Pahayagan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ANG Pinapatnubayan ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo English Edition Vol. LII No. 11 June 7, 2021 www.cpp.ph

9 NPA offensives in 9 days VARIOUS UNITS OF the New People's Army (NPA) mounted nine tactical offensives in the provinces of Davao Oriental, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Camarines Sur, Northern Samar at Samar within nine days. Six‐ teen enemy troopers were killed while 18 others were wounded. In Davao Oriental, the NPA ambushed a military vehicle traversing the road at Tagawisan, Badas, Mati City, in the morning of May 30. Wit‐ nesses reported that two ele‐ EDITORIAL ments of 66th IB aboard the vehicle were slain. The offensive was launched just a kilometer Resist the scheme away from a checkpoint of the PNP Task Force Mati. to perpetuate In Quezon, the NPA am‐ bushed troops of the 85th IB in Duterte's tyranny Batbat Sur, Buenavista on June 6. A soldier was killed odrigo Duterte's desperate cling to power is a manifestation of the in‐ and two others were wounded. soluble crisis of the ruling semicolonial and semifeudal system. It In Occidental Mindoro, the Rbreeds the worst form of reactionary rule and exposes its rotten core. NPA-Mindoro ambushed joint It further affirms the correctness of waging revolutionary struggle to end the operatives of the 203rd IBde and rule of the reactionary classes and establish people's democracy. police aboard a military vehicle at Sitio Banban, Nicolas, A few months prior to the 2022 ties and dictators. Magsaysay on May 28. The said national and local elections, the This maneuver is turning out to unit was on its way to a coun‐ ruling Duterte fascist clique is now be Duterte's main tactic to legalize terinsurgency program in an ad‐ busy paving the way to perpetuate his stay in power beyond the end of jacent barangay, along with its tyrannical rule. In a Duterte-en‐ his term in 2022. If this happens, several offi‐ dorsed meeting of the PDP-Laban Duterte will remain de facto presi‐ cials. Three were reportedly leadership, it issued the vile resolu‐ dent, if not actual president once killed and 10 were seriously in‐ tion to support his vice-presidency his annointed president resigns to jured. and to have him pick his own presi‐ allow him to sit once more in his The NPA-Mindoro belied ac‐ dential running mate. Malacañang throne. cusations by the 203rd IBde that This is clearly a plan to circum‐ Duterte’s choice to go the elec‐ the ambush targeted Gov. Ed vent the 1987 constitution's prohi‐ tion route which is relatively more Gadiano. It stated that Red bition against the reelection of a complicated than open imposition of fighters ensured the safe pas‐ sitting president, and is an outright fascist dictatorship to remain in sage of vehicles with civilians be‐ violation of the underlying principle power shows that he has not consoli‐ fore carrying out the offensive. against the perpetuation of dynas‐ "Resist...," continued on page 2 "9 NPA...," continued on page 3 "Resist...," from page 1 have deep qualms about his vice- his addiction to power and fear of dated the ruling system in his favor. presidency run. They are bound to taking responsibility for his sins and In the face of deepening factionalism break away from the Duterte ranks. crimes. Over the past five years, he within the Armed Forces of the Duterte's allies are also gravely used Malacañang to accumulate and Philippine National apprehensive over his plans. They wealth and priviledge, to betray the Police, Duterte is incapable of declar‐ consider plans to have his daughter nation in exchange for paltry bene‐ ing martial law without fear of back‐ Sara or factotum Bong Go run as his fits from the imperialists, to seize fire. He fears a mutiny of pro-US president as further concentrating the business of his rivals, to favor officials who are against the increas‐ power of the Dutertes. On the one the business of some oligarchs and ing influence of China and his fa‐ hand, Duterte cannot be sure that an to take over control of the drug syn‐ voritism in the distribution of the loot ally that he will get as president will dicate behind the veil of his "war on of corruption and criminal activities. bow to him when the time comes. On drugs" which has killed 30,000 lives. Duterte's plan to run as vice the other hand, any ally he will get to While not enough funds have been president elated his minions who run as president will always fear alloted to pandemic response, edu‐ have been rewarded with top bu‐ Duterte's coup or assassination plots cation and health, Duterte has reaucratic positions, government to take back his throne. Even now, poured the people's money to the contracts, corruption of public funds some of Duter te's key allies are ma‐ military and police in its cruel and and a share in drug smuggling and neuvering to prevent Duterte's plans dirty war in a desperate attempt to other criminal activites. They ex‐ to remain in Malacañang. If Duterte suppress the people's democratic pressed high praises for the dictator will push his scheme, he will also be struggles and to crush the armed in the hope that they would get a putting to risk his political alliances. revolutionary movement. bigger share in the next six years. Duterte's plans to remain in Duterte's thirst for power is Duterte's plan to cling to power power beyond 2022 was widely de‐ matched by his contempt for the beyond 2022, however, is also caus‐ nounced and repudiated. This is an people's national and democratic in‐ ing rifts among his followers and expression of the people's utter ab‐ terests. In five years, he has ruled as with his alliance with the Marcoses, horrence of the Duterte tyranny a tyrant and used state violence to Arroyos and other reactionary and their profound aspiration to see impose fear on the people. Duterte cliques, who aspire to have more an end to their sufferings under the wants to remain in power until he power, if not sit on top of the heap. evil regime. dies to avoid being punished for cor‐ The ambitious pro-Duterte politicos Duterte's cling on power shows ruption, treachery and terrorism. In the face of all this, the Fil‐ ipino people must manifest their ANG Contents militance to frustrate Duterte's schemes and make him account and Editorial: Resist the scheme to perpetuate pay for all his major crimes against Vol. LII No. 11 | No. 7, 2021 Duter te's tyranny 1 the people. 9 NPA offensives in 9 days 1 The situation compels all demo‐ Ang Ang Bayan is published cratic forces to unite with the aim of Imperialist campaign of counter-terrorism 3 in Pilipino, Bisaya, Iloko, ending Duterte's reign in the soon‐ Residents evict soldiers in Quezon 3 Hiligaynon, Waray, est possible. The broad ranks of the Dennis Uy's acquisition of Malam pa ya 5 English and Spanish. people must be organized and mobi‐ Ang Bayan welcomes No justice for residents 5 lized to link their urgent demands contributions in the form Protests 5 for higher wages and subsidies with of articles and news items. 2 NDFP consultants killed 6 the clamor to end the anti-people Readers are encouraged China wagers on Duterte 6 regime. While some will face Duterte to send feedback and In short 8 in the elections, the majority of recommendations forces must strengthen unions and Mega dams on Apayao-Abulog River 9 for improving our newspaper. associations in factories, communi‐ Disecting the "Forbes 2000" 10 ties, schools, hospitals and offices. @prwc_info Big assemblies must be mounted to

fb.com/editorsofAB strengthen the people's determina‐ tion to launch collective struggles in [email protected] the streets and other avenues. The New People's Army must also mount bigger tactical offensives to contrib‐ Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee ute to the overall effort to end the of the Communist Party of the Philippines fascist regime.

2 June 7, 2021 ANG BAYAN Imperialist campaign of counter-terrorism

he oral arguments at the Supreme Court on the Anti-Terror Law (ATL) terrorism" peddled by the UNSC Tended last May 17. This came after four months of debates since lawyers was not a result of any interna‐ of petitioners filed their cases against the oppressive law. tional treaty or agreement. This was imposed across the globe in The anti-democratic nature of People's Army as "terrorist organi‐ compliance with the dictates of im‐ the ATL was further manifested zations." perialist countries comprising the when the Anti-Terrorism Council From the very beginning, the UNSC. In fact, there is no interna‐ (ATC) accused 29 individuals of be‐ regime's lawyers are insisting that tional consensus on the legal defini‐ ing "terrorists,” including known the enactment of the ATL and the tion of terrorism. peace consultants of the National listing of so-called terrorists are in The UN is dominated by the Se‐ Democratic Front of the Philippines accordance with international laws curity Council which is comprised by who were tagged as leaders of the and resolutions issued by the United five permanent member-countries Communist Party of the Philippines Nations Security Council (UNSC). which are all imperialists—-US, (CPP). Last December 2020, the Unlike other international laws, United Kingdom, France, Russia and ATC also listed the CPP and the New the policy of "international counter- "Imperialist...," continued on page 4

"9 NPA...," from page 1 Residents evict occupying soldiers Two successive ambushes were mounted by the NPA-West he National Democratic Front-Southern Tagalog (NDF-ST) lauded in its Camarines Sur against troops of Tstatement last June 2 the bravery and unity manifested by the people of the 9th IB in Barangay Camba‐ Quezon as they were able to successfully evict four military encampments lidio, Libmanan in the morning of from their villages. Through their united conviction manifested through peti‐ May 30. Four soldiers were re‐ tions and other actions, residents of barangays Sta. Elena and Cawayan in portedly wounded. Lopez, and Vista Hermosa and P. Herrera in Macalelon were able expel the Meanwhile, six soldiers were soldiers who occupied their communities. killed in successive attacks mounted by the NPA-Western Residents of Barangay Sta. the neighboring barangay of P. Her‐ Samar (Arnulfo Ortiz Com‐ Elena complained about the vandal‐ rera, but was met by complaints mand). Two were killed during ism by soldiers in their barangay from the residents. simultaneous harassment oper‐ hall. Soldiers do not dispose of their The barriofolk evicted the sol‐ ations in the barangays of San garbage properly and litter every‐ diers amid focused military opera‐ Nicolas and Can-aponte, San where, then order residents to tions by the 59th IB and 85th IB in Jose de Buan on May 31. Three clean for them. In defiance, resi‐ 34 barangays of Lopez, Macalelon Red fighters were wounded and dents united to bar the entry of the and Gumaca for more than a month immediately given attention by fascists to their barangay. now. Nearly two company-sized medics. In Barangay Cawayan, soldiers troops of the military, police and Four operating soldiers of were forced to leave as residents CAFGU mount these operations in the 43rd IB were killed and opposed the presence of the mili‐ the said barangays. They serve as se‐ three others were wounded dur‐ tary camp near their community. curity forces of two destructive dam ing an NPA harassment opera‐ Residents of Vista Hermosa projects in Barangay Vista Hermosa. tion along the boundary of the were also able to evict occupying These mass actions prove that barangays Dawo and Bayo in soldiers who are responsible for the military's weapons and threats Oquendo District, Calbayog City causing trouble and hardships in is not a hinder to the people’s unity. on May 24. their community. On January 31, a The bravery and conviction of the On the same day, the NPA- resident's horse died due a strafing residents of Quezon to fight for Northern Samar (Rodante Urtal incident by drunk elements of the their welfare must serve as an in‐ Command) fired at operating CAFGU and military. This was one spiration and be replicated by all of troops of the 20th IB in of the reasons why residents peti‐ the people in Southern Tagalog who Barangay San Miguel, Las tioned at Sangguniang Barangay to are oppressed by soldiers who are Navas. Four soldiers were killied demand their eviction. On May 17, occupying their villages, the NDF- during the incident. the military camp was relocated to ST said.

ANG BAYAN June 7, 2021 3 "Imperialism...," from page 3 policy making. The law gave the US prisoners to other facilities due to China—and ten temporary member- government the power to tag any‐ protests calling for the closure of countries. The US uses and controls one as a terrorist in an arbitrary the detention camp.) the UN through the Security Council manner and without due process. Later on, the scope of the "war to impose sanctions and exact pun‐ Individuals who are tagged as do‐ on terror" was further broadened, ishment, and justify its illegal and mestic or foreign "terrorists" or and all of the enemies of the US unilateral actions against organiza‐ "supporters of terrorism." are sub‐ were branded as "terrorists." This tions, individuals and even states jected to surveillance and arrest, included even foreign movements which it accuses of being "terrorist" This was used by the US to justify and states which resist US hege‐ or "supporting terrorism." its attacks and invasion of mony. Bush began peddling the The policy of "international Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in "Axis of Evil" in 2002 which refers counter-terrorism" was first im‐ 2003. to foreign governments allegedly posed through the issuance of In 2002, the US heightened the "supporting terrorism." UNSC Resolution 1373 in 2001 two punishment against alleged terror‐ Countries initially covered by weeks after the attacks in New York ists from economic sanctions to the term were Iran, former City on September 11, 2001 (more criminal prosecution. It imple‐ Ba'athist Iraq, and North Korea. known as 9/11) which the group Al mented the “Foreign Terrorist Or‐ John Bolton who then served as un‐ Qaeda claimed to have perpetrated. ganization (FTO) List” or list of dersecretary of the US State De‐ It obliged all states to comply with organizations accused as terrorists partment later identified Cuba, all international conventions on by the US State Department which Libya, and Syria as part of this. In "counter-terrorism" of the UNSC, remains in place until today. 2018, he also called Cuba, including countries which have not Bush constructed the notorious Venezuela and Nicaragua as the ratified these. This has served as US detention facility in Guantánamo "triangle of terror." These coun‐ the framework of other various Bay, Cuba in January 2002. At least tries were accused of "supporting" countries in implementing their re‐ 780 individuals from various coun‐ terrorism and have the potential or spective laws on "anti-terrorism" tries accused of terrorism have capacity to develop weapons of and issuing "terror lists." been detained here. Majority of mass destruction. Even before this, the US gov‐ them were detained without trial or The US first included the CPP ernment under Pres. William Clin‐ any criminal cases being filed and NPA as part of its FTO List on ton in 1995 has already issued a against them. Only five of them August 9, 2002, along with the Abu Specially Designated Terrorist List were convicted by the court. All de‐ Sayyaf group. It also listed CPP which included names of individuals tainees are repeatedly tortured and founding chairperson Jose Maria Si‐ accused of being terrorists. This abused in the name of "enhanced son as an "individual supporting was issued during the "peace interrogation." At least nine have terrorism." process" between Israel and Pales‐ died in the facility. (Latest reports In compliance with the dictates tine. indicate that at least 40 individuals of the US, the Philippines under the Pres. George W. Bush Jr. placed remain detained in Guantánamo Arroyo regime enacted the Human the "war on terror" at the center of Bay following the transfer of other Security Act in 2007, which was the priorities of the US govern‐ later on enhanced by ment through the enact‐ Duterte regime as the ment of the so-called ATL. The CPP and NPA USA PATRIOT Act were also listed as "ter‐ (Uniting and Strength‐ rorists" by the European ening America by Pro‐ Union (2001) and New viding Appropriate Zealand (2010). Con‐ Tools Required to trary to repeated claims Intercept and by the regime, both are Obstruct Terror‐ not included in the FTO ism Act). It was lists of Canada, the ratified following United Kingdom and the 9/11 attack in United Nations. The Eu‐ 2001 and played a vital ropean Union also role in domestic and foreign delisted Sison in 2009.

4 June 7, 2021 ANG BAYAN Senate wants Dennis Uy’s acquisition of Malampaya Gas Project reviewed DUTERTE WAKASAN NA. “Du terte Wakasan Na,” a forma‐ he Senate requested the Department of Energy to review Dennis Uy’s tion set to unite all forces aiming to Udenna Corporation’s successive acquisition of the Malampaya Deep T end the Du terte regime and its de‐ Water Gas-To-Power Project from the Royal Dutch Shell this year and structive and failed policies was Chevron Corporation last 2019. The project is the sole natural gas mining in launched online last June 3. The the country. It is located offshore of Palawan. coordinators criticized the planned tandem of father­daughter Rodrigo Uy bought 45% of Shell’s stake The gas from the project is pro‐ and for the 2022 pres‐ in the project for P18.2 billion. He cessed by the First Gen Corporation idential elections. will pay an addional P3.8 billion in and is largely sold to Meralco and 2022-2024. Meanwhile, he finalized distributed in Metro Manila. This formation was the offshoot of his acquisition of Chevron’s 45% Uy acquired the project using the “Save the Nation! Duterte Re‐ stake last year for ₱27.1 bilyon last 90% foreign capital. He was granted sign!” petition initiated by health March 2020. All in all, Uy shelled loans mainly by the Australia and wor kers. out $1 billion or ₱48 billion to con‐ New Zealand Banking Group and trol the project. ING Bank. In the case of buying out PROTEST AGAINST BACIWA- The two companies sold their Shell, the transacton was super‐ PRIME WATER. Bacolod City operations since the reserved gas in vised by Farallon Capital, one of the Water District (BACIWA) workers the area is dwindling. From 2024 to biggest hedgefund in the US. protested last May 3 in front of the 2027, the remaining 859 million Many are wondering how Uy house of its director Mona Dia standard cubic feet of natural gas managed to get bank financing to Hardin in Bacolod City to oppose will run out. In reality, Uy is not buy the Malampaya Gas Project. the illegal dismissal of 60 workers buying the remaining natural gas in Last April, news was he was deeply and the selling of BACIWA to the area but the old production in debt by $2 billion and was in the Villar's Primewater. wells and pipelines of the project. process of selling assets. Uy’s com‐ The Malampaya Gas Project pany also has no experience in nat‐ PROTESTA DE MAYO. Wearing supplies 35% of electricity in Luzon. ural gas operations. traditional Flores de Mayo costumes, teachers picketed in front of the Department of Edu ‐ No justice for Marawi residents cation head quar ters last May 28 to demand the re lease of the budget THE (TFBM) is lying when it announced that 65% their internet allo wance, just wages of the rehabilitation of Marawi City is already "complete." This was the state‐ and other benefits. ment of Drieza Lininding of the Moro Consensus Group last May 23 on the fourth anniversary of the Marawi Siege which resulted in the destruction of the MOBILIZATION FOR AID. city. On the same day, residents conducted a caravan to the Maqbara Public Successive protests were launched Cemetery in Barangay Papandayan to commemorate the first day of the bomb‐ by democratic organization during ings. The remains of approximately 470 victims who died during the 5-month the last week of May to demand a bombing campaign by the AFP in the city were buried in this cemetery. The said 10,000­aid for all, 100­wage sub ‐ bombings resulted in the displacement of 325,294 individuals in 2017. sidy and 15,000­production sub ‐ Four years have passed and ma‐ relocated in Pagalatan, Saguiran. sidy. This was prior to Congress' jority of the remaining 27,000 fami‐ Meanwhile, 2,943 families are in approval of the Bayanihan 3, lies who were displaced are still temporary shelters at the Boganga which allots a measly 2,000­aid unable to return to the city. Roads Transitory Site, while many others for all and 30­billion to 45­ are yet to be reconstructed and are in Baloi and Rogongon, Iligan billion funds for workers, farmers electricity lines and water pipelines City, Poona Bayabao in Piagapo in and repatriated Filipino workers. A are yet to be installed. Despite the , and other places. 54.6­billion pension fund for residents' willingness to return to Amid the hardships suffered by retired military officials was inser ‐ their communities, they have no evacuees in evacuation centers and ted into the bill. While voting for funds to reconstruct their ravaged lack of livelihood, Duterte has no in‐ the bill, the Makabayan bloc called homes. As of now, only 113 out of terest in pushing Congress to enact on the people to call for more 17,768 families have been able to the bill which will allocate ₱30-₱50 significant aid. return to Tolali, while only 100 were billion to compensate the evacuees.

ANG BAYAN June 7, 2021 5 State forces kill 2 NDFP consultants wo consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines house at 2, Barangay 1, Pio T(NDFP) and five other civilians were killed by armed state agents in the Duran, Albay. The soldiers searched past two weeks. In the same period, five others were arrested and three were his house and planted grenades and abducted, including a child. firearms as evidence. Mangampo has long been subjected to red-tag‐ Killing. State agents simultane‐ the military. ging by the military. ously killed Fr. Rustico Tan and In Negros Occidental, soldiers State forces also arrested Reynaldo Bocala, peace consultants of the 94th IB killed Padoz Lozano farmer Rolando Obal in Barangay of the NDF in the Visayas, on May in Barangay Mahalang, Himamaylan Macalamlam, Rosario, Batangas on 28 at their homes in Cebu and Iloilo. City on May 13. The soldiers also May 26. He was slapped with Police elements gunned down raided three houses of the Hilado trumped-up charges of murder and Bocala, 75, of the NDF-Panay, and family at Sitio Alulong, Barangay illegal possession of explosives. The his companion Willy Arguelles Epago Buenavista. military and police made it appear in Barangay Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo. On March 31, state agents that the victim was involved in an The police made it appear that they gunned down two abaca farmers encounter between the military and were killed after "fighting back." identified as "Greg" and "Uno" in the NPA on the same day. Soldiers On the same day, state agents San Miguel, Catanduanes. The vic‐ also arrested farmer Gilbert Orr gunned down Tan, 80, who was tims were siblings and both resi‐ who is yet to be surfaced. sleeping at his house in Pilar, dents of Barangay Progreso in the Abduction. In Occidental Min‐ Camotes Island. He served as peace said town. doro, 10 soldiers of the 203rd IBde negotiator of the NDF-Cebu in 1987. Arrest. Elements of the 94th IB abducted MJ, four-year old child of Meanwhile, three activists were arrested Robnie Ariola, Junjun political prisoner Emilia Marquez, massacred and another was Casilo and Jonalyn Agaton, resi‐ last May 12 at Sitio Ambuyan, abucted by the 202nd IBde and dents of Sitio Bugo, Barangay Bue‐ Pitogo, Rizal. Special Action Forces during a raid navista, Himamaylan City, Negros This has long been a practice of in Barangay Macabiling, Sta. Rosa, Occidental, after staging a fake en‐ the military to coerce detainees to on May 21. Christoper counter with the New People's Army "cooperate." Boton, Cristina Estocado and Rom‐ in the area on May 26. The soldiers Harassment. Soldiers of the mel Riza were killed while Kemuel also burned down the house of resi‐ 72nd IB forced the residents of Sa‐ Ian Cometa was abducted. Cometa dent Gerard Ariola. gundanon, Kitaotao, Bukidnon last was a graduate of the University of In Bicol, the police illegally ar‐ June 6 to demolish the community’s the Philippines-Los Baños and coor‐ rested Elwin Mangampo, chairper‐ Lumad school. The soldiers threat‐ dinator of the Kabataan Partylist in son of fisherfolk organization ened to arrest those who refused to Laguna. He is yet to be surfaced by Lambat Bicol, on May 30 inside his obey.

China wagers on Duterte odrigo Duterte's subservience to China has further escalated in Rrecent months. From his defeatist response to tensions at the West Philippine Sea, to the issuance of policies such as the Executive Order No. 160 which favors Chinese min‐ ing operations in the country, Duterte is outrightly selling off the sovereignty of the country.

In exchange for what? It its be‐ bragged that the lieved that this is in exchange for country promised China's promise to fund ambitious to give him $24 infrastructure projects under his billion or ₱1.2 Build, Build, Build program. When trillion to fund

Duterte visited China in 2016, he "China...," continued on page 7

6 June 7, 2021 ANG BAYAN "China...," from page 6 despite releasing only 5% of the Point International Airport Project these. funds which it promised to loan in Cavite. The reactionary president's Duterte. In sum, the Philippines has re‐ term is already set to end within a Aside from the ₱14.4-billion ceived ₱28.8 billion in loans from year. Now, what has actually hap‐ loan from the Asian Infrastructure China, which is way lower than pened with the trillion pesos Investment Bank supposedly for loans from Japan (₱537.6 billion), promised by China? Covid-19 response, China currently Asian Development Bank (₱408 bil‐ has only two "Infrastructure Flag‐ lion), and the World Bank (₱254.4 False promise ship Projects" in the country with billion). Of the funds promised by China, signed contracts. These are the ₱720 billion is supposedly for 26 ₱4.37-billion Chico River Pump Irri‐ Wagering on Duterte big-ticket infrastructure programs gation Project and the ₱12.2-billion Although the funds promised by including railways, bridges and New Centennial Water Source- China to Duterte seem to be unreal‐ dams. Kaliwa Dam, which are bound to de‐ istic, it has already gained a lot. China is making it appear that stroy communities and grab the an‐ Biggest of which of course is its ex‐ these projects are part of the Belt cestral lands of national minorities. panded control over the West and Road Initiative (BRI), a According to the Chinese Em‐ Philippine Sea. This was why China grandiose program for the con‐ bassy in the Philippines, only 11 in 2018 declared that it will not al‐ struction of railways, roads and Chinese-funded projects projects low Duterte to be replaced. ports which aim to connect China to have been delivered, while 12 oth‐ In fact, Duterte has already Central and South Asia up to Eu‐ ers are yet to begin. Majority of been able to pocket huge amounts rope and Africa. these are bridges and roads, includ‐ of money in the form of bribes. He The Philippines was not origi‐ ing the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge also have control over the smug‐ nally covered by the Silk Road Eco‐ and Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge which gling of drugs from China. There are nomic Belt or the Maritime Silk are both in Metro Manila. Other reports of bribe money secretly Road of the BRI. This was used as a projects were cancelled such as the stashed in Chinese banks. Expect bait to the greedy and corrupt 32-kilometer Panay-Guimaras-Ne‐ Duterte to continue favoring China Duterte regime in exchange for its gros Bridge, which according to in exchange for financial support. unwavering subservience to China's Sen. Franklin Drilon will be left to Not everyone in the Duterte dictates. the next administration. Other government blindly believes China's China's gain in the country for projects were cancelled by local false promises. In reality, during almost five years is already huge, governments such as the Sangley Duterte's term, officials of the re‐ actionary military already opposed Source of Philippine loans his "China pivot" scheme, and out‐ since 2016 (in billion pesos) rightly pushed for more war exer‐ cises with the US military. There are active and retired military officials who have threatened to abandon the Duterte regime if it continues to surrender the Philippines seas and territories in the West Philippine Sea. China is aware that if it will be unable to maintain the Duterte regime's fanatical support, its growing control not only in the Philippines but in the whole of Asia can be reversed. Like the US, China is expected to show huge interest (and intervene) in the upcoming 2022 elections.

ANG BAYAN June 7, 2021 7 8 June 7, 2021 ANG BAYAN Isnag minorities oppose construction of megadams on the Apayao-Abulog River

he Isnag minorities of Cordillera strongly oppose the TGened Hyrdoelectric Power Plant, a project for the con‐ struction of two megadams that will inundate their commu‐ nities. They said that they are against the project as it encroaches on their ancestral land, contrary to claims by the company that residents entered into an agreement with the company.

The reservoir covers 2,883 able to sell up to 5.4 hectares of Isnag ancestral land. . gigawatt/hour which amounts to a total of Gened 1 and Gened 2 ₱15.6 million. Two dams–Gened 1 and Gened 2– Of this amount, are set to be constructed on the only 1% or ₱155,572 will Apayao-Abulog River which crosses go to the reactionary state. the provinces of Apayao and Ca‐ Half of this measly amount will go to Isnag elders along with Kabuyao gayan. The regime awarded the the Department of Energy. The re‐ Youth formally requested the Na‐ contract for this project to the Pan maining ₱77,857 will be shared tional Commission on Indigenous Pacific Renewable Power Philippines among local government units—10% Peoples-Cordillera, to nullify the Corporation (PPRPPC), one of the for the region, 30% for the prubin‐ MOA. beneficiaries of the $3-billion loan sya, 35% for the municipalities, and The project will inundate 20 promised by China which was ar‐ 25% for the barangays. Only barangays with 12,932 residents. ranged by himself ₱19,464 will go to the barangays The water source of communities, when he visited the country. annually. rice fields, farmlands and pasture The project has been queued for lands will be diverted to the reser‐ decades due to residents' strong re‐ Isnags deceived voir of the dam. With the constrcu‐ sistance. In the early part of 2021, the tion of the dams, all surrounding In 2017, the Duterte regime is‐ Isnag Indigenous Cultural Commu‐ areas will be declared as "water‐ sued an environmental compliance nities which represent 22 barangays shed areas." This will prohibit certificate for the said project. issued two resolutions to express farming, logging and other eco‐ Last April, the construction of their opposition to the said project. nomic activities in the ancestral the ₱33-billion Gened 1 has started. To reverse this, the PPRPPC or‐ area which used to be the Isnag On the other hand, the ₱52-billion ganized meetings in March to April people's main source of livelihood. Gened 2 will be constructed at the wherein residents were deceived During strong rains, the water in upper portion of the river. The com‐ into signing documents indicating these dams will overflow and inun‐ pany claims that these dams have a their Free, Prior, and Informed date even neighboring barangays. capacity to generate 510 Consent for the project. Indigenous It is also vulnerable to collapse as it megawatts (MW) of elecricity. leaders also noted that they did not is located along the Bangui Fault The electricity that will be gen‐ sign any memorandum of agreement Line. erated in these dams will be sold to or MOA with the company. Some of "This (the dam project) will re‐ the National Grid Corporation of the the individuals who "signed" the sult in death. Many will be drowned, Philippines (NGCP) which is 40% said documents were not present and farming will be prohibited. It is owned by the State Grid Corpora‐ during the meetings. Some of those important for us to oppose and tion of China. Estimates by Dan‐ who signed also moved to have their firmly fight this. Let us all join the gadang, the revolutionary signatures removed after being in‐ struggle. Let us take up arms!" This publication in Cordillera, indicate formed about the impact of the was the statement of an Isnag elder that the PPRPPC is set to earn project on their culture and commu‐ who lives in Kabugao, Apayao. Their ₱2,883.59 per hour from these nities. tribe has been opposing the project projects. Within a year, it will be On May 30, the association of since 2004.

ANG BAYAN June 7, 2021 9 Concentration of capital Dissecting the "Forbes 2000" orbes Magazine is one of the leading magazines of the monopoly capitalist gest are from Japan that hold Fworld. It recently released its latest list of the biggest 2,000 corporations. 17.44% of all the sector's assets. It is instructive to study the list to come up with an overall view of the current 4. Other sectors comprising the picture of the global capitalist system: who are the biggest capitalists and the top ten biggest in terms of assets level of concentration of capital in the hands of a few monopolists. are Business Services and Supplies, Construction, Oil & Gas Operations, These observations reaffirm the (sel ling such products as hou sing Consumer Durables, Utilities, Tele‐ basic characteristics of imperialism loans, credit cards and others) and communication Services and Drugs as identified by V.I. Lenin in his 114 insurance compa nies. The as sets & Biotechno logy. study of monopoly capitalism. of these finan cial cor po rations The 67 Chinese construction 1. The assets of the biggest amount to US$156.4 companies hold 74.9% 2,000 corporations amount to trillion or 70% of the Concentration of capital of the total assets in US$223.4 trillion. This is more than overall assets of the among financial corporations the sector. Far se‐ twice the US$84.5 world gross do‐ biggest cor po ra ‐ cond are construc tion mestic product (GDP) in 2020. This tions. The as sets of companies in Japan is also equivalent to 62.33% of the banks alone (19) that hold US$358.4 trillion total national as‐ amount to 6.74% of total Manufacturing, sets of all countries in the world. US$107.5 tril ‐ Commerce, assets, and the All in all, the biggest 2,000 cor‐ lion or 48.12% Services, etc. United States porations are located in only 61 of the total. (17) with 3.36% countries (31% of the total number Of the Finance of the total of countries). More than half of big gest banks, (Banking, Insurance, assets. Diversified Financials) their assets are found in only three 44 are in China, Companies in‐ countries: US, China and Japan. 40 in Japan and volved in oil produc ‐ 2. The number of the biggest 36 in the United tion and distri bution corporations in the US is twice as States, com pri sing have total assets of big as that in China. But the assets 41.52% of the total. The four US$6.799 trillion. The biggest 20 of Chinese and Hongkong compa‐ biggest banks in terms of as sets are companies own 65.89% of the total nies (US$50.2 trillion) are almost in Chi na: the Indus trial & Com mer ‐ assets in the sector. Of the biggest equivlent to those of the US cial Bank of China (ICBC), China oil companies, 21 are from the US, (US$51.76 trillion) in‐ Con struc tion Bank, seven from Russia, six from Canada, dicating a higher con‐ Number of biggest Agri cul tural Bank of six from Japan, five from India and centration of capital corporations per country China and the Bank of four each from China and South in China. China. Korea. 3. The three big‐ Of the diver si fied Forbes Magazine ranked the gest sectors or in‐ US financial cor po ra ‐ biggest oil companies as Royal dustries in terms China tions, 52 are from Dutch Shell, ExxonMobil, Gazprom, of assets are all the US while 19 BP, Total, Sinopec, Chevron and involved in fi nan ‐ Japan are from China, or Rosneft. In 2020, the two Chinese cial opera tions. 55.3% of the total. companies were the biggest in These in clude While 28.07% of terms of sales controlling 16.3% of 289 banks, 132 the insu rance the total. diversified finan ‐ Other countries com pa nies come (The complete article can be cial corpo ra tions from the US, the big ‐ read at www.cpp.ph.)

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