Pahayagan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ANG Pinapatnubayan ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo English Edition Vol. XXXIX No. 23 December 7, 2008 www.philippinerevolution.net

Editorial Unite to fight and defeat cha-cha! he Communist Party of the (CPP) ly rushing Congress to pass various resolutions to ef- strongly condemns Arroyo's stepped-up cha-cha fect cha-cha in whatever form and planning on using T(charter change) offensive and calls on the en- the Supreme Court in 2009 once it is dominated by Ar- tire Filipino people to resist and defeat her attempts royo appointees to give their offensive a semblance of to perpetuate her rule. legality. Arroyo is now attempting all kinds of manipula- With the people's wrath against Arroyo and their tions and schemes to be able to hold on to power. As refusal for her to rule much longer written all over, she the end of her term in 2010 nears, she has now be- is determined to employ her military, police and oth- come all the more desperate to extend her stay in er security forces to crush the mass demonstrations Malacañang to avoid the people's verdict for the innu- and other protests expected to erupt against her cha- merable heinous crimes she has committed against cha. Arroyo is deathly afraid that these protests will the country and people. snowball into a mass uprising against her rule. Should The Arroyo family and its cohorts are now brazen- this not be enough, she has in reserve another impo- ly revving up their cha-cha offensive by distorting sition of "emergency rule" or outright martial law. She even their own laws and processes. They are present- had already attempted this with her declaration of a "state of emergency" in February 2006. Should she pursue such a course, Arroyo will be making her biggest miscalculation. Cha-cha is now laying the ground for a decisive confrontation be- tween the US-Arroyo regime and the Filipino people who see it as Arroyo's last straw in her desperation to prolong her rule. The mass of the Filipino people have declared again and again their loathing for Arroyo's cha-cha. They will never again allow her to extend her stay in power. Nothing can stifle their cries and no shackles can stop them from marching and fighting as one. The broadest national united front against cha- cha is now rapidly forming, with the patriotic and democratic forces at its core. Numerous organizations, including various church groups with large mass fol- lowings have declared their vehement opposition to Arroyo's cha-cha. Millions are expected to join mili- tant demonstrations and other forms of protest versus cha-cha and all efforts to prolong Arroyo's illegal rule.

Revolutionary This issue’s NPA seizes 26 firearms Killing and harassment movement in Leyte PAGE 6 of farmers PAGE 8 highlight... PAGE 4 The more Arroyo and her ilk force through with cha-cha, the Cha-cha resolutions flood more intense will be the people's resistance. Her insistence to push Congress through her cha-cha will only lead to her own undoing and eventual downfall. The Filipino loria Arroyo's minions have been filing resolution after resolu- people will make sure that cha- tion to push charter change (cha-cha). They have frenziedly cha will be Arroyo's last dance. Gstepped up the pace of their cha-cha scheme especially after The CPP and the revolutionary the fourth impeachment complaint against Arroyo was dismissed by forces are all out in support of a vote of 183-18. With the threat of impeachment out of the way the people's fight against all at- again, her minions are moving heaven and earth to get cha-cha go- tempts to prolong Arroyo's ille- ing. More than 20 new resolutions have been filed by KAMPI and gal, rotten and oppressive rule. Lakas-CMD (Arroyo’s main political parties) with the Congressional The revolutionary forces stand Committee on Constitutional Amendments. ready to contribute their utmost Arroyo so desperately wants leading allies like Rep. Luis Villa- to lead, unite and rally the peo- to have cha-cha push through fuerte of Camarines Sur have ple in their millions against Arro- that no less than her own con- come up with their own resolu- yo's cha-cha and spawn storms of gressmen-sons Mikey and Dato tions for cha-cha. Like the Arro- protest against Arroyo's sinister have been at the forefront of fil- yo brothers, Villafuerte is gun- attempts to perpetuate her hold ing resolutions and soliciting ning for "con-ass". All in all, on power. signatures in support of a con- there are nine resolutions calling As the anti-Arroyo and anti- stituent assembly ("con-ass"). for "con-ass." cha-cha mass movement gains Their version calls for Congress To disguise the real motive momentum, and as mass demon- and the Senate to discuss pro- behind these resolutions—which strations and other forms of posed amendments and vote on is the prolongation of Arroyo's protest intensify, the Red fighters them as a single body. Through term—many of the "con-ass" of the New People's Army (NPA) this, the pro-Arroyo majority in proponents have also included in and other revolutionary forces the bigger lower chamber can their resolutions calls for solitary will also be intensifying their easily swamp any opposition amendments to the constitution tactical offensives nationwide to from the upper house on propos- that allegedly have nothing to punish the US-Arroyo regime and als being pushed by Malacañang. do with running the government. put an end to its rule. ~ Aside from Arroyo's sons, her In fact, such resolutions are meant to be the opening salvo for ANG other resolutions once "con-ass" Contents commences. The resolutions will mainly revolve around the various Vol XXXIX No. 23 December 7, 2008 means of extending Arroyo's term. Editorial 1 House Speaker Prospero No- Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Cha-cha resolutions flood Congress 2 Bisaya, Iloko, Hiligaynon, Waray and National anti-chacha movement 3 grales' House Resolution 737, for English editions. Revolution in Leyte 4 instance, purportedly proposes It is available for downloading at Aerial spraying in Mindanao 5 only to amend one economic pro- the Web Central Punitive actions vs plantations 5 vision of the constitution and located at: www.philippinerevolution.net. NPA seizes 26 firearms 6 claims to have no relation at all Ang Bayan welcomes contributions NPA returns personal items 7 to politics or any bigger changes in the form of articles and news. POW release hampered 7 in the system of government. It Readers are likewise enjoined to send Monet, 16 7 nonetheless constitutes treason in their comments and suggestions for Killing and harassment of farmers 8 as it proposes the scrapping of the betterment of our publication. You Child victims 9 one of the few remaining provi- can reach us by email at: News 10 [email protected] sions that protect the national patrimony—the ban on foreign Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee corporations' ownership of private of the Communist Party of the Philippinesinas and public lands.

2 ANG BAYAN December 7, 2008 Six resolutions for "con- ass" call for a federal system Militants advance national of government. Two call for a anti-cha-cha campaign anew unicameral legislature—thus doing away immediately with the Senate. rogressive and democratic organizations and personalities have begun The most brazen of these Padvancing a nationwide campaign against attempts to amend the resolutions were those filed by constitution. Up to 50 organizations and personalities, including Rep. Hermilando Mandanas of Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales have assailed the "consitituent Batangas, which both lead to assembly" scheme being pushed by Arroyo allies. the extension of Gloria Arro- More than 2,000 people rallied dreds of urban poor residents led yo's term and the expansion of on November 30 in various parts of by KADAMAY who converged at the her powers. Mandanas' HR 548 to express their vehe- Commonwealth Market and calls for the merging of the ex- ment opposition to "con-ass". The marched towards Elliptical Road in ecutive and legislative branch- rally coincided with the commemo- . es allegedly to effect more ef- ration of Andres Bonifacio's 145th The following organizations ficient governance. It calls to birth anniversary. and personalities have likewise mind the period of dictator- Allied organizations under the openly expressed their opposition ship when Ferdinand Marcos Bagong Alyansang Makabayan to cha-cha: Association of Major arrogated unto himself legisla- (BAYAN) such as the Kilusang Mayo Religious Superiors of the Philip- tive powers by issuing decrees. Uno, Kilusang Magbubukid ng pines (AMRSP), Rev. Eddie Vil- Mandanas' HR 550 is even Pilipinas, Anakpawis, Gabriela, Mi- lanueva of Jesus Is Lord Movement worse because it calls for the grante and Anakbayan also con- and Bangon Pilipinas, former Pres- postponement of the 2010 ducted a giant "teach-in" at Plaza ident Joseph Estrada, United Oppo- elections and a term extension Miranda where they discussed the sition (UNO), Concerned Citizens of up to four years for elective burning issues of the day, mainly Movement, Youth Act Now!, Promo- officials. Mandanas was forced the regime's "con-ass" scheme. tion of Church People's Response to withdraw this barefacedly They marched towards Mendiola (PCPR), EDSA 3 Coalition, Sanlakas pro-Arroyo resolution after be- Bridge afterwards. The protest ac- and Coalition for National Transfor- ing pelted with criticisms. tion signalled the start of a nation- mation. Also expressing their dis- Rep. Jose Solis of Sorso- wide campaign dubbed "Labanan sent are the Integrated Bar of the gon, on the other hand, has ang cha-cha ni Gloria" (Resist Glo- Philippines (IBP), Catholic Educa- adopted Malacañang's pro- ria's cha-cha). tional Association of the Philip- posed revisions wholesale in Members and supporters of the pines (CEAP), Business Club filing HR56 which pushes for Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya and Management Association of congressional approval of all also launched a rally that day at the Philippines. Bro. Mike Velarde, amendments recommended by the Andres Bonifacio monument in leader of the Movement the Constitutional Consulta- Balintawak, Quezon City. Bishops and known "spiritual adviser" of tive Commission formed by who joined the rally warned that it Gloria Arroyo has also added his Gloria Arroyo as far back as would not be farfetched for the name to the growing list of anti- 2005. massive protests currently being cha-cha personalities. ~ All these resolutions being held in Thailand to be filed by Arroyo's allies in Con- replicated in the gress covering every conceiv- Philippines should Ar- able aspect of cha-cha betray royo's minions insist Malacañang's mad scramble to on pushing cha- have the constitution amend- cha. ed. Arroyo has placed all her These protests bets on cha-cha, knowing it is were followed by the the last "legal" card up her "Lakbayan ng mga sleeve that would enable her Maralita" (Poor peo- to directly hold the reins of ple's march) on Decem- power beyond 2010. ~ ber 1 joined by hun- ANG BAYAN December 7, 2008 3 to the NPA. They have not wavered Revolutionary movement in giving what they can to support the people's army, including volun- in Leyte advances tarily providing rice and other foodstuff. They monitor the pres- he Mt. Amandewin Command (New People's Army-Leyte) has vehe- ence and movements of the enemy mently belied claims by the reactionary Armed Forces of the Philip- and report this to the NPA. Tpines (AFP) of having defeated the NPA and having crushed the rev- The masses gave invaluable olutionary movement in Leyte. In an interview with Ang Bayan, various help to the people's army in the 17 NPA units in Leyte described how armed struggle, agrarian revolution and tactical offensives launched since other mass struggles have been advancing in the island despite the en- the AFP began OBL2 in the area. emy's intense militarization. The NPA was able to seize 49 firearms and kill 56 enemy forces. Antifeudal struggles have, in some cases, feces and urine were Twelve Red fighters, on the other particular, benefited residents of forced into the victims' mouths. hand, were martyred. the third district of Leyte in a big The victims were then punched to The NPA was also able to re- way. induce swallowing. Some peasants cruit more Red fighters and con- A striking example was the oc- were forced to reveal the NPA's duct other forms of military work, cupation by thousands of farm whereabouts. aside from cultural, educational workers of vast tracts of aban- According to partial reports, and production activities. Party doned sugarcane fields and ranch- three heinous massacres were branches and mass organizations es owned by big landlords. Up to brazenly perpetrated by the mili- in the localities were able to fulfill 800 hectares of these lands are tary, claiming the lives of 20 farm- their revolutionary tasks clandes- owned by the Larrazabal family, ers. For simply going to their tinely. OBL2 has failed to put a one of the biggest landlord clans farms, many of the peasants were stop to these activities. in Leyte. accused of being NPA supporters, These victories, which have all The farm workers successfully beaten up and ordered to leave the been achieved despite the enemy's struggled for their right to plant village. The military also killed the atrocities in Leyte prove how the rice and corn on these lands. peasants' farm animals. One of the people ardently support the armed Other forms of antifeudal NPA commanders interviewed by revolutionary movement. struggles have also been launched AB said, "The enemy's military They are an indication of to reduce land rent, raise farm campaigns are really a bane the extent to which the workers' wages and retrieve lands to the farmers' livelihood." revolution has expanded that have been seized from the Contrary to the enemy's ex- and the depth by peasants. pectations, however, the bru- which it has taken It is these victories that serve talities inflicted on the peasants root among the as the foundation for the NPA's have only strengthened their re- people. ~ continued ability to build its solve to support the peo- strength and maintain its close ple's army and the revo- links to the people on the island lutionary movement. despite the brutality of Oplan Ban- They have remained tay Laya 2 (OBL2). steadfast and have With the big landlords shaken even tightened by the people's antifeudal strug- their links gles, the enemy attempted to use OBL2 to sow terror and destroy the revolutionary movement. Human rights violations wors- ened and became more wide- spread. The military vented its ire on farmers living in areas where an- tifeudal struggles were strong. In

4 ANG BAYAN December 7, 2008 Aerial spraying in a Lumad community

he indiscriminate use of toxic pesticides by large plantations is a tremendous burden on the people of Southern Mindanao and poses Tserious hazards to their health. It worsens the already grave ex- ploitation and oppression suffered by workers and Lumad folk in these plantations. Among the worst victims of the mia and other blood abnormalities, aerial spraying of toxic chemicals asthma, coughing, emphysema and are some 150 Manobo families liv- other lung diseases are prevalent. ing in Barangay Kamukhaan, Babies are often born with congen- Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. Ka- ital defects. mukhaan's more than 700 villagers Even their crops and farm ani- are afflicted with various illnesses mals have succumbed to disease. Dwindling livelihoods from and are slowly dying from the ef- Their coconut trees and other crops farming and fishing have forced fects of toxic pesticides used by have stopped bearing fruit. Some many of the villagers to work at the Lapanday Development Corpo- animals that happened to stray in- Ladeco, where they suffer direct ration (Ladeco) on its banana plan- to or near the Ladeco plantation exposure to pesticides without any tations adjacent to the barrio. The and eat grass or drink from its protective gear whatsoever. This, villagers began getting sick as far spring have died. Because the tox- in exchange for a measly wage of back as 1981. ins have contaminated the rivers `45 a day. The company refuses to Various ailments have descend- and seas as well, fish catch has pay for the workers' medication ed on the people of Kamukhaan. plummeted from hundreds of kilos whenever they fall ill from pesti- Cancer, goiter, eye ailments, ane- to only a few kilos per day. cide exposure. ~

Punitive actions against plantations Rio Vista Agribusiness Ventures (owned by the imperialist Marsman using toxic chemicals Drysdale Corporation) by destroy- ing a plant used in mixing toxic eeding the people's demands, the revolutionary authorities in South- chemicals for use as pesticides and Hern Mindanao have banned big plantations from using toxic chemi- an airplane used for crop dusting. cals that are hazardous to the people's health and the environment. The Rio Vista runs a huge banana plan- NPA has launched the following punitive actions to enforce the ban: tation in Maco, Compostela Valley. November 25. The NPA burned fru, located in Barangay Mangayon, April 14. The NPA raided APO a 10-wheeler truck owned by Sumi- Compostela town; and Dizon Farms Land Fruits in Tungkalan, Toril, tomo Fruits Philippines (Sumifru) in Barangay Babag, Monkayo. Davao City and burned two genera- used by the company to apply tox- Seized from Com- tor sets. APO Land Fruits ic pesticides. Sumifru, a subsidiary postela Planta- serves as a packing house of the Sumitomo Group of Compa- tion Inc. were five for Sumifru. nies in Japan plants and exports shotguns, four April 9. The NPA Cavendish bananas. The punitive .38s and six hand- attacked the 11,000- action was meted out in Sitio Co- held radios. The hectare Dole Stan- gon, Barangay Tamayong, Calinan, raid on Dizon Farms filco (a subsidiary Davao City. yielded two baby Ar- of the giant November 10. The NPA raided malites, five carbines Dole Food Co. two banana plantations in Com- and a handheld radio. of the US) and postela Valley—Compostela Plan- August 8. The NPA burned its packing tation Inc., a subsidiary of Sumi- meted punishment on equipment. ~

ANG BAYAN December 7, 2008 5 VICTORIOUS TACTICAL OFFENSIVES Mahan-ub. Gabawa and the 67th IB NPA seizes 26 firearms, are notorious for killing seven-year old Grecil Buya in a firefight in New Bataan, Compostela Valley in enemy suffers 48 casualties March 2007 and later branding her a child soldier of the NPA. he enemy suffered 16 dead and 32 wounded in separate tactical of- November 30. A soldier was fensives launched by Red fighters of the New People's Army (NPA) killed in an NPA ambush on ele- Tfrom November 18 to December 3. Twenty-six firearms were seized ments of the 36th IB in Bingkugan, in these tactical offensives. Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. December 3. A policeman was Management Center and two other November 29. A soldier was killed and four were wounded in an officers were wounded when NPA wounded in an encounter between ambush by NPA Red fighters on el- Red fighters detonated a land mine the 47th IB and NPA Red fighters ements of the 6th PNP Regional and opened fire on the soldiers. along the boundary of Buri, Tapaz, Mobile Group (RMG) in Barangay The AFP unit was aboard an Isuzu and Barangay Masaroy, Estado, Victorias City, Negros Occi- Elf truck and traveling along Sitio Calinog, Iloilo. dental. The policemen were on Bantolinao, Barangay Ganayon, November 28. A soldier was their way to a detachment in Lianga, Surigao del Sur. The guer- wounded in an NPA sniping opera- Barangay Gawahon in the same city rillas seized an M14, four M16s, a tion against a detachment of the when the ambush took place. An- laptop computer and rounds of am- 23rd IB-CAA in Sitio Maputi, other group of Red fighters also munition from the soldiers. Barangay Doña Carmen, Tagbina, fired on an RMG troop from December 1. Six troopers from Surigao del Sur. Barangay Gawahon that was the 67th IB "B" Coy were killed November 27. Red fighters in sent to reinforce the am- and 14 were wounded, in- Far South Mindanao Region seized bushed policemen. cluding their commanding ten firearms in a raid on the Civil- December 2. Five officer 1Lt. Francis John ian Volunteers Organization (CVO) soldiers were killed, Gabawa when Red fight- detachment in Sitio Kiahi, including ers from the Antonio Ne- Barangay Kinam, Malapatan, four officers rio Antao Command-NPA Sarangani. The confiscated from the Front 15 Operations Com- weapons consisted of eight shot- Philippine mand detonated a land mine in guns, a carbine and a Garand. Army Per- Sitio Macopa, Barangay Ma- That afternoon, a soldier was sonnel han-ub, Baganga, Davao killed and six others were wounded Oriental. The soldiers when Red fighters of the Ruperto were ambushed while Tuyac Command-5th NPA Pulang mounting a rescue op- Bagani Company ambushed ele- eration for PO3 Eduardo ments of the 25th IB in Sitio Tumol who is Paraiso, Barangay Mt. Diwalwal, Monkayo, Compostela Valley. November 18. The NPA in the cur- Northeastern Mindanao Region rently a (NEMR) seized 11 firearms in a raid prisoner of on a copper mine in Barangay war. Earlier, Bayabas, Cabadbaran City, Agusan two soldiers of the del Norte. In a statement, National 67th IB had already Democratic Front-NEMR spokesper- been killed and son Ka Maria Malaya said the raid one wounded in a was a punitive measure on the abu- harassment operation sive and exploitative mining com- by Red fighters from the same NPA pany owned by the Amante family unit in Sitio Kasunogan, Barangay and its allies. ~ 6 ANG BAYAN December 7, 2008 NPA returns personal Stepped up AFP offensives will delay items taken from La Libertad policemen release of 2 POW—NDFP

THE New People's Army (NPA) ational Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Negotiating has returned on December 1 Panel spokesperson Ka Fidel Agcaoili assailed the Arroyo regime's personal items confiscated by Nobstinate refusal to submit a formal request to the NDFP to secure Red fighters from policemen the release of two prisoners of war in Southern Mindanao. Agcaoili said of La Libertad, Negros Orien- that instead of commencing formal processes for the prisoners' release, tal. The items were inadver- the Arroyo government has even ordered the AFP to intensify military op- tently included in the items erations ostensibly to rescue the two captives. seized from elements of the Agcaoili explained that as C. Tumol of the Philippine Nation- La Libertad PNP. long as the Merardo Arce Com- al Police. Merarde Arce Command Among the items that mand (MAC) of the New People's spokesperson Ka Rigoberto Tiglao were returned were three Army (NPA) in Southern Mindanao said Cammayo was captured by backpacks, a raincoat, five does not receive a formal request, the NPA in Monkayo, Compostela cellphones and their chargers, it will continue with its investiga- Valley on November 5 while Tumol among other personal belong- tion of the prisoners' possible vi- was captured in Caraga, Davao ings. The items were placed in olations of human rights and the Oriental on November 7. Seized a cardboard box and brought rules of war. Should there be from the captives were an M60 by unidentified comrades to probable cause, they will be put light machine gun, a KG9 subma- the office of the Catholic on trial before the revolutionary chine gun, three M16s, an M14 church's of San Car- people's court and meted the ap- and a .45 cal pistol. los. The Rev. Fr. propriate punishment if found A video sent by the MAC to the Jose Advincula in turn gave guilty. media on November 30 shows the box to La Libertad Mayor Punishment may be meted Lieutenant Cammayo sending a Lawrence Limkaichong, who swiftly under conditions of mas- message to his fellow soldiers and then turned over the box to sive military operations, he said. family on his situation. Cammayo the police station. But even if they are acquitted, said he was being treated well as The Leonardo Panaligan said Agcaoili, they cannot be a prisoner of war. He denied re- Command of the NPA in Ne- freed without a formal agreement ports that he was wounded when gros raided the La Libertad for their safe and orderly release. he surrendered to the NPA on No- police station on November 3 The prisoners are 1Lt. Vicente vember 5. He also told his family and seized four M16s, five .45 Cammayo Jr., commander of the that his rights were not being vi- cal. pistols and uniforms in a Philippine Army 3rd Special olated and that his basic needs matter of five minutes. ~ Forces Battalion and PO3 Eduardo were being met. ~

Monet, 16 onet is a 16-year old farmer's age is a typical experience among Listen to the peasant youth's Mdaughter. In Sine Proletaryo's peasant youth. Their difficult life is grievances and the hope they have latest production, she explains her made worse by rampant militariza- discovered in the New People's situation and that of other youth tion in the countryside. Army in Monet, 16. The video is like her in the countryside. She Youth like Monet realize early distributed in VCD and DVD and spoke of the poverty they suffer on that they stand a very slim may also be downloaded from and their dreams of leading a bet- chance of realizing their dreams www.philippinerevolution.net. ter life. under the present system. It is this Also available from the website Monet's story of her lack of ed- hopelessness that has taught them are other Sine Proletaryo produc- ucational opportunities and being to join the revolutionary war in the tions like Dagli (short films), Sig- obliged to earn a living at a young countryside. nos and Ambahan. ~

ANG BAYAN December 7, 2008 7 FASCIST STATE ON A RAMPAGE

torcycle without license plates. Killing and harassment hound November 28. Eight armed men abducted Mohammad Diya farmers Hamja, a member of Hustisya! and the Moro Christian People's Al- liance (MCPA). Hamja had just here has been no letup in extrajudicial killings, despite claims by come from a mosque when his ab- the Arroyo regime that cases have dwindled. Karapatan reports that ductors forced him at gunpoint to Tup to 43 political killings were documented from January to Sep- board a white L-300 van with li- tember 2008. There were also seven cases of forcible disappearances in cense plate XHC-238. Hamja, 50, this period. Mindanao registered the most number of extrajudicial was one of the Basilan residents killings, with 19 reported from July to September alone. arrested by the military in 2000 The most striking cases culled property was pastureland and and accused of being members of by Ang Bayan these past two weeks therefore exempt from CARP cover- the Abu Sayyaf. He was detained at involved acts of violence and ha- age and eligible for land-use con- Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, rassment against struggling farm- version. The farmers say Mala- Taguig but released due to lack of ers: cañang decided without even both- evidence. Human rights advocates December 3. Unidentified ering to inspect the land which has strongly condemned Hamja's ab- armed men killed Arnaldo Hoyohoy, long been planted to sugar, rice duction. 40, a farmer from Barangay Cara- and corn. November 27. Nine farmers noche, Sta. Catalina, Negros Orien- November 30. Suspected mili- from Hacienda Bacan in Guintub- tal. A bullet entered through his tary elements killed Isabelino Ce- han, Isabela, Negros Occidental right cheek and exited from the ling, 47, Bayan Muna coordinator were arbitrarily arrested and de- left side of his neck. Hoyohoy's fa- of Monkayo, Compostela Valley. He tained by the police in a Quezon ther is one of 30 farmer-beneficiar- was ambushed in Sitio Samuag, City jail. The farmers were rallying ies recently installed by the De- Barangay Haguimitan, Monkayo. in front of the Land Registration partment of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Celing survived the ambush but Authority (LRA) to assert their on a 61-hectare piece of land died while undergoing treatment at rights to a 157-hectare landhold- owned by former Rep. Herminio a hospital after six days. He suf- ing owned by the family of the Teves. The land was the subject of fered five gunshot wounds. The as- president's husband Mike Arroyo. an 11-year court battle. sassins rode a red XRM mo- They were charged with illegal as- December 2. Policemen twice sembly. Six farmers from the same blocked a group of farmers from hacienda had earlier been arrested Sitio Banasi, Barangay Pawili, and beaten up when they confront- Bula, Camarines Sur. They were ed Gloria Arroyo with a rally during first prevented from marching the latter's visit to Bacolod City in to Malacañang. They were October. later stopped again from November 26. Com- marching to the DAR of- bined forces of the Zam- fice. The farmers are de- bales Criminal Investiga- manding a reversal of Exec- tion and Detection Team utive Secretary Eduardo Er- and the Military Intelli- mita order issued in April 2008 gence Group of Eastern revoking the Certificate of Land Visayas illegally arrested Ownership Award granted in 1997 Oscar Belleza, 51, in to 57 farmers from Banasi for a Barangay Banican, Olongapo City. 123-hectare landholding in the Belleza is one of the accused in a area. Malacañang restored the land trumped-up murder case involving to the landlord Fajardo-Imperial an alleged purge that took place in family, claiming that the disputed Inopacan, Southern Leyte in 1985.

8 ANG BAYAN December 7, 2008 FASCIST STATE ON A RAMPAGE

The military claims that Belleza is an official of the Communist Party Militarization victimizes more of the Philippines. November 23. Policemen con- children under the Arroyo regime ducted an illegal search of the houses of Cecilia Cervantes and p to 948 children have become victims of various human rights her sister Leoncia in Barangay Bi- Uviolations since Gloria Arroyo took power in 2001, based on gaa, Cabuyao, Laguna. Cecilia Cer- records of the Children's Rehabilitation Center (CRC), an institution vantes is one of the officers of the monitoring the effects of militarization on children. Labor Education Advocacy Devel- Up to two million children have also become victims of forced opment Response Services evacuations, especially in Mindanao. The CRC reported that at least (LEADER Inc.), a group that advo- least 66 children have been killed, 50 tortured and 55 illegally ar- cates union rights. rested or detained. Forty-nine survived attempts on their lives in The Cervantes family recounted the same period. how the policemen barged into the Military abuses against children have also worsened under Oplan houses without a search warrant. Bantay Laya 2 (OBL2) as there have been more cases where child They trained guns at family mem- victims were branded as child warriors and charged with rebellion. bers who were inside at the time, Children were also used as guides in military operations and women ordered them to lie face down on and children forced to man checkpoints. The CRC said these prac- the floor and later forced them to tices directly endangered children and were in violation of Interna- come with them. When they re- tional Humanitarian Law. fused, the policemen forcibly took Such violations by the Aroyo regime of the rights of children al- Darwin Cervantes, 25, a nephew of so arise despite efforts by organizations like the United Nations to Cecilia's and accused him of being strengthen mechanisms to protect children in the midst of armed a marijuana user. To make it appear conflicts. that Darwin was the real target, The CRC plans to submit a report to Radhika Coomaraswamy, the policemen also arrested his United Nations Special Representative to the Secretary General on friend Jericho Librero from the next the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, who is sched- barrio. uled to visit the Philippines on December 8-12. The incident is but the latest in The CRC and Salinlahi, another advocate of children's rights, are an ongoing suppression campaign likewise currently conducting a campaign entitled "Children Under against mass leaders and activists Siege: Children-Victims of the US-Arroyo Regime's War of Terror." in Southern Tagalog. The campaign aims to expose violations of the human rights of chil- November 22. Gunmen shot to dren resulting from advancing OBL2. ~ death peasant leader Vicente Pagli- nawan. Witnesses said that Pagli- nawan was then speaking before face smashed with a big rock.The has been forcing civilians in members of a cooperative in AFP falsely claimed that Ka Raffy Kisante, Makilala and Coronan and Paquibato District, Davao City was among ten Red fighters in- Astorga in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur when he was shot. He suffered volved in an encounter with the to surrender for allegedly being three gunshot wounds to the head. 39th IB that day. NPA members or supporters. A November 16. Elements of the The 39th IB is also responsible number of civilians have also been 39th IB and Scout Rangers sum- for the killing in 2006 of couple included in a "hit list." In Kisante, marily executed Red fighter Hajid George and Maricel Vigo, NGO 40 farmers were paraded and Marambong (Ka Raffy). Ka Raffy workers based in Kidapawan City; branded as NPA members or sympa- and another Red fighter were am- farmer Salvador Dante Jr. in thizers. The civilian community is bushed in Sitio Catalan, Barangay Kisante, Makilala, North Cotabato; also in constant peril because of Sibulan, Toril, Davao City. They and Anakpawis volunteer Jay Allu- the presence of an AFP RSOT camp were both unarmed. Ka Raffy's body nar in Makilala. in the middle of a populated area was riddled with bullets and his Also since 2006, the 39th IB in Kisante. ~

ANG BAYAN December 7, 2008 9 NEWS Transport strike CPP condemns terrorist attacks in Mumbai paralyzes Bicol THE Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemned terrorist attacks THE Concerned Drivers and by a group calling itself the "Deccan Majahideen" on the Taj Mahal Hotel Operators for Reforms (CON- and nine other places in Mumbai, India from November 27-30. The indis- DOR) and Pinagkaisang criminate attacks and hostage-taking that targeted innocent civilians re- Samahan ng Tsuper at Opera- sulted in 172 killed, including 22 foreigners, and 239 wounded. tor Nationwide (PISTON) The CPP said the attacks run tify positioning troops in India and launched a transport strike counter to the interests of the Indi- Pakistan. The US will also use them that paralyzed 95% of trans- an people. They do not in any way to escalate its interventionist war in portation in three provinces advance the aspirations of the Indi- Afghanistan and the South Asian re- of Bicol. The strike paralyzed an people to put an end to backward gion, in accordance with US presi- up to 99% of transportation social conditions in their country. dent-elect Barack Obama's plans. in Sorsogon, 98% in Albay Like other third world countries, The CPP is nonetheless confident and 85% in Camarines Sur. A poverty, imperialist domination and that these terrorist attacks will not protest caravan was also the reactionary ruling class exploita- draw the Indian people's attention launched in Masbate. tion and oppression of the vast and strength away from their revolu- The massive transport masses of the workers, peasants and tionary struggle that is advancing in strike called for a major roll- other toiling people are widespread great strides in the Indian country- back in oil prices and the in India. side. Said the CPP, only with the ad- scrapping of the 12% value- The CPP warned that the Mumbai vance of their people's war will the added tax on petroleum attacks will be used as a pretext by Indian people achieve complete na- products. the US and other imperialists to jus- tional and social liberation.

Witnesses implicate Bolante in "fertilizer scam"

REGIONAL directors of the Depart- would be. ing electrical supplies. ment of Agriculture (DA) have con- A "runner" of the company that Media reports revealed that firmed that former Undersecretary supplied the fertilizers said only Bolante had as many as 37 bank- Jocelyn "Jocjoc" Bolante himself 70% of the overall funds went to books but Bolante would admit to directed the distribution of funds the purchase of fertilizer. Thirty having only 23 during the investi- and projects under the Ginintuang percent (30%) was distributed as gation. The senators noted that it Masaganang Ani program. Despite cash to those who received fertiliz- was unusual for a person to have such testimony, Bolante refused to er. According to Jose Barredo, a so many bank accounts. acknowledge his involvement and "runner" of Feshan Philippines, the Meanwhile, several congress- continued his lies, prompting the fertilizer was severely overpriced. men whose names were on a list of Senate Sergeant at Arms to arrest The money that was supposed to recipients submitted by Bolante to him last December 4. have been used to buy the fertiliz- the Commission on Audit and the The regional directors said that er went directly to Bolante's bank DA denied having received funds the DA only began having such big accounts and those of his staff during the election. funds when Bolante became under- Marites Aytona. Most congressmen and gover- secretary. They added that only Before it was used as a conduit nors received `5 million each to Bolante had control over who the for watered-down fertilizer, Feshan ensure Arroyo's electoral victory in recipients of the `2.8 billion fund Philippines' real business was sell- 2004.

10 ANG BAYAN December 7, 2008 NEWS

GRP rejects 12-day ceasefire Thai prime minister steps down proposal THAI Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has declared that he would step down after six months of protest actions by the Thai people led THE Arroyo regime has rejected a pro- by the People's Alliance for Democracy. The massive protest actions posal from the National Democratic have also led the Constitutional Court in Thailand to dissolve Som- Front of the Philippines for a 12-day chai's party and two other parties in the ruling coalition and ban them ceasefire during the Christmas sea- from politics for the next five years. son. The NDFP made the offer during The protests were launched to oust Somchai, -in-law of for- informal talks in Oslo, Norway from mer Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was overthrown in a November 27 to 30. The ceasefire was military coup in 2006 due to corruption. Last December, Somchai won meant to facilitate to the country's in elections held after more than a year of military rule. Somchai's par- observance of the Christmas season ty and two other allied parties were accused of massive electoral fraud, and pave the way for negotiations for and his regime was widely regarded as a mere extension of Thaksin's the release of two prisoners of war regime. being held by the NPA. GRP chief ne- The protests culminated in the eight-day occupation of Thailand's gotiator Nieves Confesor instead main airport. More than 100,000 passengers were affected after the pushed for a much longer ceasefire as airport ceased operating and suspended its flights. a precondition for the resumption of The demonstrators warned that they would take to the streets once the suspended peace talks. The infor- more if the next prime minister will again be involved in corruption. mal talks thus ended at an impasse. The proposal for a protracted ceasefire, said NDFP Human Rights Chinese workers strike Committee chair Ka Fidel Agcaoili, will most likely be used by the regime MORE than 2,000 workers laid off from a toy factory in Guangdong to buttress brutal military campaigns province in China stormed the factory's office on November 25 to de- under Oplan Bantay Laya 2 against mand their reinstatement. The uprising at the Kaida Toy Factory the revolutionary forces and the peo- which is owned by a Hong Kong capitalist is but the latest workers' ple. uprising in the face of worsening unemployment precipitated by the He said that the Arroyo govern- worldwide capitalist crisis. ment was not serious in conducting The workers fought it out with security guards and forced their substantive peace talks and wants way into the factory office. Police arrested 19 and six were injured only to quell and suppress the revolu- in the protest. tionary movement. The factory in question has 6,500 workers. It is but one of thou- The NDFP also assailed the Arroyo sands of factories in Guangdong making products for export. Most of government's continued stonewalling these factories are owned by foreign capitalists and manufacture on the conduct of serious and sus- cheap products like toys and garments. tained peace negotiations for social, More than 7,000 laid off workers also rose up in October in economic, political and constitution- Guangdong when one of the biggest foreign-owned toy factories here al reforms as the basis for a just and closed down. The government fears that the critical employment sit- lasting peace. uation in the whole country will lead to widespread uprisings.

ANG BAYAN December 7, 2008 11