Pahayagan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ANG Pinapatnubayan ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo English Edition Vol. LI No. 24 December 21, 2020 www.cpp.ph

EDITORIAL Fight all-out the ruthless fascist terrorism in the countryside

he US-Duterte regime's fascist terrorism in the countryside was ruth- where they are made to "sur- less this year. The cruelty of Duterte's armed minions against the render" and serve the enemy or peasant and poor masses is without equal. Amid raging pandemic and take part in projects where the mil- Tcalamities, psywar, intelligence and intimidation operations are relentless in itary rakes in money. villages and communities which the enemy suspects of having mass organiz- Those who refuse are arbitrarily ations or Party branches or supportive or sympathetic to the New People's imprisoned or threatened with Army (NPA). This suppression campaign against the masses, under the so- death. They get repeated visits in called Joint Campaign Plan-Kapanatagan, is carried out in parallel with large- their homes, which later get sur- scale, intense and sustained combat operations against NPA guerrilla fronts. rounded, entered or raided and searched, usually in the dead of Retooled Community Support those they suspect of being mem- night. Those who continue to resist Program (RCSP) teams of the bers of mass organizations, or hav- are eventually liquidated. There are Armed Forces of the ing a relative in the NPA, a Party increasing cases of massacres later (AFP) lay siege, occupy and reign cadre, a former NPA fighter or just made to appear as encounters with over villages. Its despicable aim is anyone who refuse to bow, sur- the NPA. This 2020, at least 290 to eliminate any trace of revolu- render or serve as informant. peasants were killed by the fascists. tionary influence. Its operations The fascists use red-tagging. The peasant masses are com- last 3-6 months at the minimum, or They announce names over the ra- pelled to follow arbitrary policies up to three years in a cluster of vil- dio or in tarpaulins. They paint a imposed by the fascists, such as lages. red X on the homes of those they limiting amount of food and supply Its fascist objective is to des- suspect. They summon or take purchases, or prohibiting them to troy the masses' unity and coopera- “suspects” in to report or "clear work in their fields on the pretext of tion. They pinpoint and gang up on their names" in military camps "social distancing." All these have no legal bases, violate their rights The fascist regime's dirty war is openly or though other creative and a burden on the masses. causing grave damage in some means. They collectively disobey Community peace is disturbed. guerrilla fronts. The masses have the enemy, run circles around or These ruffians promote cockfight- become passive and disorganized completely ignore them. There find ing, all-night drinking, drug use, and could not resist in the face of ways as long as they are determ- pornography and abuse of women. the enemy's onslaught and abuses. ined and imbued with a fighting They fire their weapons at night to This is due to some shortcoming of spirit. intimidate people. They drop bombs Party committees and NPA units to The mass organizations con- and fire artillery in mountains near quickly adapt to the enemy's siege tinue to be strengthened and ex- villages, damaging farms and prop- tactic and carry out the necessary panded to forge their unity and erty of the masses and causes grave steps to maintain firm unity and raise their determination and cap- fear, especially among children. cooperation with the masses. ability to resist. Even if enemy The enemy spread intrigues Still, in many guerrilla fronts, forces are in the village, they can non-stop to destroy the masses mu- the masses, together with their meet and assemble without the fas- tual trust and destroy their organ- army, have valiantly stood up and cists seeing or hearing. The izations. They vilify the people's fought back. Despite their losses, strongest organizations are active in army and threaten the village folk they continue to rise up and resist. propaganda work and education. that they will suffer the con- With firm assistance and guid- They thoroughly denounce the ter- sequence of any NPA tactical of- ance of the Party and NPA, the rorist crimes of the AFP and Duterte fensive in their area. masses have remained united and regime and expose their lies. have collectively acted and fought In the face of the regime's fas- tooth and nail. With the army, they cist repression, the link between the are not helpless. They stand firmly masses and the people's army for their rights and fight for their should not be severed. As it is of well-being. They stand by each utmost importance, countless ways other. The welfare of one is fought of communication and correspond- by all. They are able to collectively ence are developed. The people's and courageously fight cruelty and army perseveres in assisting the oppression. They have accumulated masses' antifeudal struggles. They rich experiences in fighting back, also actively fight against the en- emy's armed minions. The enemy's ANG Contents spy network is disrupted. Those threatened by the enemy are tem- porarily taken in or brought to a Editorial: Fight all-out the ruthless fascist Vol. LI No. 24 | December 21, 2020 safe haven. The fascist criminals in terrorism in the countryside 1 the villages are punished--sniped at Mass protests amid lockdown 3 and blasted away. Ang Ang Bayan is published 7 activists arrested on Human Rights Day 4 Across the country, the masses' in Pilipino, Bisaya, Iloko, AFP's crimes in Sultan Kudarat, Samar 4 has proven that their determination Hiligaynon, Waray and English. to fight and overcome fascist ab- Protests around the world in 2020 5 Ang Bayan welcomes uses will not be crushed. Lessons contributions in the form A woman in the people's war 6 and inspiration must be drawn from of articles and news items. NPA ambush in Camarines Norte 7 experiences of the masses, the Readers are encouraged Officers charged over Antique 7 massacre 7 army and the Party’s undaunted to send feedback and New Marcos maneuvers 7 resistance, as well as the further recommendations Justice for Ka Alvin Luque! 7 deepening of the revolutionary for improving our newspaper. mass base in the countryside. of poverty and hunger 8 In its desire to remain in power In short 9 instagram.com/prwcnewsroom and perpetuate its reign of plunder Raising capacity of health system in Cuba 10 and corruption, the Duterte fascist @prwc_info regime will undoubtedly continue to

[email protected] oppress and burden the masses. But the more Duterte resorts to cruelty and brutality, the more the masses Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee and the people's army are determ- of the Communist Party of the Philippines ined to resist and carry forward the people's war. 2 December 2 1 , 2 02 0 ANG BAYAN Mass protests amid lockdown

held on April 1 in Barangay Bagong he Duterte regime exploited the Covid-19 pandemic to suppress the Pag-asa in Quezon City to condemn people's rights to express, organize and protest. The militarist lockdown T the absence of aid for the urban brutally implemented by the police and military fended off the outbreak of poor. The police immediately and massive protests for aid, livelihood and rights. Despite this, democratic sec- violently dispersed the protests. tors were able to mount several large and small protest actions this year. Activists were again pushed to Based on initial data by Ang testing, emergency aid, safe re- take it to the streets on June 4 after Bayan, there were more than 400 opening of schools, resumption of the regime's Anti-Terror Law protest actions this 2020. Twelve of jeepney operations, increase in ba- hurdled through Congress. More these were major mobilizations in sic salary and hazard pay, and ad- than 1,000 converged at UP Diliman Metro . Next to the latter, ditional budget for social services. to condemn the railroading of the the highest number of protests were Protests were also held to condemn said law. They again assembled in launched in Southern Tagalog and the killing of activists including the campus on June 12. In suc- Cebu. On top of rallies, activists Randall Echanis and Zara Alvarez, ceeding months, the university and also conducted barricades, cultural as well as the persecution of Reina the office of the Commission on protests, collective land cultivation, Nasino and her infant daughter Human Rights in the same campus pickets, caravans and camp outs. River. served as centers of protests in- At the onset of the lockdown, cluding several major mobilizations Large and small protests organizations skirted through lock- such as the SONA rallies. Protesters The largest protest was held on down restrictions and led various strictly observed physical distan- November 30 in commemoration of protests within houses and com- cing and wore face masks. the Bonifacio Day. This was parti- munities. This was participated in The transportation launched cipated in by around 5,000 individu- by around 10-20 neighboring famil- the highest number of mobiliza- als to demand the junking of the re- ies who held noise barrages and tions. Jeepney drivers and operat- gime's Anti-Terror Law. Most posted their demands in their social ors picketed more than ten times to protests across the country this media accounts. demand the resumption of jeepney year were directed against the said These were held in conjuction operations. law, including small yet frequent with the conduct of online protests Proressive individuals and or- protests in various urban centers in and rallies. The biggest of which ganizations also participated in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The was the protests wherein more than five of the ABS-CBN youth participated in most of the participants were seen taking part workers' protests in front the sta- protests. in the program to listen to speeches tion in Quezon City. There were also protests and press their demands. A quick The first mobilization in Men- against rice importation liberaliza- picket was simultaneously held at diola, Manila was spearheaded by tion, ABS-CBN shutdown, red-tag- the University of the Philippines the LGBT groups on June 26. This ging, harassment and killings, de- (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City. was followed by protest actions by molition and land reclamation. the urban poor, and rallies in com- Activists also rallied to demand pro- Outdoor protests memoration of the Peasant Month tection of health workers, mass The first outdoor protest was and the International Human Rights Day. During all major mobilizations, local protests were simultaneously held in the cities of Baguio, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Roxas, Davao and others. These were participated in by around 150-300 rallyists. In sum, more than 300 activists and volunteers were arrested and temporarily detained while on their way or during rallies and relief op- erations for purportedly violating lockdown protocols.

ANG BAYAN December 2 1 , 2 02 0 3 PNP arrests 7 activists on Human Rights Day

lements of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Criminal Investigation being a member of the New People's Eand Detection Group illegally arrested seven activists at different places Army (NPA) was gunned down by in Metro Manila on December 10 in conjunction with the commemoration of the regime's death squad on the International Human Rights Day. December 15 in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. The victims was Operatives simultaneously ran- lavert's office for serving as a identified as Dr. Mary Rose Sanc- sacked the houses of Manila Today "warrant factory" against activists. elan, head of the local task force editor Lady Ann Salem, and trade The incident was met with against Covid-19 and the only doc- unionists Dennise Velasco, Rodrigo widespread condemnation as an tor in the city health office. Her Esparago, Romina Astudillo, Mark attack against press freedom and husband, Edwin, who was accom- Ryan Cruz, Joel Demate and Jaymie the right to unionize. Manila Today panying her on the way home, was Gregorio, Jr. They were arrested is among the organizations that was also killed. and slapped with trumped up red-tagged by the National Task Before the murder, Sancelan charges based on planted evidences Force to End Local Communist was repeatedly red-tagged by of firearms and explosives. The Armed Conflict in a recent Senate Kagubak, an anticommunist para- search warrants used in the opera- hearing for publishing stories that military group under the opera- tions were all issued by Quezon City are critical against the regime. The tional command of the police and Regional Trial Court Judge Cecilyn unionists were arrested for being military in Negros. In 2018, she was Burgos-Villavert. The said judge is active in the campaign against con- falsely tagged as JB Regalado, notorious for conniving with PNP tractualization in big companies spokesperson of the NPA-Central Chief Gen. Debold Sinas in perpet- such as PLDT, Jollibee, Regent, Su- Negros. In 2019, Sancelan issued a rating numerous arrests in Negros per 8, Pepsi and others. video statement expressing fear for and the National Capital Region. her safety but decided to stay in the Progressive lawmakers urged the Red-tagged Doctor, killed in Negros province to continue to serve the Supreme Court to investigate Vil- A doctor who was accused of people.

AFP's crimes in Sultan Kudarat and Western Samar End state terrorism! THE TASK FORCE Central (TFC) of the military is perpetrating unabaed atro- cities in Sultan Kudarat. Last September 10, more than fifteen 15 families in Three thousand individuals led Sitio Tupi Bato, Midtungok, Sen. Ninoy Aquino were displaced after their by Karapatan and Bayan houses and farm produce were razed altogether by the 37th IB. marched to Mendiola, Manila The regional NPA unit reported that nearly 2,800 Dulangan Manobos, on December 10 to mark the Tidurays, Moros and setlers fell victims to harassment and killings by the said International Human Rights unit from January to November this year. Day. They call for an end to Its crimes include the killing of Milboy Dakula, 17, and Dino Limboy, 23, state terrorism. on September 4 in Barangay Santa Clara, Kalamansig. On September 5 in the same barangay, soldiers hogtied and hung from a tree, Cris Macargas, a 40- They demanded a stop to attacks year old mentally-challenged man. On October 22, soldiers ransacked, looted against progressives and and burned a house at Sitio Ebe, Barangay Lagubang, Sen. Ninoy Aquino. activists and to the state's deadly The TFC is under the Western Mindanao Command and comprised of red­tagging campaign. elements of the 37th IB, 7th IB, 6th IB and PNP Special Action Force. Simultaneously, four Western Samar. The last victim killed by the 46th IB in the province was organizations and two Joey Ocasla, 38, resident of Barangay Sinalangtan, Calbiga. He was gunned lawmakers filed a case at the down by soldiers after opening the door of his house on October 23, 3 a.m. Office of the Ombudsman to They were looking for his wife who is a barangay captain. sack three officials of the NTF­ The fascists also killed in September Juanita Pacayra, captain of ELCAC who are actively red­ Barangay Antol. tagging activists. Farmer Teddy Solayao, resident of Barangay Magdawat, was also killed by the 46th IB in his farm in August.

4 December 2 1 , 2 02 0 ANG BAYAN The pandemic brought forth protests of millions peoples

he year 2020 saw an extremely unprecedented economic downturn and hundreds of thousands also pro- Thealth crisis. Millions of people were infected and have died, while many tested against the political systems others have lost their jobs and incomes. Poverty and hunger worsened across and repressive policies of their re- the globe. Instead of providing aid and support, and strengthening public spective countries. Around 100,000 health systems, many governments opted to resort to curtailing civil rights individuals participated during the and fascism to suppress the demands of their peoples. These conditions, on height of protests which demanded top the longstanding crisis of the capitalist system, served as a fertile ground an dismantle the absolute powers of for mass protest movements to emerge and spread. These actions were par- the monarchy in Thailand. In ticipated in by the highest number of peoples in the past five decades. Hongkong, there are continuing protests against the China-backed This includes the protest of 250 in June wherein approximately 26 extradition law. Both movements million farmers and workers in In- million protested in various parts of are spearheaded and mostly com- dia against the neoliberal agricul- the country. As of October, the said prised of the youth. tural policies imposed by the pro- movement was able to mount more In Israel and Lebanon, tens of imperialist Modi regime. Millions than 7,000 protest actions. The thousands rallied against the failed marched to the national capital and movement further gained strength pandemic responses of their re- other parts of the country, and got due to the people's growing discon- spective governments, the economic past through thousands of barri- tentment over Donald Trump's downturn caused by the lockdowns, cades and police checkpoints to de- failed pandemic response, as well as well as the corruption of their mand their government to junk all as his facist and racist policies. The high officcials. Massive protests in its anti-people measures and movement has actively campaigned Spain and Turkey also pressed for provide them aid. The protest against Donald Trump's presiden- an increase in aid. In France, Italy, movement gained wide support tial bid last November. The US has UK and Belgium, where the impact from middle forces, media and recorded the highest number of in- of the first wave of infections was other institutions. India is currently fections and fatality across the worst, health workers continue to the second higest in terms of Covid- globe. protest for a just compensation and 19 infections. In Indonesia, hundreds of protection. In the US, the powerful Black thousands of workers participiated This December, more than Lives Matter movement gained in 3-day general strike in about 60 50,000 rallied in France against ground amid the onslaught of the locations against a bill that deny brutality and racism. In Nigeria, the worst health crisis in the country. them of their benefits and pave way successfully asserted their demand Massive protests broke out and for contractualization. to dismantle SARS (counterpart of began to spread in May. It peaked In Thailand and Hongkong, SWAT in the Philippines) which is notorious for brutal human rights violations. Since March, series of protests were mounted by poor residents of Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Guatem- ala and Chile to demand aid and budget for social services, as well as increased support for health workers. Biggest of which was in Chile where 120,000 rallyists marched to assert women's rights and condemn the inflation which has resulted in extremely high food prices and water rates. In Colom- bia, workers launched a general strike against human rights viola- tions amid rising cases of Covid-19 infections in the country.

ANG BAYAN December 2 1 , 2 02 0 5 A woman in the people's war

here are many women who embrace the sacrifices and challenges of life She joined the NPA in Novem- Tin the New People's Army (NPA). With firmness, they perform their tasks ber 2014 at the age of 18. In 2018, as equal counterparts of male fighters. These women include Paolin, Mimi she was able to take part in an NPA and Jellyn, young women fighters from various walks of life who found ac- ambush against a unit of the 66th ceptance and equality in the people's army. IB wherein 17 soldiers were killed. One Red fighter was killed on their Ka Paolin, revolutionary mother barriofolk whom they serve. part. Ka Jellyn said that this has Ka Paolin is a member of a pro- Ka Mimi hailed from a city. At not terrified her, but has further paganda and education committee the age of 18, she worked as a con- strengthened her revolutionary in a province. She serves as teacher tractual employee of a palm oil spirit. She said that she fully knows to her comrades who are unable to processing plants. In one of these, that death is a part of warfare. read and write. She also teaches she received a measly ₱180-daily However, she is also aware that cultural performances, and mass wage for 12 hours of work. The fighters should at all times be and Party courses. amount is lower by ₱100 compared careful and follow regulations in Her parents are both leading to what her male counterparts re- order to lengthen their service to cadres of the Party and NPA. She ceive. Like other factory employees, the revolution. decided to follow their footsteps she was not allowed to sit, only al- Like Ka Paolin at Ka Mimi, Ka and joined the people's army when lowed to have a 30-minute lunch- Jellyn is inspired whenever she gets she turned 18. This was where she break, and limited bathroom breaks. to meet the masses and see that met her husband. She had no health benefits. they trust her. In deep regard, the She became pregnant and tem- As her salary was not enough to masses especially women often ask porarily went on leave of absence to make ends meet, she was pushed to them: Is life not the peoples army? ensure the safe delivery of her baby engage in several antisocial activit- Are you not afraid? What is it like at the height of martial law in ies to feed her children. She was to be a woman in the people's Mindanao. She was very stressed as also abused by her husband who army? They are conscious that by she knew that soldiers would not once electrocuted her. serving as Red fighters, they are respect her rights as a nursing Ka Mimi first met and spoke to able to gradually contradict and mother. comrades when she returned to her break the low stereotypes against With a heavy heart, she had to home province. She attended an women. They prove themselves leave and entrust her three-month educational discussion in an NPA capable of shouldering various lines old baby to the care of a trusted re- camp and decided to stay there for of work, including military work. lative. Returning to the NPA unit, a week until she decided to become she brought with her photographs a full-time fighter. of her child. Upon arriving back in camp, she was welcomed by her Ka Jellyn, Lumad mother with a tight embrace. "Now, Ka Jellyn, a Manobo, is a you probably already know why I company supply officer and a had to entrust you to your lola," her platoon political in- motherly jokingly told her while in structor. She tears. does not find life in the Ka Mimi, semi-proletariat people's army Ka Mimi is a platoon medic. She different as she is responsible for ensuring the is used to life in health of comrades and cleanliness the mountains. As a in camp. This pandemic, she act- child, she would ively participates in conducting help her parents medical missions and education do household campign on Covid-19 in communit- chores and ies within their unit's area of re- harvest sweet sponsibility. As a fighter, she feels potatoes at very fulfilled seeing the trust of their farm.

6 December 2 1 , 2 02 0 ANG BAYAN hundreds of thousands also pro- tested against the political systems and repressive policies of their re- spective countries. Around 100,000 individuals participated during the height of protests which demanded an dismantle the absolute powers of the monarchy in Thailand. In Hongkong, there are continuing protests against the China-backed extradition law. Both movements are spearheaded and mostly com- prised of the youth. In Israel and Lebanon, tens of thousands rallied against the failed pandemic responses of their re- spective governments, the economic downturn caused by the lockdowns, as well as the corruption of their high officcials. Massive protests in Spain and Turkey also pressed for an increase in aid. In France, Italy, UK and Belgium, where the impact of the first wave of infections was worst, health workers continue to protest for a just compensation and protection. This December, more than 50,000 rallied in France against brutality and racism. In Nigeria, the successfully asserted their demand to dismantle SARS (counterpart of SWAT in the Philippines) which is notorious for brutal human rights violations. Since March, series of protests were mounted by poor residents of Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Guatem- ala and Chile to demand aid and budget for social services, as well as increased support for health workers. Biggest of which was in Chile where 120,000 rallyists marched to assert women's rights and condemn the inflation which has resulted in extremely high food prices and water rates. In Colom- bia, workers launched a general strike against human rights viola- tions amid rising cases of Covid-19 infections in the country.

NPA-Camarines Norte ambushes operating soldiers Justice for Ka Alvin Luque! THE NEW PEOPLE'S Army (NPA)-Camarines Norte ambushed the operating sol- diers of the 902nd IBde on December 12 at Sitio Manlapat, Baay, Labo, Camar- THE COMMUNIST PARTY ines Norte. The soldiers besieged the community which is still reeling from the of the Philippines called for impact of successive typhoons. Red fighters were able to seize two 9mm calibre justice over the butcher Glock pistols and eight backpacks. Two soldiers were wounded. 4th ID's killing of Alvin Surigao del Sur. NPA fighters fired at a CAFGU detachment at Km. 8, Luque (Ka Joaquin Jacinto) Barangay Puyat, Carmen on December 4. Soldiers manning the said detachment and his civilian companion are responsible for coercing residents to surrender, and forcibly recruiting male on December 10 at mid- residents into the CAFGU. An enemy trooper was killed. night in Barangay San Samar. The NPA ambushed police troops aboard a mobile in Barangay Lo- Agustin Sur, Tandag City, gero, Marabut, Samar on December 10. P/Capt. Earl Hembro was killed during the Surigao del Sur. Ka Joaquin attack. Earlier in October, three soldiers were killed and another was wounded in was the spokesperson of five harassment operations by the NPA across the island. The offensives targeted the National Democratic the 19th IB and 43rd IB who are currently sowing terror in the barangays of the Front (NDF)-Mindanao. northern and western part of the island. The attacks were mounted from October Contrary to statements 13-24 in the towns of Pambujan and Silvino Lobos in Northern Samar; and in made by the military, it Matuguinao, Samar. Red fighters also encountered a unit of the 19th IB on Octo- would be impossible for ber 28 in Barangay Nagpapacao, Matuguinao wherein two soldiers were him to fight back as he was wounded. paralyzed and recuperat- Capiz. Two soldiers of the 12th IB were wounded during an NPA offensive at ing when the crime took Sitio Buga, Siya, Tapaz in the third week of November. Tapaz residents reported place. that the 12th IB hamletted the barangay. Residents were forced to surrender and Ka Joaquin hailed from threatened; and barangay officials were coerced to declare the Party and the NPA Davao City. He became the persona non grata. president of the student Iloilo. A paramilitary element was killed in two successive harassment oper- government in Ateneo de ations launched by the NPA-Iloilo against a CAFGU detachment at Barangay Davao University in his Pudpud, Miag-ao on November 3 and 4. youth. From the 1990s to 2000s, he became a renowned leader of Bayan- Police and soldiers summoned Southern Mindanao. He to face charges regarding "Antique 7 massacre" even once ran as councilor of Davao City. He started THE OMBUDSMAN SUMMONED three police officials in Antique and an official of to earn the ire of the re- the 301st IBde to face criminal and administrative charges filed against them by actionaries when he the relatives of seven staff of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines- spearheaded rallies Panay. The said police officers and soldier led the massacre of the victims called against the Arroyo regime. the "Antique 7" on August 15, 2018 at midnight in Barangay Atabay, San Jose, An- He was repeatedly red- tique. tagged, harassed and The complaints were based on the results of the autopsies conducted by the slapped with trumped up Commission on Human Rights Forensic Center. The “Antique 7” refer to Felix criminal charges. He was Salditos, Peter Mecenas, Jayson Talibo, Liezel Bandiola, Jason Sanchez, Eldie deployed to Cagayan de Labinghisa, and Karen Ceralvo. Oro City, but the attacks still went on. To escape New maneuvers by the Marcoses political persecution, he sought refuge in a guerilla THE MARCOSES ARE employing endless various maneuvers to be able to return zone of the New People's to Malacañang. Last of which was the impeachment complaint filed by Marcos Army in 2007 until he fi- minions against Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen on December 7 nally decided to become its for purportedly not submitting his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth. fulltime member. This was the second impeachment case against Leonen to pave way for the In 2009, he was as- electoral protest of Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. against Vice Pres. Leni Robredo. The signed to help Ka Oris in court earlier junked the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose strengthening the work the Calida against Leonen. NDF-Mindanao.

ANG BAYAN December 2 1 , 2 02 0 7 Christmas of poverty and hunger

hristmas is one of the most anticipated occasions by Filipinos annually. the lockdown. CA major part of this celebration is the noche buena, a traditional feast Gerald and Win-win are among often celebrated by Filipino families on . Amid the pandemic the 40% of workers who suffered however, many families will opt not to carry on with the tradition due to the income losses during the pandemic. crisis which has been ravaging the nation for more than nine months already. They are called the "new poor" by Most of whom have lost their jobs and incomes during the lockdown. the World Bank, a category which refers to people who have lost their These people include Gerald, a for a day. jobs or sources of income during the jeepney driver. "I still do not have He was also left with no other pandemic. any plans for Christmas because I option but to drop his only child out Smallscale businessmen from am on a tight budget as I couldn't of school, despite the latter's wish the informal sector are likewise on a drive my jeepney," he said. This will to continue studying. A joint re- tight budget. They include Tam, who be different to his usual Christmas. search by the World Bank and Na- asked advice from her friends on Before, their family usually plans tional Economic and Development how to spend her limited ₱1,000- prior to the occasion. Authority in August pointed out budget this Christmas. "That's what Their living condition began to that only 20% of those who had I have left because I'll use the rest deteriorate when the regime children in school before the pan- of my savings to buy rice," she said. ordered a stop to jeepney opera- demic are able to continue doing so. Most of her friends told her to just tions in the name of the lockdown. Nearly 80% said that they will send buy chicken meat as this is the He is among the 200,000 drivers their children back to school once cheapest in the market this month. who are still not allowed to operate these reopen. Compared to pork which costs ₱320 until today." Taho vendor Win-win said that per kilo, chicken only costs ₱210 per "Before, we used to eat deli- aside from being on a tight budget, kilo. Last month, the inflation rate cious food such as chicken and pork, their family will not be complete this rose to 3.3% which saw the highest but this pandemic has made life ex- Christmas due to quarantine re- increase in the prices of food com- tremely difficult. There were times strictions. "This Christmas will most modities. when we just depended on food aid likely be sad because we will not be However, not all will be able to and repeatedly ate canned goods, complete," he said. Compared to prepare anything for Christmas. noodles and fish," he pointed out. before, his five children will not be "You're lucky to have even a meager Like them, two out of five Filipino able to celebrate with their grand- budget, our family will just sleep it families experienced hunger during father, grandmother, cousing, aunts through," replied Lani to Tam. Since the pandemic, while one out of five and uncles. Like Gerald, his family the pandemic hit, more and more have experienced not eating at all primarily relied on food aid during are going hungry and just rely on relief by the church and private in- stitutions. In the aforementioned report, more than 54% of poor fam- ilies said they cannot afford to buy essentials such as food. This rising number of feeding program beneficiaries by humanit- arian organizations and the church proves this issue. They include the beneficiaries of the soup kitchen op- erated by the Society of Divine Word in Metro Manila which feeds about 1,000 individuals, five days a week, from just 250 in April. “The majority are still homeless," said the priest who manages the soup kitchen. "But there’s a good number who are with homes but are desperate because there are no jobs."

8 December 2 1 , 2 02 0 ANG BAYAN individuals across the globe

ANG BAYAN December 2 1 , 2 02 0 9 the lockdown. Gerald and Win-win are among the 40% of workers who suffered income losses during the pandemic. They are called the "new poor" by the World Bank, a category which refers to people who have lost their jobs or sources of income during the pandemic. Smallscale businessmen from the informal sector are likewise on a tight budget. They include Tam, who asked advice from her friends on how to spend her limited ₱1,000- budget this Christmas. "That's what I have left because I'll use the rest of my savings to buy rice," she said. Most of her friends told her to just buy chicken meat as this is the cheapest in the market this month. Compared to pork which costs ₱320 per kilo, chicken only costs ₱210 per kilo. Last month, the inflation rate rose to 3.3% which saw the highest increase in the prices of food com- modities. However, not all will be able to prepare anything for Christmas. "You're lucky to have even a meager budget, our family will just sleep it through," replied Lani to Tam. Since the pandemic hit, more and more are going hungry and just rely on relief by the church and private in- stitutions. In the aforementioned report, more than 54% of poor fam- ilies said they cannot afford to buy essentials such as food. This rising number of feeding program beneficiaries by humanit- arian organizations and the church proves this issue. They include the beneficiaries of the soup kitchen op- erated by the Society of Divine Word in Metro Manila which feeds about 1,000 individuals, five days a week, from just 250 in April. “The majority are still homeless," said the priest who manages the soup kitchen. "But there’s a good number who are with homes but are desperate because there are no jobs."

Raising the capacity of the health system

Second part of the two-part series on the Cuban state and people’s response to the Covid-1 9 pandemic.

ne of lessons drawn by Cuba on how to manage the OCovid-19 pandemic is the need to raise the capacity of its health care system to provide health care for seri- ously ill and critical patients. This is called intensive care which refers to highly specialized care which involves complex procedures.

Amid the pandemic, Cuba and the capa- strengthened intensive care units city of hospit- (ICU) in various hospitals and facilit- als has never been exceeded. Cuban opment work by scientists and the ies. It accelerated the development health workers managed to avoid biotechnology industry. One of their of new medical technologies and per- getting infected, even in red zones. immediate tasks was to come up sonnel trainings. It recognizes the Not one doctor or nurse expired due with their own vaccine. Two of role of nurses, whose duty is crucial to the virus. This is due to the strict which—Soberana 1 and Soberana to the survival of its patients. The implementation of biosecurity 2—are currently undergoing clinical Cuban state is planning to produce measureas and protocols. The sprit trials. more beds for ICUs and complete its of camaraderie and cooperation Cuba actively deploys doctors services from 2021 to 2026. among health workers was high as and other health workers to various Cuba prepared for the worst they ensured sanitation, and suffi- parts of the world. The Cuban state and most daunting scenario when cient medical equipment and food. and people consider this as part of the pandemic hit. According to an Since the pandemic raged, the their internationalist duties. At article by Granma, the Cuban gov- highest daily death toll recorded by present, there are 53 brigades of ernment’s official publication, Cuba is just six. On average, only professionals under the Henry Reeve Cuban doctors complied with global one patient succumbs to the virus Medical Contingent deployed to 39 health protocols which they con- each day. No child, teenager or countries. This is in addition to tinually developed by incorporating pregnant woman died due to the Cuban health workers earlier de- lessons from their own practice. virus. This was made possible be- ployed to 58 countries prior to the They applied these procedures to cause of the Cuban people’s strict pandemic. Cuba believes that only the particularities of their society compliance with state regulations. through cooperation and solidarity and health system, to each indi- All protocols are written, clear and will humankind be able save itself. vidual patient and every case of in- straightforward. The media plays a All these were made possible fection. The accumulated experi- vital role in disseminating correct despite the harsh economic block- ences gave them the determination information. ade that the US has imposed on and confidence to implement proto- This pandemic response in Cuba Cuba for the past six decades. The cols and the experiment in order to is exceptional as the state has a blockade has cost the Cuban health produce new drugs. strong political will to overcome the system around $3 billion, which Cuba’s health system was never global health crisis. The response limits its capacity to send medical overwhelmed during the pandemic includes joint research and devel- aid to other small countries.

10 December 2 1 , 2 02 0 ANG BAYAN