, mercenary poll survey firms like SWS and Pulse Asia have continued to claim a high popularity (trust and satisfaction) rating for Duterte.

The Duterte regime has increasingly made the broad masses of the people suffer the policies of neoliberalism and state terrorism and has committed the most outrageous crimes of tyranny, treason, mass murder and plunder.

By escalating oppression and exploitation, the regime has made the semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system more than ever ripe for the simultaneous rise of gigantic mass protest actions and the people’s war for national liberation, democracy, social justice and all-round development. ###

https://ndfp.org/on-the-worsening-problem-of-unemployment-and-other-dismal-economic-and-social-conditions/

CPP: On the tenth year of the Ampatuan massacre

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 23, 2019): On the tenth year of the Ampatuan massacre


2019 CPP Statements

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) joins the Filipino people and the Philippine media community in marking today the 10th year anniversary of the Ampatuan massacre. The massacre of 53 people, including 32 journalists, as well as lawyers, religious and ordinary people, is the worst case of political and media violence in the country and in the world.

It is widely known that the massacre was perpetrated by the warlorld Ampatuan clan against their political rivals and the media. It is a manifestation of the rotten state of the political system in the country which is dominated by feudal landlords and warlords. They employ their armed goons which are tightly bound with state armed forces to suppress the masses and perpetuate their economic and political interests.

The Party is one with the victims of the massacre in their continuing clamor for justice. For ten years now, the reactionary justice system has failed to decisively resolve the case. It has allowed the legal maneuvers of the Ampatuans to delay the criminal proceedings. Such has been the tactic of many rotten ruling class criminals to buy time and await an opportunity to extract favors from the ruling regime through bribery.

The Filipino people mark the tenth anniversary of the Ampatuan massacre at a time that the same conditions of terror by state and feudal dynasties which led to the mass violence are now reigning over the entire country. Under the Duterte regime and its de facto martial law rule, unmitigated acts of violence and suppression are carried out by state forces against the regime’s critics, the political opposition and the mass-oriented democratic organizations.

Mass killings and massacres have been carried out with relentless frequency in the course of the Duterte regime’s fascist counterinsurgency drive and drug war hoax. The state terror campaign is being carried out to silence the people and suppress the people’s struggles to defend the country’s sovereignty and advance their democratic aspirations.

Duterte’s attacks against the Philippine media have been particularly vile. He has openly encouraged violence against independent-minded reporters, as well as against legal practitioners and religious people. He has abused the law to harangue editors and publishers who have refused to toe Duterte’s official lies. State resources have been used to troll social media and attack independent websites. Journalists have been red tagged by the military and police. Campus journalists have been targets of intimidation and harassment by military agents. There have been at least 85 attacks against journalists since 2016 with 13 murdered.

On the tenth year of the Ampatuan massacre, the Party joins the Filipino people in echoing the demand for justice for all its victims. Amid continuing state violence and suppression, the CPP calls on all to unite and defend freedom and democracy against the Duterte regime’s de facto martial law rule.

https://cpp.ph/2019/11/23/on-the-tenth-year-of-the-ampatuan-massacre/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: LPC-NPA claims police action, encounter

NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 23, 2019): LPC-NPA claims police action, encounter

JB REGALADO
NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS
LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
NOVEMBER 23, 2019

The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) Central Negros Front confirms an encounter with the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army but calls out 303rd Brigade Commander BGen. Benedict Arevalo for spreading fake news.

According to the LPC-NPA, the firefight on November 22, 2019 happened around 4:00 in the afternoon at Sitio Iglusong, Barangay Kanlusong, Binalbagan town in Negros Occidental.

“In truth, it was the mercenary military troops who incurred one killed-in-action that they alleged to be an NPA member to cover up their casualty,”

“They (62nd IB) also captured a civilian, Ernesto Amallo, when they ransacked the house of Amallo’s in-laws and presented him as NPA afterwards,” said LPC-NPA spokes JB Regalado.

According to Regalado, the 62nd IB held residents at Sitio Iglusong and Sitio Mahu-paho to stop them from evacuating and confiscated their cellular phones.

“We strongly condemn the atrocities of the terrorist military abusing human rights of civilians and violating the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law,” said Regalado.

The Central Negros Guerrilla Front also cries foul over the inhumane treatment of Amallo who sustained wounds during his capture and was not brought to the nearest hospital within 24 hours of his arrest.

Meanwhile, Regalado in a statement this afternoon also confirmed that troops from the LPC-NPA implemented a police action to arrest and disarm the Village Chief sanctioned by the People’s Democratic Government.

The residence of Barangay Tinongan Captain Eugene “Harley” Zambrona was reported to have been raided on the evening of November 20, 2019.

According to the statement, Zambrona is facing charges of threatening civilians, residents of his barangay, public school teachers, and even lending collectors with his gun.

Zambrona also allegedly arms his barangay tanods causing disturbances in the community and is a protector of illegal drugs.

The LPC-NPA warns Zambrona that it will continue to enforce justice demanded by his victims.

Other Village Chiefs are urged to serve the interest of the people and not make governance a business. ###

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Pag-reyd sa Puluy-an ni Zambrona, Ginlunsar sang LPC-NPA

NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 23, 2019): Pag-reyd sa Puluy-an ni Zambrona, Ginlunsar sang LPC-NPA

JB REGALADO
NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS
LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
NOVEMBER 23, 2019

Sadtong Nobyembre 20, 2019, alas 6:00 sang hapon, ginreyd sang tropa sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army ang puluy-an ni Brgy. Kapitan Eugene “Harley” Zambrona sang Brgy. Tinongan, Isabela, Negros Occidental, sa katuyuan nga pag-aresto kag pagdis-arma sa iya.

Madugay na nga ginmulo sang mga pumuluyo si Zambrona sa iya nga mga kalakasan.

Siya ang nagapangatubang sang kaso sa Rebolusyonaryong Korte sang Pumuluyo bangud sang pagpanaya sang armas-luthang kag pagpanghadlok sa mga sibilyan kag residente ang nasambit nga Brgy, manunudlo kag bisan pa ang kolektor sang Isa ka lending nga korporasyon kag siya man ang nagapaarmas sang mga baranggay tanod nga nangin hinungdan sang kinagamo sa ila lugar. Subongman, si Zambrona ang Isa man ka protektor sag illigal nga drogas kabangdanan nga lapnagon sa gihapon ini sa ila nga baranggay.

Kagustuhan sang malapad nga pumuluyo kag sang NPA ang matuod-tuod nga kalinong kag katarungan. Ang kasubong sini nga kahimuan ang wala ginatolerar sang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan. Bisan wala natigayon ang pag-aresto kag pagdis-arma Kay Harley Zambrona, indi mag-untat sa pagpanukot kag handa sa tanan nga panahon ang LPC-BHB upod sa iya nga mga biktima nga makuha ang nagakaangay nga katarungan.

Indi tanan nga kapitan sa mga kabaranggayan ang malain, magserbisyo sa interes sang pumuluyo kag Indi ini himuon nga negosyo kag tulungtungan sa garuk nga kalakaran.

Ginapanawagan sang LPC-NPA sa bilog nga pumuluyo sa Central Negros nga maghiliugyon sa pagsulong kag panindugan ang mga demokratiko nga kinamatarong. Ululupod baton nga pakig-awayon nga tapuson ang paantus kag pasistang rehimeng US- Duterte.

Maghimakas! Indi Mahadlok!
Pakigbatuan ang tiraniya kag terorismo sang Pasistang Rehimen!
Hutisya para sa tanan nga mga biktima!

https://cpp.ph/statement/pag-reyd-sa-puluy-an-ni-zambrona-ginlunsar-sang-lpc-npa/

CPP/NDF-Bohol: AFP-PNP’s “Insurgency-Free Bohol” declarations are outdated mantras

NDF-Bohol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 23, 2019): AFP-PNP’s “Insurgency-Free Bohol” declarations are outdated mantras

JOSE IGNACIO
MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER
NDF-BOHOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
NOVEMBER 23, 2019

The fascist military and police forces became a huge laughing stock and blabber as walking oxymorons in uniforms as they continuously declare the “insurgency-free” status of Bohol despite the armed encounter that transpired between the New People’s Army (NPA) and joint forces of the AFP-PNP late last month.

An armed encounter ensued between a unit of New People’s Army – Bohol and AFP-PNP last October 24, 2019 in the hinterlands of Bilar. The turbulent exchange of fires started at around 11:40AM and lasted for about an hour until the fascists beat a hasty retreat.

The enemy acquired a minimum of two (2) casualties. On the other side, contrary to the fallacious claims of the reactionary government’s mercenary troops, no one was wounded nor killed among the Red Fighters, who, utilizing their guerilla warfare, gained an upperhand by positioning in a favorable terrain and instigated the attack against the enemy.

The incident was a legitimate clash between soldiers of the two existing governments in the country — the new democratic government of the people and Duterte’s current reactionary government. The New People’s Army, as soldiers of the poor Filipino people, are eternally determined to defend and struggle for the interest of the people victimized by the traitorous, poverty-inflicting, plunderer, and brutal US-Duterte regime.

99% of the 1.2 million Boholanos who are mostly farmers and workers continuously suffer from exploitation and poverty. The fearlessness and yearning for struggle of the Boholano people coupled with the more than 101,000 hectares of forestland in the island will serve as strategic advantage for the advancement of the protracted people’s war in Bohol and the entire country. The revolutionary movement will ceaselessly persist as the only means to get to the bottom of the omnipresence of poverty in a semi-feudal and semi-colonial system controlled by imperialist countries such as the US in connivance with the local ruling class.

In conlusion, the National Democratic Front – Bohol warmly commends the Boholano people, especially the farmers, in their unabating and active participation and support to the national democratic revolution waged by the people.##

https://cpp.ph/statement/afp-pnps-insurgency-free-bohol-declarations-are-outdated-mantras/

CPP/NDF-Bohol: AFP-PNP’s “Insurgency-Free Bohol” declarations are outdated mantras

NDF-Bohol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 23, 2019): AFP-PNP’s “Insurgency-Free Bohol” declarations are outdated mantras

JOSE IGNACIO
MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER
NDF-BOHOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
NOVEMBER 23, 2019

The fascist military and police forces became a huge laughing stock and blabber as walking oxymorons in uniforms as they continuously declare the “insurgency-free” status of Bohol despite the armed encounter that transpired between the New People’s Army (NPA) and joint forces of the AFP-PNP late last month.

An armed encounter ensued between a unit of New People’s Army – Bohol and AFP-PNP last October 24, 2019 in the hinterlands of Bilar. The turbulent exchange of fires started at around 11:40AM and lasted for about an hour until the fascists beat a hasty retreat.

The enemy acquired a minimum of two (2) casualties. On the other side, contrary to the fallacious claims of the reactionary government’s mercenary troops, no one was wounded nor killed among the Red Fighters, who, utilizing their guerilla warfare, gained an upperhand by positioning in a favorable terrain and instigated the attack against the enemy.

The incident was a legitimate clash between soldiers of the two existing governments in the country — the new democratic government of the people and Duterte’s current reactionary government. The New People’s Army, as soldiers of the poor Filipino people, are eternally determined to defend and struggle for the interest of the people victimized by the traitorous, poverty-inflicting, plunderer, and brutal US-Duterte regime.

99% of the 1.2 million Boholanos who are mostly farmers and workers continuously suffer from exploitation and poverty. The fearlessness and yearning for struggle of the Boholano people coupled with the more than 101,000 hectares of forestland in the island will serve as strategic advantage for the advancement of the protracted people’s war in Bohol and the entire country. The revolutionary movement will ceaselessly persist as the only means to get to the bottom of the omnipresence of poverty in a semi-feudal and semi-colonial system controlled by imperialist countries such as the US in connivance with the local ruling class.

In conlusion, the National Democratic Front – Bohol warmly commends the Boholano people, especially the farmers, in their unabating and active participation and support to the national democratic revolution waged by the people.##

https://cpp.ph/statement/afp-pnps-insurgency-free-bohol-declarations-are-outdated-mantras/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Palayag sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) tuhoy sa nagluntad nga engkwentro sa tunga sang teroristang tropa sang 62nd IBPA kag sa NPA

NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 23, 2019): Palayag sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) tuhoy sa nagluntad nga engkwentro sa tunga sang teroristang tropa sang 62nd IBPA kag sa NPA

JB REGALADO
NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS
LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
NOVEMBER 23, 2019

Nagbinayluhanay sang lupok ang LPC-NPA kag ang berdugong tropa sa pagpanguna ni Egberto Dacoscos sang 62nd IBPA sa So. Iglusong, Brgy. Kanlusong, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, Nobyembre 22, alas 4:00 sang hapon, sang ini ang nagpatigayon sang pursuit operation sa natabo nga pagreyd sang NPA sa puluy-an sang Brgy. Kapitan sang Brgy. Tinongan, Isabela.

Halos kabutigan ang mga pahayag ni 303rd Infantry Brigade Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo tuhoy sa nasambit nga enkwentro nga may 1 ka killed-in-action (KIA) kag 1 nadakpan nga wounded-in-action (WIA) sa hanay sang Bag-ong Hukbo sang Banwa (BHB).

Sa pagkamatuod, napatyan 1 ka katapuan sang mersenaryong tropa militar kag ginpaguwa lamang ini nga myembro sang BHB para mahinabunan ang Ila nga kaswalidad. Kasubongman sa pagdakop sa isa ka sibilyan nga si Ernesto Amallo sang ginreyd sang nasambit nga teroristang tropa ang puluy-an sang iya nga bayaw sa nasambitan nga lugar. Si Amallo ang samaron sa paglusob sang nasiling nga puluy-an.

Mabaskog man nga ginakondenar sang LPC-BHB ang kalakasan sang teroristang militar sa kahimuan sini nga pagtapak sang tawhanon nga kinamatarong sang mga sibilyan kag paglapas sini sa kasugtanan sa CARHRIHL sa laye sang gyera bangud sa pag-hold sang mga residente sang So. Iglusong kag So. Mahu-paho para indi ini makabakwit kag pagkumpiska sang mga cellphone sini sa pihak sang mga panghitabo sa ila lugar.

Subongman, ang indi makatawhanon nga pagtratar sa gindakop nga samaron bangud wala ini gindapatan sang pagbulong ukon ginpadala man lang sa malapit nga ospital sa sulod sang 24 oras taliwas sa ginpalayag sang puro binutig kag tikalon nga tigpamaba sang 303rd Infantry Brigade.

Nagapatimaan lamang ini sang sobra nga desperasyon nga maghari sang rehimeng US-Duterte upod sang iya mga ido bangud paslaw sila sa paglipol sang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan sa pungsod Pilipinas.

Sa subong nga panahon, mangahas kita kag isulong naton ang aton demokratiko nga kinamatarung. Padayon nga depensahan ang pangabuhian kag kabuhi. Manindugan para sa matuod nga kalinong kag hustisya sosyal. Kundenahon kag hublasan ang matuod nga nawong sang nagapakuno-kuno nga pasistang militar kag sukton sa utang nga dugo kag kabuhi sa ila mga nangin biktima.

Hatagan sang matuod nga solusyon ang ugat sang armado nga komplikto sa pungsod Pilipinas!

https://cpp.ph/statement/palayag-sang-leonardo-panaligan-command-new-peoples-army-tuhoy-sa-nagluntad-nga-enkwentro-sa-tunga-sang-teroristang-tropa-sang-62nd-ibpa-kag-npa/

CPP/NDF-MAKIBAKA: Mothers and women: AFP, stop harassing youth and women!

NDF-MAKIBAKA propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 23, 2019): Mothers and women: AFP, stop harassing youth and women!

MAKIBAKA - NEGROS
MALAYANG KILUSAN NG BAGONG KABABAIHAN
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

NOVEMBER 23, 2019

Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (MAKIBAKA) – Negros, the basic organization of women for the advancement of the revolutionary movement, condemns in the strongest terms the illegal arrests of 57 activists, on October 31 to November 1, after combined forces of the CIDG, SWAT ad AFP simultaneously raided the offices of National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW), Gabriela, Bayan Muna and the residence of the Bito-on couple. Twelve minors, 21 Ceres employees, 13 youth and 11 mass leaders, including two activists from the NFSW-Escalante Office, were unjustly taken into custody.

Fascist elements of the state failed to pressure the fiscal into keeping the activists locked up. The trumped-up charges were clearly baseless resulting to the release of 32 activists. At the moment, under the fascist-terrorist Duterte regime, nine mass leaders along with other 46 activists remain detained by the AFP/PNP persecuted on the basis of planted evidences and fabricated cases.

The rottenness of the state is further demonstrated in its persistent hounding of the activists particularly the youth. Up to now, according to reports, the police, military and even local government officials continue to harass youth activists. There are widespread and worsening violations of democratic rights of the Filipino people. Not only activists and progressive organizations are openly attacked but also peasants, workers, urban poor, youth and students, women and other oppressed and exploited sectors who are most affected by the prevailing social crisis.

The youth, including their parents, have long called for free education but government responded with commercialized education. The implementation of the K to 12 program proved to be an additional burden to parents. This program is a government scheme to export a younger generation of labor force, an additional case of child labor, human trafficking and contractualization especially in the ranks of youth and women. The women have it worse wherein there is lack of work opportunities, discrimination through low wages, a macho-fascist standpoint championed by Duterte and cheap labor in other countries.

In the Negros countryside, landlessness and poor living conditions remain due to rampant land grabbing by landlords through the hacienda system, land conversion and corporative schemes. There is also unfair wages for women farm workers, labor exploitation, high interests in usury and unjust land rent.

Owing to their participation in progressive organizations, women and youth realized that their voice and strength form part of the fight for democratic rights. Progressive organizations launch legitimate campaigns but these fall on the deaf ears of the reactionary government servile to the ruling class of big bourgeois compradors and landlords. Instead, these are answered with grave harassments and intimidation of the struggling people.

The AFP/PNP running dogs and other armed state machineries use evil tactics exactly because they fear the broadening force of the mass struggles. They are Duterte’s minions eagerly obeying the command of their master. Despite existing to serve and protect the people, they are the main instrument of terror. The service they boast of means planting of fake evidences and their protection are illegal arrests of innocent civilians especially of the youth.

We in MAKIBAKA, as women and mothers who struggle for the future of the youth, who suffer and shoulder the crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal system, and an oppressed and exploited sector, unite with the call to carry forward the rights of victims of the butcher Duterte regime’s intimidation and harassments. To the police and military, stop harassing the youth; stop the illegal arrests of progressive organizations and the attacks on activists.

Women will not be terrorized instead the voices of women and youth with the broad masses will resonate against anti-people policies and programs implemented by the reactionary government. The harassments and intimidation we experience only dares us to heighten the level of struggle.

Now it is clear that the aspiration of women and youth cannot be achieved under Duterte’s reign. To say “revolution is the solution” is further justified. While the economic crisis and rule of fascism worsens, the determination of the Filipino people to eradicate the exploitative system grows stronger. ###

Note: As of posting (November 23, 2019), the AFP/PNP recently filed a motion for reconsideration of the case against the 32 activists released earlier. Meanwhile, the youth activists continue to be harassed in their homes and red-tagged by the AFP/PNP. The struggle of the #Negros57 continues!

https://cpp.ph/statement/mothers-and-women-afp-stop-harassing-youth-and-women/