Pahayagan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ANG Pinapatnubayan ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo English Edition Vol. XLIX No. 2 January 21, 2018 www.philippinerevolution.info

NPA raids mining company

RED FIGHTERS UNDER Com- val-Davao Gulf Subregional Command of the New People's Army-Southern Mindanao Region raided RAM Aggre- gates, Inc., a nickel mining company in Barangay Pun- talinao, Banay-banay, Davao Oriental last January 4. A Garand rifle with sniper scope, one M79 grenade launcher, 2 shotguns, 2 pis- tols and hundreds of ammu- nitions, and other military equipment were confiscated from the raid. The Red EDITORIAL fighters paralized mining equipment including six End the US-Duterte regime's backhoes, a bulldozer and a dumptruck. martial law in Mindanao The punitive action is in accordance with the policy of Communist Party of the he blood of the people of Mindanao flows under the US-Duterte Philippines to protect the en- regime's martial law and all-out war against the revolutionary vironment from destructive movement. In 2017, majority of the 126 victims of killings by the large-scale mining and from Tfascist military and paramilitary hail from Mindanao. Most of the victims companies affiliated with are Lumads and peasants who are active in the struggle against land foreign investors that plunder grabbing and for their rights. the country's natural re- Duterte's reign in Mindanao is ing of two small-scale miners in sources while exploiting that of open terror in the form of di- Masara, Compostela Valley. The workers and peasants. rect attacks against civilians and their months-long AFP bombing and occu- Alongside this, the 1st communities, Palparan-like killings, pation of Marawi City which left Pulang Bagani Battalion all-out destruction of the people's 3,000 people dead, an indefinite launched a punitive action livelihood and properties and wide- number missing and the P100 billion- against Sumitomo Fruits spread repression, illegal arrests and worth destruction of an entire city Corp., and Highland Banana detentions. can also be considered a crime Corporation in Barangay Cases of human rights abuses against humanity. Tamayong, Calinan District, which can be considered as crimes Aside from Marawi, the AFP like- Davao City last January 13, 8 against humanity continue to rise. wise displaced thousands of people in a.m. Three boom sprayer Among the most recent are the mas- the provinces of Lanao, Maguindanao trucks were paralyzed by the sacre of eight Lumads in Lake Sebu, and other Moro areas, as well as in Red army. South Cotabato and attempted burn- the provinces of Surigao, Davao, Cotabato, Bukidnon, Agusan, Com- cronies, if they go against bureau- the "logbook" system, where resi- postela Valley and Misamis. AFP mili- crats who are more useful to him. He dents are obliged to report to tarization, bombings and shellings, also pounces on entrepreneurs who barangay officials and the police their use of modern arms from the US are in direct competition with his visitors or whoever is new in their such as war planes and drones, are cronies and allies. Using the 10th ID, barrio. Checkpoints are strictly en- widespread. Food blockades are im- he has targeted more than a hundred forced and those without identifica- posed in order to starve evacuees businesses and individuals on the tion are immediately treated as and aid workers, while officials of lo- excuse that they finance and aid the criminals or terrorists. cal government units and that of lo- revolutionary movement. Duterte will not readily end mar- cal agencies are harassed. From the latter part of 2017, tial law in Mindanao. No less than his In the island's cities, threats, in- Duterte has intensified his all-out minion in the Department of National timidation and outright attacks war in Mindanao. These past months, Defense Delfin Lorenzana has said against civil rights and freedoms are he has deployed two new battalions that martial law is needed beyond the norm. Martial law gave local gov- in the island's priority regions. He 2018 since the AFP will not be able to ernments the authority to suppress has also deployed additional battal- defeat the NPA within the year. This the open mass movement and imple- ions from Luzon to reinforce existing is in contradiction to the AFP's delu- ment dictatorial decrees and mea- formations, the latest in Caraga. This sion to cut the NPA "by half" in the sures such as checkpoints and arbi- region, as well as other priority middle of the year. trary searches. Workers on strike are provinces, are areas where resis- US imperialism supports martial attacked and their unions disman- tance against mining, commercial law in Mindanao. It gave them an tled. plantation and other foreign plunder extraordinary opportunity to directly Nobody is safe from the Duterte is strongest. intervene and command AFP combat family's vindictive and gangster re- The regime launches widespread operations after their special opera- pression. They openly threaten, military operations, in combination tions base in Zamboanga was closed curse and belittle anyone who dare with bombings and drone flights, in in 2015. This January 20, the US criticize their fascist actions and cor- target communities to force residents made public the new "named opera- ruption, including journalists who to evacuate. They ravage these tion" for Duterte's "war against ter- refuse to kowtow to them. communities to compel residents to rorism" dubbed "Operation Pacific Duterte attacks his fellow bu- "surrender" and present them as Eagle-Philippines" to replace its Op- reaucrats, even former friends and "NPA surrenderees." They intensified eration Enduring Freedom. In ex- change of funds and arms the US will ANG Contents spend on the mission, Duterte dis- placed hundreds of thousands of Editorial: End the US-Duterte regime's Moros in Marawi City to give way to Vol. XLIX No. 2 | Enero 21, 2018 martial law in Mindanao 1 US interests and military bases. Un- der martial law, around 300 US sol- 2nd Editorial: Stand for press freedom 4 Ang Bayan is published diers have permanently operated in in Pilipino, Bisaya, Iloko, Mining company punished 1 the country to lead AFP operations in Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Mindanao. Four petitions against martial law 3 Ang Bayan welcomes In this light, it is imperative that contributions in the form ML for comprador and foreign interest 3 the people not only in Mindanao but of articles and news items. in the entire country is made aware Gag on press freedom opposed 5 Readers are encouraged and mobilized against martial law in to send feedback and The railroading of Duterte's cha-cha 6 Mindanao. In reality, Duterte's reign of terror prevails nationwide despite recommendations Duterte's TRAIN hits the people 7 for improving our newspaper. the declaration covering only Min- Militarization worsens 8 danao. Killings and repression are instagram.com/prwc.official Farms for the people's war 9 widespread in Luzon and Visayas. The @prwc_info national capital has the most number Indian Red fighters' punitive actions 10 of extrajudicial killings under the fb.com/cppinfo Protests against TRAIN and Cha-Cha 11 "anti-drug war." There is an urgent need for na- [email protected] Resurgence of protests in Greece 12 tional-democratic organizations to broaden and strengthen the people's Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee movement against state terrorism of the Communist Party of the Philippines and fascism. One of their foremost

2 January 2 1 , 2 01 8 ANG BAYAN Four petitions filed against martial law calls must be to end martial law in Mindanao. In the countryside, where the regime's attacks are most vicious, measures must be taken to prevent the THIS JANUARY, FOUR petitions were filed with the people from moving in different directions and fall into Supreme Court to oppose martial law extension in passivity. Propaganda work must be strengthened to Mindanao. These were filed by Albay Representative expose abuses and violations of their rights. It is only Edcel Lagman, the Makabayan bloc and National Union correct that their struggles are brought into interna- of People's Lawyers, former Commission on Human tional courts and institutions to hold Duterte and the Rights commissioner Loretta Ann Rosales and Chris- AFP responsible. tian Monsod, former chairperson of the Commission on An alliance to end martial law in Mindanao must Elections. be organized. It can be composed of Mindanaoans All petitions argue that extending martial law in based in Manila and elsewhere, together with church Mindanao is without basis. people, lawyers, students and other democratic sec- Prior to this, Arleen Alonzo, campaign officer of the tors. Alliance for Genuine Development, refuted CHR-12 Di- Inside Mindanao, anti-fascist mass struggles must rector Erlan Deluvio's statement that the massacre in be strengthened. These should be combined with Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato is the first struggles for decent living and social welfare. human rights violation under martial law. In fact, Most of all, the New People's Army should deal Karapatan-Soccskargen has recorded 13 cases of ex- stronger blows to the AFP to defend the people who trajudicial killings in the region during this period. In are relentlessly victimized. They should launch tactical addition to these are bombings that have forced 200 offensives all over Mindanao to avoid enemy concen- Lumad families to evacuate from Lake Sebu, Malapatan tration in one or a few provinces and force the AFP to and Sultan Kudarat, including in Carmen, Magpet and overstretch itself. Makilala in Cotabato last November 2017. Mindanao martial law for comprador 400 families in barangays Sto. Niño, and foreign interest Poblacion, New Dapitan, Farmington, Situbo, and Sandayong will be ONE OF THE objectives of extending martial law in Mindanao is for Duterte to evicted from their lands. Included in railroad of infrastructure projects under his Build, Build, Build program. These the affected residents are Lumads projects, which will be funded by loans from imperialist countries and institu- from Subanen and Kolibugan tribes. tions and awarded to his most favored compradors and bureaucrats in Min- Almost 32,000 square meters of danao. This is part of his payoff in return for their support to his terrorist rule. cropland will be destroyed. Majority of the infrastructure sula will result to the dislocation of Other big projects are the projects in Mindanao are roads, residents from at least 6 barangays. Transport and Logistic Master Plan bridges, airports, seaports, and In a sector of the project, more than ...continued on page 4 train system. These are included in the Mindanao Development Corri- dor which aims to "facilitate" in- vestments in the island. In particu- lar, this will ease the transportation of agricultural products of commer- cial plantations to be exported to other countries. A part of this project is the Mindanao Logistic In- frastructure Network that will be funded by Japan International Co- operation Agency (JICA). The road system will go across Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Surigao, General San- tos, and Davao. Lumad, Moro, and settlers' communities covered by the project will be displaced. Meanwhile, the 280-kilometer road-widening in Zamboanga Penin-

ANG BAYAN January 2 1 , 2 01 8 3 SECOND EDITORIAL Stand for press freedom

he Communist Party of the Philippines and the entire revolu- Ttionary movement stand with the people in defense of press freedom and against the fascist US-Duterte regime's repression. The people know that suppression of press freedom is part of Ro- drigo Duterte's plan in building his fascist dictatorship.

He aims to promote his own Instead, his paid propa- propaganda machine, led by his gandists churned out buffoon of a spokesperson, which "heroic" exploits of soldiers, does nothing but worship him, pro- Duterte's frequent mote his anti-people programs and trips and justify his fascist schemes. praise Duterte first suppressed press for freedom when he declared martial Marawi law in Mindanao. When he laid troops siege in Marawi, the AFP strictly and even controlled media coverage of ongo- travel shows by entertainers and In targeting news sources criti- ing battles to cover up widespread politicians in the war zone, to put a cal of his regime, Duterte aims to killings and looting of his soldiers. positive spin to the war. ...continued on page 5

"Mindanao martial law"... from page 3 three sections of Mindanao Devel- proposals" or proposed projects and that will "modernize" the public opment Corridor. For its part, the businesses from big companies ac- transportation in Davao City, the World Bank will fund the Recon- cording to their interests. Regional Development Project in struction and Development Program One of the unsolicited proposals South Central Mindanao, the Min- which is part of the Bangsamoro is from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking danao River Basin Flood Control Development Plan. For the big- Corporation, Japan's second largest Project, and Duterte's flagship ticket projects alone, the Philip- financial institution, that will build project Mindanao Rails. pines will have to borrow up to an export-processing zone for food- $213.2 billion. Loan payments will processing in the city. "Global Factory" be shouldered by the people in Proposals were also submitted The projects for building and terms of higher costs of services by Manuel Pangilinan for the re- expanding roads, airports, and sea- and long-term debt-servicing by the construction of power and water ports were a longtime plan of the government. infrastructures and the Amai Pak- Asian Development Bank (ADB). As Some of the companies of com- pak Medical Center. The Ayalas a part of the Brunei Darussalam- pradors and bureaucrats that will presented to build another hospital. Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East be awarded contracts are Tagum PLDT/Smart, Aboitiz Group, Jollibee ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), Agricultural Development Company Foods Corp., Pepsi Cola Philippines, ADB pours funds in return for com- (Tadeco) of the Floirendo, RDEX FF Cruz, Meralco, Coca Cola, World plete liberalization of the local Food International Phils. Inc., Vision, Cebuana Lhuiller, San economy to foreign capital. Under Unifrutti, Sumifru, Dole, Del Monte, Miguel Corp., LBC, and SM also this plan, Mindanao was identified Dennis Uy's Udenna Corp. which submitted their proposals. as having huge potential in supply- has already invested $200 million Aside from these, the regime ing raw materials, in agro-process- for rubber plantation, and Enrique received $23 million from China and ing, fishery products, petrochemi- Razon Jr.'s International Container $2 million from Japan for recon- cal, forestry and wood processing, Terminal Services, Inc. struction and rehabilitation. The and tourism. This will transform the ADB had already given $5.22 mil- island into a "regional food basket" Vultures feast on Marawi lion. Still, US has the largest "aid" as part of the "global factory" ne- The regime opened Marawi City of P1.06 billion. oliberal scheme. to foreign and local compradors after To attract more investors, the Three big international financ- destroying the city and blocking the Board of Investments will exempt ing agencies provide loans for big return of the residents. To secure the taxes from the total income of the projects in Mindanao. The USAID, biggest kickbacks, the regime ap- companies from key infrastructure JICA, and ADB will share in funding proved the submission of "unsolicited projects.

4 January 2 1 , 2 01 8 ANG BAYAN "Mindanao martial law"... from page 3 to hide his weak control over the AFP bombings and militarization in the silence the media in the entire which is now riddled with infighting countryside and repression in the country. Through this, he wishes to over funds for corruption. He also cities. They should not flinch from deny the medium to the voices of wants to deflect exposés of his chil- denouncing and holding the regime the harshest critics of his rule from dren and most trusted aide's big responsible for all its crimes and rot- progressive and democratic sectors cases of corruption and smuggling. tenness. They should expose the big- to be hear. Silencing the media is an inte- gest corruption cases, especially that Numerous sectors and institu- gral part of Duterte's plan for a of his family, cronies, friends and tions have already condemned the fascist dictatorship. This is in line closest compradors and landlords. insanity of his wars of death and with killings, intimidation, corrup- Like his idol Marcos, Duterte destruction. Human rights defend- tion and constitutional change. will be hated by the people for the ers and families of the victims of his Duterte even plans to permanently unprecedented hardships his poli- anti-drug war, all-out war and mar- limit press freedom in the new cies engender. He is mistaken if he tial law have all tirelessly exposed constitution. thinks he can silence the media and and denounced him. His regime's It is imperative to condemn and the people and prevent the broad- pro-foreign and anti-people fight the regime's attack on press ening of the movement against him. schemes have all been met with freedom—a basic civil right—under Instead, his measures will push protests. this framework. The people should more groups to come together, Likewise, he wants to hide the bolster efforts to expose their real whatever the orientation and ide- growth of the revolutionary move- conditions. They should persevere, ology, to fight his rule and over- ment, especially its army, to make it especially the progressive and alter- throw him. Whatever differences appear that the AFP is achieving its native media, in rapidly disseminat- among them will become secondary delusional wish to defeat the NPA ing news and information of wide- in the face of the relentless attacks this year. At the same time, he wants spread human rights violations, on their rights and freedoms.

Groups resist gag on press freedom

LAST JANUARY 11, the US-Duterte regime revoked the registration of online ism." newspaper Rappler, an opponent of Duterte's paid propagandists and fre- It was also reported that Manny quent publisher of news unfavorable to the regime. Even before this, Duterte Pangilinan will shut down in March has unleashed all-around attacks and threats on organizations and mass his online newspaper Interaksyon, a media corporations, as well as journalists censuring his leadership. keen publisher of news against Duterte. Pangilinan, one of the Last July 2017, the regime had Philippines' (CBCP) application to regime's favored bourgeois com- suppressed the newspaper Philip- renew its franchise for another 25 pradors, is also Ang's business pine Daily Inquirer when one of years last October 2017. The said partner in Inquirer. Duterte's favorite cronies, Ramon franchise covers 54 radio and tele- The National Telecommunica- Ang, bought the majority of con- vision stations being run by the tions Commission likewise threat- trolling shares of the newspaper. Catholic Church. Duterte likewise ened closure of around 30 radio For months, the Inquirer has been threatened to block ABS-CBN's stations in Davao Region allegedly publishing reports on Duterte's hid- franchise after its exploration ex- for violating communications and den wealth, as well as his brutal pires in 2020. During one of his broadcasting regulations. The im- "war against drugs." After attack- rants, he scolded the pending station closures was ing Rappler, he threatened to file station for suppos- announced by the NTC Re- plunder charges against Inquirer's edly putting him in gion 11 during a press former owner. On the other hand, a bad light in news forum organized by Ang is in partnership with the gov- broadcasts re- the AFP and PNP last ernment and other bourgeois com- garding the war in January 17. pradors in managing CNN-Philip- Marawi. In ex- Even before the pines, which is set to dismiss at change for a set- attacks on mass me- least 60 journalists and media tlement, Duterte dia corporations, workers this year. is blackmailing the members of the pro- Following his control of the In- station to air news gressive media were quirer, Congress refused the Catho- favorable to his already being tar- lic Bishops' Conference of the push for "federal- geted. Cases include

ANG BAYAN January 2 1 , 2 01 8 5 the illegal arrest of Northern Dis- nalists were killed. Aside from this, foreign ownership of public utilities patch journalist Sherwin de Vera ten cases of harassments (including and mass media through charter last December 2017. Likewise, online attacks) were recorded, as change. According to him, ALTER- Radyo ni Juan Network broadcast well as eight frustrated killings and MIDYA is always supportive of the journalists Mario Maximo “Dodong” three death threats, and three fil- costitutional ban on foreign owner- Solis and Kath Cortez received ings of libel charges and one arrest ship of media, but will oppose its death threats after criticizing the on libel. use to silence the press. The pro- Duterte family's corruption. The According to Prof. Luis Teodoro fessor said further that the cancel- military likewise harassed and ac- of ALTERMIDYA, a national net- lation can only be interpreted as cused Manila Today's Ariel Jebulan work of alternative media outfits, part of a scheme to silence critical as a terrorist while he was report- the cancellation of Rappler's regis- media and to instill fear among me- ing on the AFP's siege of Marawi. tration poses a "serious danger to dia practitioners committed to re- Under Duterte, attacks on mass press freedom and freedom of ex- porting the truth in behalf of trans- media corporations are not limited pression, and was made amid such parency in the current regime, and to legal machinations by govern- glaring indications of rising dicta- to hold it to account. ment agencies. Individual journal- torship." Teodoro likewise ques- Last January 19, up to 350 ists are also targets of attacks. The tioned the motive behind the can- journalists, bloggers and media Center for Media Freedom and Re- cellation based on supposed foreign workers joined the #BlackFriday- sponsibility reported that under ownership of Rappler, whereas the ForPressFreedom held at the Boy Duterte's rule, no less than six jour- administration is pushing for 100% Scout Circle in Quezon City. The railroading of Duterte's cha-cha

espite strong opposition and criticism from the minority bloc in Con- policies. Duterte and all officials in Dgress, Duterte's super majority railroaded the passage of House Con- power will be able to rule absolutely current Resolution No. 9 last January 16. The said resolution allows Congress during the 10-year transition pe- to convene the lower and upper house into a constituent assembly to discuss riod. and prepare charter change or amendment to the 1987 Constitution. According to Bayan Muna's re- cent statement, the new Constitu- According to Rep. Antonio Tinio powers in his hands as a fascist tion shall effectively allow Duterte of ACT Teachers Partylist, this Con- dictator, to pro- to arbitrarily over- gress is a joke. During the session, long his rule and haul the entire judi- the House leadership abruptly serve his ciary and appoint ended interpellations, the period of imperialist new justices. debate was disregarded and the masters and Officials of in- presiding officer decided to call for fellow oli- dependent com- a vote to be able to railroad the garchs and missions such as adoption of the resolution. There warlords the Commission on were still many representatives who through the Elections, Commis- wanted to interpellate when the transitional sion on Audit and process was stopped. and regular Civil Service Com- Recently, House Speaker Panta- provisions of a mission shall be leon Alvarez expressed certainty to sham constitu- forced to vacate their pass the new constitution on May tion. positions in a year and 2018. The proposed Federal Consti- Charter give the president tution of PDP-Laban and Bicameral change is used as power to appoint Resolution No. 8 intend to consti- cover up for their replacements. tute a federal government, consoli- scheme of sup- This will also date and extend Duterte's control pressing groups opposed to exempt the president, senators, and open the economy to foreign Duterte's fascist reign. Moves congressmen, Supreme Court jus- ownership. include the removal of the position tices and heads of independent Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, chief polit- of the vice president and abolition commissions from paying income ical consultant of the NDFP, said in of the Supreme Court's power to taxes. a statement that Duterte's shift to determine "grave abuse of discre- Senators immediately rejected federalism aims to concentrate tion" in government actions and Alvarez' HCR No. 9. According to

6 January 2 1 , 2 01 8 ANG BAYAN Senate President Aquilino Pimentel term of Duterte's supermajority. empower political dynasties in the III, the Senate already agreed to Former Supreme Court chief country. form a separate constituent assem- justices Hilario Davide Jr. and Rey- Bagong Alyansang Makabayan bly. For some senators, con-ass is nato Puno also told congressmen likened Duterte's cha-cha to previ- "dead" without the Senate, mainly not to rush cha-cha. At a joint Sen- ous attempts to push for constitu- because it is rushed and monopo- ate hearing on the proposed charter tional amendments. Just as they lized by the House of Representa- change, Puno said he is in favor of a strongly opposed charter change tives and PDP-Laban. constitutional convention (con-con) schemes of the Ramos, Estrada and However, Supreme Court jus- even though it would be costly for Arroyo regimes, the group will also tices expressed different opinions the government. defy Duterte's cha-cha. Bayan also on the process of revising the con- He also suggested a "hybrid called upon the Filipino people, stitution and its contents. con-con" that would consist of a senators and congressmen to junk While former Senate President 25-man team elected and non- cha-cha and resist the return of a Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr. sup- elected individuals who will study pro-imperialist fascist dictatorship. ports federalism, he strongly op- and review the constitution. Puno The group held a protest action in poses possible "no-el" scenario in also warned that if not scrutinized front of the House of Representa- 2019 and the attempt to extend the carefully, federalism may further tives last January 17.

Duterte's TRAIN hits the people should go to stores who sell below suggested retail prices. The DOF will t the start of the year, an additional burden of soaring prices of basic also distribute P200 per month to 10 Acommodities and utilities was imposed on the people by Duterte and his million poor families in the country puppets. through the Department of Social Under the newly-signed tax re- years, aside from the weekly in- Welfare and Development suppos- form law or Tax Reform for Accel- crease of prices of petroleum prod- edly to ease TRAIN's impact on the eration and Inclusion (TRAIN), ucts due to deregulation. poor. prices of powdered juice increased Despite all these, the Depart- The Duterte government also up to ₱10/liter, ₱7/liter for gaso- ment of Finance (DOF) and Depart- boasted that 6.8 million middle to line, ₱3/liter on diesel, ₱12 every ment of Trade and Industry (DTI) lower-middle income-earning fami- 11 kg-tank of LPG and ₱50-₱100 for kept finding excuses to defend lies will be exempted from paying in- every metric ton of coal, causing TRAIN. According to DOF, effects of come taxes. In fact, rich and big energy rate hikes of almost TRAIN on prices will be very mini- corporations are the biggest gainers ₱11/kwh. mal and its impact on inflation is from the income tax reform. Based For ordinary jeepney drivers still "manageable" for 2018. The on IBON Foundation's computation, who consume 30 liters of diesel ev- DTI even insisted that consumers the richest 10% in the country who eryday, their daily cost for oil will increase up to ₱100. The surge in prices of petroleum products will also mean price hikes on food, agricultural products, medicines, fare and water and en- ergy rates. Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilip- inas already warned of a possible surge of rice prices from ₱58 to ₱60. Energy rates of MERALCO will also increase to ₱10.4272/kwh upon the implementation of TRAIN. This means ₱2,085 energy fee for a family who consumes an average of 200kwh per month. Transport groups also filed petitions for a fare hike up to ₱4. Prices of goods and services will further increase in the next three

ANG BAYAN January 2 1 , 2 01 8 7 earns an average of ₱104,170 every concentrated in the National Capital foreign business partners, such as month will benefit tax exemptions of Region, Central Luzon and Southern roads, bridges, fly-overs, railways, up to ₱90,793 annually. On the Tagalog. Also, Duterte's projects are seaports, and airports. other hand, an average of ₱600- not infrastructures which millions of IBON also added that instead of ₱2,000 every year will be deducted poor Filipinos need for their liveli- taxing the poor, Duterte should go from the salaries of 60% poor Fil- hoods and welfare, such as irriga- after billionaires and corporations ipinos. Even the regime's ₱200 sub- tion, milling factories, and post-har- not paying corporate taxes. Gov- sidy every month will not solve the vest facilities, public schools, public ernment can also implement pro- widespread unemployment and lack hospitals, and mass housing. In- gressive taxation by raising direct of livelihood in the country. stead, the Duterte administration's taxes on the richest such as per- The Duterte government expects flagship projects are mostly big- sonal income tax and corporate in- to collect more than ₱1.3 trillion ticket transportation infrastructure come tax, while reducing taxes on from TRAIN to fund its grand infra- eyed by oligarchs—the Ayala, Co- consumer products and repealing structure program which is mainly juangco and Pangilinan and their the value added tax. Militarization in the countryside worsens

hile the repression of the US-Duterte regime aggravates in the me- ATAN-ST investigating the milita- Wtropolis, killings, militarization, and repression continue in the coun- rization last January 17 was har- tryside. rassed by the soldiers. Killings. Last January 20, following day, military troops were Batangas. The 730th Combat James Flores, 33, resident of Purok seen in Sitio Han-ayan, Diatagon Group of the Philippine Air Force Cadena, Barangay Mankilam, and nearby Sitio Magkahunao, and the PNP Public Safety Company Tagum City, Davao del Norte, was Buhisan, San Agustin. According to launched military operations last killed by a suspected military agent. the residents, explosions and gun- January 13 in Sitio Sales, Barangay He was a member of Pederasyon sa shots were heard near Sitio Pooc in Balayan, and in barangays tanang Asosasyon sa mga Mag- Magkahunao from January 8-13. Kalantas and Coral ni Lopez in uuma ug Lumad sa Agusan ug Drones were also sighted at mid- Calaca, alarming the residents in Davao. night of January 16 and afternoon the area. On January 15, the lifeless body of January 13. The said military op- Harassment and illegal ar- of Aaron Notarte was found in a fu- erations will give way to the entry of rests. Last January 9, at around 3 neral home in Trento, Agusan del carbon mining in Andap Valley, the a.m., joint forces from the 15th IB, Sur. Soldiers from the 75th IB ancestral land of the Manobos. 39th IB and Magpet PNP arrested brought Notarte's body and claimed Davao del Norte. Lumads from farmer-activists Jarold Adiaton, 29, that he was an NPA killed in an en- Kapalong continue to suffer ha- and Jane Solis, 26, residents of counter in Area 69, Barangay rassment. According to Datu Men- Barangay Balite, Magpet, North Imelda, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. troso Malibayo, chairperson of the Cotabato, and members of Balite Notarte was a chainsaw operator. Lumad organization Kadrayawan, Farmers Association (BFA). On the He was riding a motorcycle on the soldiers and Alamara paramilitaries same day and area, Datu Maylan way home when he encountered op- are blocking the entry of food sup- Andas, 59, member of Manobo Aro- erating troops of the 75th IB. Two ply to remote communities since manen Pasakkaday Association bullets were found on his body, as December 23. (MAPA) and a resident of Sitio well as marks of beating. Notarte's The food blockade affected 200 Tungao, Barangay Tempuran was ₱10,000 was also missing. Lumad families from sitios Muling, illegally arrested while feeding his Militarization. In Surigao del Mangkay, Lunloluno, Kamumunuan, chickens. BFA is a local organization Sur, nine Lumad schools under Bugton Lubi, and Kapatagan in of farmers based in Magpet and TRIFPSS and ALCADEV, along with Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong. Ala- under Kilusang Magbubukid ng 14 communities, were subjected to mara members prevent the residents Pilipinas-North Cotabato while continuous military operations by from entering Sitio Patil which serves MAPA is a municipal-wide organi- the 75th IB. Last January 7, military as access to other communities. zation of Lumads and under Apo operations started at 2 a.m. from Quezon. Last January 15, resi- Sandawa Lumadnung Panaghiusa sa Km. 6 to Km. 14 of Neptune, Di- dents of Barangay Jongo, Lopez and Cotabato (ASLPC). atagon, Lianga. Two trucks of mili- nearby areas grew restive due to Last January 8, the house of tary troops launched operations and military operations by the 85th IB. couple Ronel, 29, and Jingky Asay, set up a checkpoint in the area. The The fact finding mission of KARAP- 33, were fired upon by suspected

8 January 2 1 , 2 01 8 ANG BAYAN military agents at 8:00 p.m. in In Negros, suspected military Last January 16, farmers Filjun Barangay Bangayan, Kitcharao, agents continue to harass the family Celeste Arpajo, 30, and Venjie Agusan del Norte. The Asays are of Elisa Badayos, chairperson of Catampo, 28, residents of Purok members of Kayapan-Amihan, a Karapatan-Central Visayas, who was Mahayahay, Barangay Marayag, Mamanwa organization in the bara- killed last November 2017. On Janu- Lupon, Davao Oriental, were ngay. The 29th IB is active in mili- ary 10, at 6 a.m., while Badayos' forcibly taken by suspected soldiers. tary operations in the area and are niece Cheska Condes was boarding a According to the residents, the two encamped 2 kilometers away from taxi, a piece of paper was given to were brought and forced to guide Asay's house. Ronel was previously her by a man containing a threat to the soldiers in their operations in harassed because of his links to her life if she continues joining ral- the area. Both are still under the Kayapan-Amihan. lies. military's custody. Farms for the people's war

ood blockades imposed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in milita- the remote ones, and convince each Frized areas is a feature of the total war currently being launched by the family to gather and build the com- US-Duterte regime. This method, long-instilled to the AFP by US troops, aims munity. to cut off food supply to communities suspected of supporting units of the "When the communities were New People's Army. built, we found out that many fami- In some guerrilla fronts in Min- in order for them to grasp the rele- lies were living in the area. After danao, the masses have effectively vance of participating in the cam- organizing them and holding edu- overcome the soldiers' deprivation paign to develop the economy," she cational meetings, committees con- of food to their communities. Aside said. cerned with the campaign's imple- from providing food for each family, Starting the campaign was not mentation were subsequently farms are now able to subsidize ad- easy. "When we arrived in the area, formed, alongside other barrio rev- ditional necessities of the communi- residents were not yet organized olutionary committees," added Ka ties. In fact, during a major military into communities. Households were Che. Meanwhile, the comrades con- operation by the enemy which few and far between, and of course, tinue to reach out to other families lasted out for almost a year, the so were their farms."This is a result and encourage them to join the masses had more than enough food of the people growing accustomed communities. despite the imposed food blockade. to relocating their farms after har- Another challenge is the In other areas where residents were vest time. Likewise, because of the masses' miserable condition that forcibly evacuated, the people re- AFP's fierce military operations, greeted the comrades. The previous turned to their communities to families are pushed to flee and look crops could not even sustain the crops available for harvest. for safer locations. The comrades families' food necessities. "Before, This is a result of a lengthy had to go house-to-house, including nami (a wild root crop) is the peo- process spearheaded by Party com- mittees, the people's army and the communities during the early years of the current decade. The cam- paign started with the leading com- mittees' resolve that production must be directed to sustaining the people's war. In order to achieve this, one of the targets is to establish a self- sustaining economy cultivated in by all communities and barrios where the people's army operates. According to Ka Che, a member of one of the committees undertak- ing the campaign, education is the initial stage. "The people's political consciousness must first be raised

ANG BAYAN January 2 1 , 2 01 8 9 ple's staple food," Ka Che recalls. communities. Each group is made farm implements, more labor force "Basic household needs are also up of five families and collectively is needed to flatten the soil, con- insufficient, that is why at the work on their groupmates' farms in struct dikes, and others." When start, the NPA units put aside a rotation, similar to the masses' communities do not yet have portion of their subsistence bud- bayanihan in different parts of the carabaos, three people had to pull gets in order to contribute to pur- country. the plow in order to till the farm. chasing farm tools, clothes and Communities are likewise "The comrades and the communi- even salt for the residents." breaking away from the old practice ties really strived to set up rice- Painstaking accounting was the of pausing planting seasons. In- fields because these farms yield comrades' next step. With the help stead, added Ka Che, planting is no twice as the upland rice farms do," of the committees, a consultation longer limited to once per year. "It clarifies Ka Menang. with each family was conducted is continuous. After harvest, they Because the development of the wherein household consumption immediately clear the farms in or- communities' production is within was calculated in relation to the der to start off with the next crop." the context of the people's war, size of farms and volume of crops Part of the committees' tasks is the attacks of the AFP on their farms yielded for every planting season. regular assessment of the cam- are also taken into account. Oper- "How large is the family? How much paign's progress. ating troops burn huts where food is spent by each member every When the communities' pro- seedlings and harvested crops are month? How much added land is duction became sufficient to sus- kept, leading the farmers to build needed to be tilled to provide for tain their food necessities and these in secret areas within the the family? These are the issues more, the comrades started off communities. Due to the volume of discussed during the consulta- with distributing animals such as rootcrops planted, soldiers fail to tions," Ka Che said. Throughout the fowls, goats and pigs. These will uproot and destroy all crops. "This whole campaign, the people's army supplement the families' other is why we consider sweet potato participates in planning, obtaining needs such as their children's and gabi as not only typhoon-re- saplings, and working in the farms. schooling, and household consum- silient crops, but soldier-resistant Types of crops to be grown ables. When the animals reproduce, as well," Ka Menang said. were also agreed upon: short-term the young are distributed to other Comrades are optimistic that crops and long-term ones. "After families and communities. production in the communities will three months, maize and sweet Meanwhile, Ka Menang, who further advance. Currently, com- potato may already be harvested. joins in implementing the campaign munal farms are being initiated, In addition to these, the house- in another area, said that it is now again as additional support for holds also set an increase in grow- almost a year since they started food. In these, five families will al- ing cassava, banana, gabi and veg- cultivating a ricefield to augment locate one hectare for their com- etables. Growing upland rice is also existing production. Ka Menang re- munal farming. These will further regular," shared Ka Che. Aside calls with amusement their sacri- strengthen the unity of residents in from these, which are considered as fices when they kicked off with the the area, from formerly scattered "crops for consumption," "crops for ricefield project. "Sourcing water households, towards being orga- finance" are likewise grown such as for irrigation is not a problem, she nized communities farming amidst abaca and coffee, from where the said. "But because of scarcity in the intensifying people's war. families will source money to buy household necessities such as soap, Indian Red fighters launch punitive actions salt and others. IN INDIA, in West Singbhum District, Jharkhand, Red fighters of the Because the communities were Communist Party of India-Maoist launched punitive actions against KD already built, each of the families' Construction last January 8. They set ablaze four tractors and another farms are just nearby. Gathering heavy equipment being used in the canal project. the houses has indeed helped in the Companies constructing roads in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi District were fast development of production. also raided last January 9. Four tractors and a cement mixer were Sharing seedlings and saplings burned by the Red fighters. among families is no longer diffi- The punitive actions were launched to fight anti-people and anti-en- cult, as well as with other commu- vironment projects such as the PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak nities, which are only one to three Yojana) which will displace families, destroy the environment and peo- hours apart by trekking. Hunglos is ple's livelihood of many Indians. now also being practiced by the

10 January 2 1 , 2 01 8 ANG BAYAN Protests against TRAIN and cha-cha

ational-democratic organizations continue to hold protests in different only shows that these big businesses Nparts of the country against charter change, TRAIN, press repression, are a bane to workers. We only want widespread killings, and other human rights violations. ₱0.50 increase which is not even enough because of the ever-in- Anti-TRAIN and cha-cha. Bayan-Southern Tagalog also creasing costs of basic commodities Bayan-Metro Manila, Gabriela, held a protest against TRAIN in especially with Duterte's TRAIN." KMU, and Kadamay held a "payday Barangay Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna, The management and workers will protest" and "tax revolt" against last January 16. According to the again meet on January 24. the regime's new tax law or Tax group, 60% or 13.7 million families Before the dialogue, 55 workers Reform for Acceleration and Inclu- in the region will descend to poverty from the warehouses trooped to the sion (TRAIN). The protest was held because of the price hikes of basic Department of Labor and Employ- in Trabajo Market in Manila last commodities. ment (DOLE) last January 12 to January 15. The groups went In Panay on January 10, Bayan- drumbeat their demand of addi- around the markets to compare the Panay joined the resistance to tional ₱0.50 per cement sack they current prices of commodities from TRAIN. According to the group, the carry. They also called for SSS and last year and determine what can people should unite and join the PhilHealth benefits. be bought with ₱70, the average mobilizations to protest the new and Last January 11, the Samahan food expenditure for a family in the unacceptable burden to the people. ng Manggagawa sa Harbour Centre National Capital Region. Similar SCRAP TRAIN Network-Panay was (SMHC) trooped to the DOLE office protests were held in Muñoz, Que- formed, led by Elmer Forro. in Intramuros, Manila to protest zon City, Bagong Silang, and Sta. Teachers' Protest. Alliance of the incorrect 13th month pay they Quiteria Church, Caloocan, and Concerned Teachers-NCR picketed received. "The Christmas and New Plaza Salamanca in Manila. last January 12 in front of the De- Year of contractual workers were Last January 15, fisherfolks and partment of Budget and Manage- not happy because of what the farmers under Pamalakaya and KMP ment office in Manila to push for agency did to us. Where can you marched to Congress to press for their salary increase. find a 13th month pay of only the repeal of TRAIN which will re- On January 6, Duterte an- ₱1,000 to ₱4,000," said SMHC sult in additional expenses in the nounced that he will increase public president Eldefonso Bello. According agriculture sector. teachers' salaries after the 29%- to the workers' estimate, their 13th In other parts of the country, 100% pay hike of soldiers and police. month pay should be from ₱6,000 to students from the University of the But Duterte's promise was opposed ₱10,000. Wilma Indimni, a con- Philippines-Miagao in Panay held a by the secretary of the Department tractual worker, received a mere protest last January 17 to condemn of Budget and Management, Ben- ₱481.72, which is only equivalent to TRAIN and press freedom repres- jamin Diokno. According to him, in- her daily wage. sion, and Duterte's cha-cha. crease in teachers' salaries would On January 3, members of Ate- On January 18, Kadamay and cost ₱500-trillion and this is not the neo Employees and Workers Union KMU led the condemnation of priority. Diokno added that (AEWU) launched a protest in Ate- TRAIN in Davao City. According to Duterte's infrastructure program neo de Manila University in Quezon Francis Ruba, Kadamay spokesper- Build, Build, Build is more impor- City following a disagreement in the son, the average income of 15 mil- tant. In response to this, teachers collective bargaining agreement lion workers in the region who earn declared Diokno as "Teachers' En- (CBA) between them and the Ateneo ₱250 per day will go down because emy No. 1." administration. Their series of of the price hikes in basic goods. Workers' actions. Representa- protests is for the assertion of Joining the celebration of Ati- tives from ACME Hardware, Far salary increase. The AEWU filed a atihan in Aklan, Bayan-Aklan East Marketing, Leyte Home Depot, Notice of Strike last December 21. launched Sadsad as a form of com- and Leyte Lumber Yard, and its Defending schools. Save Our memmoration of Sto. Niño festival workers led by Katiguban han mga Schools (SOS) Network held a and as a protest against TRAIN and Trabahador ngan Hornal ha mga protest last January 10 in front of cha-cha. According to Kim-Sin F. Bodega han Tacloban (Katrabaho- Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Ele- Tugna, Bayan-Aklan officer-in- KMU) failed to reach an agreement mentary School in Davao City in charge, the Ati-atihan celebration in a dialogue conducted last January time for the visit of Secretary should not be unconnected to the 19. According to Napoleon Escalona, Leonor Briones of Department of tyrannical state of the country. Katrabaho-KMU spokesperson, "this Education. Briones cancelled her

ANG BAYAN January 2 1 , 2 01 8 11 Resurgence of visit instead. Corporation (PMDC) to an Australian protests in Greece According to Rius Valle, SOS Net- company. The Philippine Economic work spokesperson, they held the Zone Authority agreed with PMDC to protest to push for the release of per- declare the 8,100-hectare Diwalwal UP TO 9,000 individuals mits of Lumad schools. He added that Mineral Reservation as an area for the joined protests in Greece a total of 14 permits are still pending mining industry. after their parliament pro- for two to four years despite having "If the PMDC plan pushes posed an amendment to a complied with the department's re- through, communities of small-scale law providing protection to quirements. miners will be dislocated," according their right to strike and to Anti-fascism. Farmers picketed in to PSM spokesperson Kim Gargar. negotiate. front of the Armed Forces of the PMDC is a government-owned corpo- According to the big- Philippines (AFP) headquarters last ration. gest federation of unions in January 19 to condemn the killing of For welfare. On January 9, the country, the proposed more than 100 peasants since Duterte Bayan-Panay with Panay Consumers' bill which was demanded by held power. "What is the use of high Alliance (PCA) picketed in front of the country's creditors, survey ratings of the president if he Iloilo City Hall to fight its plan on the deals a killing blow to continues to exploit the peasants and privatization of Metro Iloilo Water workers, pensioners and Lumad," asked Antonio Flores, chair- District or MIWD. the unemployed. person of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng "Water is a basic right. It is the Part of the proposed Pilipinas. government's obligation to ensure the amendment sets a higher On January 10, Karapatan, Hus- fast delivery of cheap and clean water requirement for strike tisya, and Desaparecidos held a rally to the people," said PCA spokesperson votes. The proposed bill in front of the Department of Interior Lucy Francisco in a statement. The also requires a 50% strike and Local Government to condemn the MIWD infrastructure project worth vote among union members appointment of former AFP Chief Gen- ₱12.35 billion was awarded to Metro from previously required eral Eduardo Año as the agency's sec- Pacific Investments Corp (MPIC). 1/3 vote. retary. According to the group, he will MPIC is owned by Manuel V. Pangili- According to the be the chief enforcer of the brutal nan. unions, this will affect 99% anti-drugs campaign, arrests and "This is privatization: the supply, of future strikes. This elim- crackdown of activists under the transmission, distribution, and man- inates the workers' only Duterte regime. agement of MIWD will be given to the defense, much more after Anti-mining. On January 11, en- private company who will gain more in putting the collective bar- vironmental group Panalipdan-South- exchange for the people's grave suf- gaining to a halt. ern Mindanao (PSM) held a protest fering. Within 10 years, the price of Fifty general strikes against the planned sale of gold and water from Maynilad increased to have been held since the mineral resources of Mt. Diwalwal by 357.6% while Manila Water at Greek economic crisis in the Philippine Mining Development 414.4%," Francisco added. 2010.

12 January 2 1 , 2 01 8 ANG BAYAN