BAN BALIKATAN

Heavy Rains Fail To Extinguish Labor Day Fervor

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:41:00 +0000

Masbate City

Daraga,Albay

Heavy Rains Fail To Extinguish Labor Day Fervor

May One Committee-Bicol Region

Reference: Mr. Hernan Cereza (0909.9555344); Mr. Policarpio Baraquel (0926.9304795)

What is a typhoon when we have already braved far worse deluges of poverty and state violence?

Notwithstanding heavy Labor Day downpour, over 22,000 Bicolanos streamed along streets as well as indoor venues to resonate the people’s call for just wages, employment, and freedom from the economic plunder of US imperialism and its local lapdogs. The widespread mobilizations were spearheaded by the nationalist alliance BAN BALIKATAN, Promotion of Church Peoples Response, in coordination with the provincial chapters of the Partylist groups Anakpawis, Gabriela, Bayan Muna, Kabataan, and Bayan-Bikol.

It was recorded that 10,000 people participated in the province of Masbate; 3,000 in Camarines Sur; 5,000 in Albay; 4,500 in Sorsogon, 150 in Camarines Norte and another 150 in Catanduanes.

Bicolanos from various marginalized sectors today defied the rains which have for days loomed to douse the significant May 1 commemoration. On the contrary, despite periodic rains for the past days, members of militant people’s organizations have gone through regular tasks of educating fellow Bicolanos and consolidating advocacies. In fact, even at the onset of the week, streamers, posters and other educational materials have already been prepared, and others distributed. Resolve has been gathered to fight for P125 wage increase for workers, P3000 salary increase for government employees, and employment security for the Bicolanos.

Also, the militant organizations summed up the recent triumphant campaign against Balikatan and its deceptive “humanitarian” missions, while registering the people’s continued fight against armed imperialist intervention and state repression.

“The need to gather resistance against the onslaught weighed down on the people by the greedy capitalists and this collaborating Macapagal-Arroyo regime is far more weighty than the torrent of rains. The constant economic crisis and the subsequent repression and violence of the state have forged the people to become the determined lot that they are even on this stormy day.” Thus is the insight of Mr. Hernan Cereza, May One Committee’s Regional Spokesperson.

Though dampened, the resilient Bicolanos are instead overwhelmed with resoluteness to persist in the struggle for the people’s democratic rights and against imperialist plunder.

On a lighter note, May One rally organizers have deemed to append a vitalizing ingredient to today’s mobilizations. While leaflets containing the organizations’ standpoint on the day’s issues are distributed to the public, rallyists on the other hand are taken to be recipients of their doses of ascorbic acid to reinforce their already spirited forms. #

Natanggal na Manggawang Bikolano Nagpiket sa DOLE

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:59:00 +0000

Nagpiket ang natanggal na mga manggagawa sa harap ng opisina ng DOLE sa Legazpi City nitong Abril 28.

Sa Bikol, nakapagtala ang DOLE ng mga kaso ng pagsasara ng mga pagawaan at tanggalan ng mga manggagawa dulot ng krisis sa pinansya. Nitong Enero 2009, kabilang sa walong naitala ang:

1. Yinlu Bicol Mining Corporation Paracale, Cam. Norte (40 manggagawa)

2. GSG Industries Arimbay, Legaspi City (18 manggagawa)

3. Southern Luzon Telephone Co. Oas at Polangui Albay (5 manggagawa)

4. Artnature Tiwi, Albay (27 manggagawa)

5. Pacific Non-Metallic Inc. Masbate City (17 manggagawa)

6. Consolidated Arrastre Inc. (47 manggagawa)

7. Pacific Cordage Corporation Lidong, Legaspi City (166 manggagawa)

8. Jun Bar Marine Products Inc. Naga City (18 manggagawa)

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:07:00 +0000

http://banbalikatan.deviantart.com/art/bareta-120639195

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:55:00 +0000

Tagumpay ang Transport Strike sa Bikol
85% ng mga pampublikong sasakyan lumahok
Reference: Joel Ascutia – President, CONDOR-PISTON (0915.3199469)

Lumahok ang 85% ng sektor ng transportasyon sa Regional transport Strike ngayong araw. Pinangunahan ng CONDOR-PISTON ang malawakang transport strike sa Bikol. Paralisado ang pampublikong transportasyon sa prubinsya ng Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte at bahaging Rinconada (Iriga, Nabua,Baao, Bula, Bato, Buhi) sa Camarines Sur.

Hinaing ng mga driver at maliliit na transport operators ang ipinapataw ng DOTC at LTO na dagdag na mga bayarin at multa upang “disiplinahin” umano ang sektor ng transportasyon.

Bitbit ng mga tsuper ang pagtaas ng singil ng LTO sa mga bayarin sa lisensya ng mga drayber at multa sa mga traffic violations (mula 200% hanggang 1200% ang itinaas kung ibabatay sa 1992 LTO rates).May nakasampang petisyon ang CONDOR-PISTON para ibasura ang sumusunod:

• Revised Schedule of Fees & Charges on Driver's License and Conductor's (DOTC Department Order #2008-38)
• Revised Schedule of LTO Fines and Penalties for Traffic Violations (DOTC Department Order #2008-39)

Ayon sa Regional President ng CONDOR-PISTON na si Joel Ascutia, ang pera na dapat sana’y napupunta sa mga hapag-kainan ng pamilya ay legal na nanakawin at pagpapasasaan ng mga tiwali sa gubyerno.

Dobleng kalbaryo para sa sektor ng transportasyon ang palagian nang serye ng oil price hike, mataas na presyo ng imported na mga spareparts at iba pang maintainance ng sasakyan, na mas pinasahol pa ng Value-Added Tax (VAT) sa petrolyo at patung-patong na pasakit na mga buwis, ayon pa kay Ascutia.

CONDOR Update mula sa mga lokal na lider

Motor-Legazpi (Albay) --Umabot sa 99% ang mga jeepney drivers at operators ang nagtigil pasada; 95% ng mga tricycle drivers; 80-85% ng mga byahe ng bus at van na palabas at papasok sa prubinsya ang nakiisa sa transport strike mula kaninang alas-6:00 ng umaga. (Romy Barbudo)

CONDOR-Guinobatan (Albay)--Paralisado ang byahe ng mga jeepney at tricycle sa mga bayan ng Guinobatan, Polangui, Ligao at Oas sa ikatlong distrito ng Albay. Nagtipon ang mga driver sa intersection ng Guinobatan, Albay kung saan naka-pwesto ang CONDOR Mass Action Center. Pinapaliwanagan at hinihikayat ng mga myembro ng CONDOR ang mangilan-ngilan pang tricycle drivers na dumadaan. (Noy Rodriguez)

CONDOR-Camarines Norte -- Nagtigil pasada ang 75% ng mga drivers at operators ng jeepney at tricycle sa Daet, at paralisado din ang transportasyon sa iba pang mga bayan. Di nagbyahe ang Lahat na bus at van (long distance route). Wala ring byahe ang lahat ng ruta ng jeepney sa interior barangays dito. (Tony Salvador)

PORTA-Sorsogon -- Umabot sa 80% ng mga bus drivers at operators na nagtigil pasada sa Sorsogon. Sa Sorsogon City, Lumahok din ang ilang organisasyon ng mga jeepney at tricycle drivers. (Eduardo Ferreras)

CONDOR-Rinconada (Camarines Sur) -- Umabot sa 80% ng transport sektor sa mga bayan ng Iriga, Nabua, Baao, Bula, Bato at Buhi ang nakiisa sa transport strike. Nakapwesto din ang CONDOR Mass Action Center ng mga drayber sa Plaza Quince Martires sa Naga City na naghihikayat ng suporta sa isinasagawang transport strike. (Ken Serrano)

Abrogate VFA and Condemn the Acquittal of Daniel Smith

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 14:40:00 +0000

Abrogate VFA and Condemn the Acquittal of Daniel Smith

Reference: Ivy Rivero, Gabriela Youth Coordinator, Bicol (09052613930)

There is still hope amidst hopelessness.

With Court of Appeals reversing the Makati RTC ruling and acquitting Lance Corporal Daniel Smith last 23 April for lack of evidence manifesting the indication of force, threat and intimidation on Nicole, several groups expressed their adamant condemnation on the latter by conducting a protest action in front of the compound of the appellate court this morning and another at the US embassy this afternoon.

Such demonstration is a clear manifestation of the people’s grave disappointment and disapproval on the verdict of the justice system of the Philippine government on the issue and the upshots of the lopsided orders posed by the VFA. Likewise, the acquittal depicts that the Philippines-US ties will always supersede over national sovereignty and public interest. These flawed acts and defective methods are a big letdown to the national patrimony and integrity. They are strictly unforgivable and intolerable.

As long as the US-RP VFA is still on the run, legitimate justice and fairness is out of reach. Furthermore, the American troops will always have diversionary tactics to flee from their criminal liabilities.

There is an apparent and imminent need to reiterate and reaffirm the country’s principles regarding the resumption of the people’s sovereignty and dignity that we are fundamentally endowed with. To tolerate these continued unequal treatments and malicious schemes will further put the lives of the Filipino women at stake and incessantly undermine the value of justice and fairness. In due course, if these unrelenting semblances of injustice and disregard of women’s rights will not be dealt with accordingly, the country will take its toll and succumb in the hands of US.

We call upon the people to support this drive in firmly denouncing the VFA and Philippine Justice System. If we want to achieve justice and equality, we need to seriously act on these intricate matters. We do NOT need VFA and more importantly, we do NOT need US intervention. We have the people and one another to sustain and alleviate the nation from this mess that we are in. Amidst adversities and these legal and constitutional battles, there is still hope for the Philippines if we will unite and grasp firmly the lessons of the past by upholding the national sovereignty and the national interest together, resolutely and steadfastly.

Denounce Smith’s Acquittal!

US troops, VFA drive them out now!

SUMABA KA holds Junk VFA Forum

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:49:00 +0000

SUMABA KA (Sorsogon United Movement for Peace Against Balikatan) would like to invite you to a Junk VFA Forum on the 25^th of April at the Matthew’s Hall of the Fatima Church, Sorsogon City. The forum will start at nine o’clock in the morning (9:00 a.m.).

The forum will be attended by lawyers, law students, professionals, teachers, government employees, local government officials, people from the church, academe, and other sectors of society.

The forum aims to provide necessary information to the public, so that they will be acquainted with the burning issues of the day. We are in the midst of a raging debate over the presence of US troops in the province under the US-RP Balikatan war exercises and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Makipagtalakayan sa CONDOR-PISTON

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:59:00 +0000

IMBITASYON SA MEDIA

Reference: Joel Ascutia – President, CONDOR-PISTON (0915.3199469)

Iniimbitahan namin kayo bukas (Abril 24) sa "URULAY-ULAY MANUNGOD SA SEKTOR KAN TRANSPORTASYON" (USAPAN TUNGKOL SA SEKTOR NG TRANSPORTASYON),
alas 9 ng umaga sa CNY Fastfood sa Satelitte Bus Terminal sa Legazpi City.

Bakit laging tumataas ang presyo ng langis?

Ang pana-panahong akyat-baba ng presyo ay bahagya at bunga ng ispekulasyon. Tumataas ang presyo ng langis sa pandaigdigang pamilihan dahil sa tumitinding desperasyon ng kapitalista upang palakihin ang tubo sa pamamagitan ng ispekulasyon.

Hindi mga artipisyal na pagbabago sa suplay at demand ang nagbubunsod sa pagbabago ng presyo ng langis ---- ang mga ito ay nililikha lamang ng mas mapagpasyang kapangyarihan sa industriya ng langis, ang imperyalistang US.

Ang US ang pangunahing imperyalistang bansa na kumukontrol sa pandaigdigang industriya ng langis.

Ang nagdidikta ng saligang presyo ng krudong langis sa pandaigdigang pamilihan ay ang kartel ng mga dambuhalang transnasyunal na mga korporasyon. Habang kontrolado nito ang eksplorasyon, repinerya at distribusyon ng produktong petrolyo, tiyak na hindi mahihinto ang pagtaas ng presyo nito.

Bakit tinututulan ng CONDOR-PISTON ang US-RP Balikatan military exercises?

Ang US-RP Balikatan military exercises ang instrumento ng imperyalistang US upang mapanatili ang geopolitical na mga interes nito sa Asia-Pacific region. Sa taunang Balikatan exercises sa bansa, patuloy na nakakapagmantini dito ng presensya ng tropang US kahit wala nang base militar.

Nakasaad sa 1995 East Asia Strategy Report ng US Department of Defense: ang presensya ng pwersang militar ng US sa Asya ay mahigpit na nakaugnay sa pang-ekonomya at iba pang interes ng US sa bahagi ito ng daigdig, ang forward deployment ng tropang US ay absolutong rekisito upang maprotektahan ang mga kontrolado nitong “market” at mga interes nito.

Ang Balikatan military exercises ay instrumento ng imperyalismo upang higit pang dambungin ang yaman ng mga bansa, kabilang na ang Pilipinas. Ito ang nagtitiyak na tuluy-tuloy na nasa kontrol ng US ang global market.

Ang Balikatan military exercises ay panlulupig sa soberanya ng bansa. Ang malakihang pagpasok ng tropang Kano sa bansa ay panghihimasok sa kasarinlan at integridad ng Pilipinas.

Imperyalismong US, Kaaway ng Mamamayan

Pandarambong sa Ekonomya, Tutulan

Panlulupig sa Soberanya ng Bansa, Labanan

US Troops Out Now!

Makabayang Drayber At Operator

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:40:00 +0000

Makabayang Drayber At Operator

Magkaisa, Isulong ang Welga!
Reference: Joel Ascutia – President, CONDOR-PISTON (0915.3199469)

SA PAGPASOK NG 2009, ramdam na ramdam ng mga Bikolanong drayber at maliit na transport operator ang krisis. Matinding hagupit sa kabuhayan ang matinding krisis pang-ekonomya, na pinakamatindi sa kasaysayan. Kapos na kapos ang arawang kita ng mga tsuper sa gitna ng nagtataasang presyo ng mga bilihin. Malayong-malayo ang agwat ng kita sa istandard na mahigit P600 na dapat kinikita ng isang pamilya (na may anim na myembro) para matugunan ang mga batayang pangangailangan.

Dagdag na pasanin ang pagpataw ng DOTC at LTO ng dagdag na mga bayarin at multa upang “disiplinahin” umano ang sektor ng transportasyon. Ang pera na dapat sana’y napupunta sa mga hapag-kainan ng pamilya ay legal na nanakawin at pagpapasasaan ng mga tiwali sa gubyerno.

Dobleng kalbaryo para sa sektor ng transportasyon ang palagian nang serye ng oil price hike, mataas na presyo ng imported na mga spareparts at iba pang maintainance ng sasakyan, na mas pinasahol pa ng Value-Added Tax (VAT) sa petrolyo at patung-patong na pasakit na mga buwis.

Limang beses nang tumaas ang presyo ng petrolyo mula noong Pebrero

Sa deregulasyon ng industriya ng langis sa bansa, tuluyan nang napasakamay ng mga kartel ang kontrol sa presyo ng petrolyo. Ipinaubaya na ng gubyerno sa mga kapitalista ang industriya ng langis. Ang deregulasyon ang nagbigay-laya sa Big 3 (Caltex, Petron at Shell) na magtaas ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo at magkamal ng dambuhalang tubo. Hindi mapipigilan ang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis hangga’t idinidikta ito ng pagka-gahaman ng mga korporasyong transnasyunal.

Ang pagtaas sa presyo ng petrolyo ay hindi lamang isyu ng mga drayber at operator ng mga sasakyan kundi isyu ng buong sambayanan, na tuwirang maaapektuhan sa iniluluwal nitong pagtaas ng presyo ng mga pangunahing gastusin at bilihin, pamasahe, kuryente, tubig, pagkain, upa sa bahay, damit, matrikula, gamot at iba pang pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan.

Dagdag na kastigo ng LTO sa mga tsuper ang dagdag na mga bayarin at multa

Latigo sa naghihikahos nang mga tsuper ang pagtaas ng singil ng LTO sa mga bayarin sa lisensya ng mga drayber at multa sa mga traffic violations (mula 200% hanggang 1200% ang itinaas kung ibabatay sa 1992 LTO rates).

· Revised Schedule of Fees & Charges on Driver's License and Conductor's (DOTC Department Order #2008-38)

· Revised Schedule of LTO Fines and Penalties for Traffic Violations (DOTC Department Order #2008-39)

Dagdag na Pasakit ang EVAT at patung-patong na mga buwis

Patung-patong ang mga buwis na pinapasan ng mamamayan subalit hindi naman ito naibabalik sa serbisyong panlipunan. Sa dikta ng imperyalistang US, ipinatutupad ng gubyerno ang sistema ng pagbubuwis at mga patakarang pang-ekonomyang lalong nagpapahirap sa mamamayan. Patuloy na tinatapyasan ang badyet para sa kalusugan, pabahay at edukasyon habang talamak ang korapsyon at patuloy na nagpapasasa sa kabang-yaman ang pamilya at mga alipures ni GMA.

VAT sa Petrolyo

Karaniwang mamamayan ang pumapasan ng buwis sa petrolyo at mga produkto. Lalo nitong kinikitil ang buhay ng mga naghihikahos. Kung tatanggalin ng gubyerno ang VAT sa petrolyo, agad na bababa ang presyo nito ng 12 porsyento. Tinatayang bababa ng P4 kada litro ang presyo ng petrolyo at P60 per 11-kg sa presyo ng LPG, at makakagaan sa mga industriyang pinapatakbo ng langis.

Pabigat na buwis sa sektor ng transportasyon.

Tumaas ng 2,600% ang Common Carrier Tax (CCT o BIR Regulations #9-2007). Ito ang sinisingil na buwis sa buwanang income ng operator. Obligado silang bayaran ang CCT pagkat di mare-rehistro ang kanilang mga sasakayan kapag walang BIR receipt. Buwis umano ito para sa pagmantini ng mga kalsada, na napupunta lamang sa bulsa ng mga korap sa gubyerno.

Mataas na presyo ng spare parts sa sasakyan

Patung-patong na buwis ang ipinapataw sa imported na mga spare parts at sasakyan, na kalakha’y gawa sa US at iba pang kapitalistang bansa.

DOTC Department Order #2008-39 at #2008-38, Ibasura!

BIR regulations #9-2007 o Common Carrier Tax (CCT), Ibasura!

No to Oil Price Hike!

Oil Deregulation Law, Ibasura!

CONDOR-PISTON (Concerned Drivers and Operators for Reforms, Inc.)

Abril 23, 2009

Youth Condemn State Violence during GMA visit in Naga City

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:40:00 +0000

Youth, students condemn state violence
Kabataang Pinoy – Bikol to file charges
Reference: Joseph Adrian V. Concepcion, CEGP-Bikol Spokesperson (0919.2232447)

Outraged over the incident last Monday when a couple of student activists were harassed and illegally detained by the local police, progressive youth organizations protested in front of the Philippine National Police Naga City Headquarters at noon today.

Members from the regional formations of Kabataang Pinoy, Youth and Students Opposing Balikatan (Youth STOP Balikatan) and College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) as well as sectoral alliances Gabriela Youth, Tindog Atenista and Irayana Cultural Group marched to the said station after a press conference at Residencia, Barlin Street. Each held streamers proclaiming indignation to the ill treatment experienced by CEGP Spokesperson Joseph Adrian Concepcion and Kabataang Pinoy member Angelo de los Reyes.

Kabataang Pinoy – Bikol Regional Coordinator James Gabriel Hernandez slammed the police as perpetrators of state fascism. He added that the incident was a first in their experience of spearheading protest demonstrations.

“The brutal repression of our rights and aggression from the police did not just coincide with Ms. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s arrival. This just proves the violence that the Arroyo administration unflinchingly answers to the valid woes of the youth,” asserted Hernandez.

He furthered that they will file charges against the concerned police officers.

Camarines Sur Coordinator of the same partylist Chow Asis expressed the same sentiment .

“To serve and to protect? As the youth, we belong to the people whom the police has sworn to serve and protect! Ironically, by harassment, they are violating their duties and betraying the public trust,” he declared.

Meanwhile, Gabriela Youth Spokesperson Ivy Rivero pointed out that the police have been relentless, not even sparing women and student protesters from harrassment.

The said groups joined other sectoral organizations last Monday in a demonstration protesting the arrival of Pres. Arroyo for the 2009 PRISAA Nationals. They reiterated that Pres. Arroyo should rather focus her attention to issues regarding the ongoing Balikatan Exercises in the region, incessant oil price hikes, escalating poverty and unemployment rates, and the dismal plight of the Filipino people under the worsening economic crisis.

GMA in Naga City: Violent Dispersals for Protesters

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:11:00 +0000

FACING A FASCIST REGIME

(A Call to Fight Against Arroyo’s Repression of Freedom)

Reference: Joseph Adrian V. Concepcion, CEGP-Bikol Spokesperson (0919.2232447)

Empty words can only be sweet if it would be sugarcoated with lies.

Merriment and blissful anticipation has welcomed the 2009 Private Schools Athletic Association National Games at the City of Naga. With the arrival of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the Guest of Honor and Opening Speaker, many took part in celebrating this momentous feat in the field of sports.

While many listened to the typical statements of her supposed Excellency, some have chosen to speak words of truth and righteousness; words that depict grim realities and bitterness she has always denied.

A demonstration condemning the ongoing Balikatan Exercises, Global Financial Crisis, E-VAT, Extra-Judicial Killings cum Human Rights Violations and Massive Lay-offs has called the attention of both authorities and student activists alike. Raising sentiments near Plaza Quince Martires, representatives from Youth and Students Opposing Balikatan (Youth STOP Balikatan), Tindog Atenista, Kabataang Pinoy and College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) have united efforts with other sectoral groups in calling the President’s attention on the crucial issues of the status quo.

But sadly, authorities have used their power in repressing these voices through aggression. Joseph Adrian V. Concepcion, CEGP-Bikol Spokesperson and Angelo de los Reyes, both YSB members have been mauled by police enforcers. Their propaganda materials have been forcibly confiscated by those who seek to make them silent. Others also suffered from physical injuries from the harsh beating. But the spirit of valiancy has amplified their aim to safeguard and to struggle for their rights- rights which have been incessantly oppressed and rampantly abused by the present administration. Police officers dragged and illegally detained the two. Clothes have been ripped; wounds have been inflamed but never their ideals.

Tolerating these inhumane incidents to happen will ultimately weaken our resolve to defend justice. We must not let those in power to commence a new age of fear and hypocrisy- hypocrisy led by an unfaithful government running on the tenets of lies and pretensions.

We must not endure the suffering of being silenced. Words coupled by action are our only defense and weapon against this fascist government. Let us always bear in mind the patrimony we have always defended and preserved.

We call on students, campus journalists, youth organizations and the rest of the Bikolano community to condemn this inhumane treatment of advocates advancing truth, freedom and justice.

Words of Joseph and Angelo, and the rest of the youth will continue to resound in our backward society for we will NOT be silenced with fear and threats.

DEFEND OUR DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS!

STOP STATE FASCISM!

CEGP-Bikol

Bicol Not A Whorehouse for US Troops

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Outraged Bicolana Shouts
Bicol is Not A Whorehouse for US Troops

Reference:

Catherine Ascutia, Spokesperson Bicolana-Gabriela Albay Chapter

Mobile Number: 09273849443

Early morning today, outraged Bicolanas expressed their anti Balikatan sentiments infront of the Alicia Hotel, where US troops are billeted in Legazpi City.

Furious of the encroaching troops’ exploitation and prostitution of women during rest and recreation periods, Bicolana Gabriela massed up before the Alicia Hotel as the US Balikatan forces are once again on their respites.

Bicolana Gabriela exposed the worsening prostitution and sex trafficking during the Balikatan exercises, with militant women members, as well as equally angered communities conveying reports of prostituted women being preyed upon by the unwelcome soldiers.

“We cannot let this pass. Bicol region is not a whorehouse for these US soldiers. We will not let these foreigner-soldiers rob us of our dignity, we will continue to express our basic rights as women, and as patriotic Filipinos,” says Catherine Ascutia, spokesperson of Bicolana-Gabriela Albay chapter.

Balikatan war exercises are being conducted on poverty-stricken communities of the region. This is doubly devastating, as US presence renders Bicolanas vulnerable to exploitation and prostitution. Consequently, prostituted women are being delivered as treats for the US troops in Legazpi City and Sorsogon City hotels where they are staying. Even Balikatan-obliged barangays, particularly in the town of Pioduran in Albay, are now corrupted with an upsurge of prostituted women being provided for the US troops.#

Kalbaryong Balikatan, Pasakit sa Banwaan

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 05:17:00 +0000

Rehearsals:
March 30, 2009
4:00 pm
BAR AQ Aquinas University Legazpi City

Street Plays
April 1
9 am Brgy Balatas, Naga City
5pm Plaza Quince Martires, Naga City

Street Plays
April 2
8am Brgy Rawis, Legazpi City
3pm Brgy Rizal, Legazpi City
5pm Tabaco City Public Market

Street Plays
April 3
Sorsogon

April 5
Legazpi City Old Market (near Pinaglabanan Monument)

April 7
Legazpi City Pinaglabanan Monument

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:13:00 +0000

http://banbalikatan.multiply.com/photos/album/17/Salubong_na_protesta_sa_mga

_Kano#1

Bicolano nationalists hound US troops up to their hotels

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:05:00 +0000

News Release
March 24, 2009
Reference: Prof. Jocelyn Bisuña, spokesperson, BAN BALIKATAN
Bicolano nationalists hound US troops up to their hotels

After the protest at the Legazpi City Airport against the arriving US troops early this morning, the BAN BALIKATAN led protesters then hounded the troops up to their hotels in the city. The group even went to the Alicia and Pepperland hotels where most of the more than 100 US soldiers are billeted.

According to Prof. Jocelyn Bisuña, spokesperson of BAN BALIKATAN, “US troops are not welcome here. The least they can do is to stay in their barracks and not roam around the region. If not then they are creating the same conditions that led to the rape of Suzette Nicolas or more popularly known as Nicole.”

“Bishop Lucilo Quiambao has solid basis for saying that the presence of US troops and the Balikatan exercises would increase the incidence of prostitution in the region as well as cause moral degradation,” added the patriotic professor.

“The US troops should now leave because most Bicolanos do not want them here and as long as they are here we will be watching their every move,” ended Bisuña. # # #

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Maritime Protest at the Legaspi Port

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:45:00 +0000

MEDIA ADVISORY:

15 March 2009

Dear fellows from the media,

Greetings!

Lakas ng mga mangingisda sa Bikol (Lambat-Bikol), an alliance of fisher folks throughout the Bikol region invites you to the "LAMBATON AN BALIKATAN SA BIKOL" a maritime protest at the Legaspi Port on 16 March 2009.

The maritime protest participants will assemble around 8:00 AM at the coastal shore of San Roque, Legaspi City. A boat will be allotted to the media practitioners. At 9:00 AM the whole delegation will embark to Legaspi Port. As the whole delegation arrives, a program on water will be commencing near the port's seawall. Symbolic Protests will also be done to highlight the event.

Contact Person: Mr. Salvador “Baddy” France

Chairman Lambat-Bikol

Lambat Bikol will have a Fluvial Protest on Monday

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:40:00 +0000

Pagbati!

Magkakaroon ng"Fluvial Protest" o Paglalayag Laban sa Balikatan ang mga mangingisda ng Albay sa pangunguna ng LAMBAT-BIKOL

Petsa at Oras: March 16, 2009/ 8:00am- 11:00am

Sentro ng Programa: Port of Legazpi

Oras ng programa sa Legazpi City Port: 9:00 am- 11:00 am

Reference Person: Salvador "Baddy" France

Chairman- LAMBAT-Bikol

Contact No: 435-5211 or 09089499604

House Resolution 1020 by Bayan Muna, Gabriela and Anakpawis Partylist Reps Re: Balikatan in Bicol

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 03:45:00 +0000

Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

FOURTEENTH CONGRESS

Second Regular Session

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 1020

______________________________________________________________________

INTRODUCED by Reps. SATUR C. OCAMPO and TEODORO A. CASIÑO (Bayan Muna),

LIZA L. MAZA and LUZVIMINDA C. ILAGAN (Gabriela), and RAFAEL V. MARIANO (Anakpawis)

______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION
DIRECTING THE COMMITTEES ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY TO JOINTLY OR SEPARATELY CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE IMPACT OF THE RP-US BALIKATAN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES TO OUR NATION’S SOVEREIGNTY AND THE SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE IN THE BICOL REGION

WHEREAS, the Bicol region has the distinction of having the last Filipino General to surrender during the Philippine-American war – General Simeon A. Ola – who along with other patriots, fervently defended the region and the whole country against the American colonizers;

WHEREAS, a new type of invasion is happening in Bicol in the form of the RP-US Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) exercises that will see thousands of US troops enter four provinces of the region from February 25 to April 30, 2009;

WHEREAS, Balikatan 2009 is to be the 25th annual event of its kind under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) of 1951 and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). Both the US and Philippine national governments claim that this event shall comprise “humanitarian missions” in Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate;

WHEREAS, the Balikatan exercises and the VFA violate our national sovereignty because they cause the prolonged presence of foreign troops on Philippine soil despite the absence of any basing treaty;

WHEREAS, the VFA, as crafted and implemented, does not specify or limit the number of US troops allowed entry into the Philippines or delineate the areas and activities in the country that the “visiting” troops can have access to for a particular time frame. The VFA allows US troops to enter military camps, civilian facilities and even areas of actual internal armed conflicts such as Sulu and Basilan provinces;

WHEREAS, the VFA does not specify or limit the duration of the stay of the “visiting” US forces. The agreement’s vagueness in this respect allows the continuing, even if rotational, presence of US troops in the Philippines;

WHEREAS, the VFA does not explicitly prohibit activities that violate our Constitution, such as direct combat involvement of US forces. The VFA allows the US to deploy an unlimited number of troops, for an unspecified duration, anywhere in country for a broad range of activities that may not be limited to “joint exercises;”

WHEREAS, since the “visiting” US troops are not required to present visas like other foreign visitors, there is really no way under the VFA for the public to know how long they actually stay, when they will leave and when they would return;

WHEREAS, the presence of US troops, even if on a rotational basis, has become permanent. For example the structures in Camp Navarro in Zamboanga have been ‘permanently occupied’ by US Special Forces, 365 days a year, for almost six years now;

WHEREAS, there are several “exercises” and activities between US and RP armed forces throughout the year, all of which are said to be approved by the Mutual Defense Board. However, there have been many conflicting statements from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government officials on whether or not the current batch of US forces (both in civilian clothes and in combat fatigues) in the country are covered by any joint exercise;

WHEREAS, according to Major Ramon Zagala, AFP spokesperson for the annual Balikatan, about 6,000 US troops will join 2,500 Filipino soldiers in “humanitarian missions” and “civic actions” from April 16 to 28 with the main part of the exercises to take place at Filipino military bases north and south of Manila;

WHEREAS, Maj. Zagala also said that the US government would spend at least US$2 million on the exercises and would bring in a number of warships and aircraft, including F-16 fighter planes into the country. He also added that US military medics and engineers would also conduct clinics and build schools and other basic infrastructure in the Bicol region;

WHEREAS, the terms “humanitarian mission” and “civic action” have become the standard response of both the AFP and the US embassy every time US forces get involved in incidents that are not covered by the VFA, such as operating unmanned spy planes, or being part of AFP military convoys that engage in combat missions;

WHEREAS, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) by US forces in Mindanao and now in Bicol have been reported in media. The Mindanao Examiner reported that a UAV crashed in Jolo, Sulu (February 2006); an unmanned spy plane reportedly crashed in Mount Tumatangis in Jolo (November 2005); and a Predator-type drone crashed in the sea off Zamboanga City (March 2002);

WHEREAS, various media reports have said that “the US military has a fleet of various unmanned spy planes, from palm-size remote-controlled aircraft to bigger and sophisticated high-altitude, long-range, remotely piloted vehicles designed for long-endurance photographic reconnaissance and electronic surveillance missions, and as attack aircrafts;”

WHEREAS, the AFP has defended presence of US spy planes. Maj. Gamal Hayudini, a spokesperson for the AFP Southern Command, told the Zamboanga Journal that “there is nothing to fear about the US drones. It is being used to survey areas where humanitarian activities will be jointly undertaken by US and Philippine troops.” This does not answer who controls the surveillance equipment, grants authority for its use and who are the targets of spying;

WHEREAS, the use of these UAVs are not limited to surveillance activities. They can also be used as lethal offensive weapons, such as the cases of US forces in Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan;

WHEREAS, on January 29, 2009 around 6:30pm, a US UAV drone crashed between the towns of Esperanza and Pio V. Corpuz in Masbate province;

WHEREAS, sometime in January 2009, a US naval officer visited several hospitals in Albay province, asking health care personnel if they had orthopedic facilities. This also shows that US are preparing to do “war games” and possibly participate in direct combat operations with the AFP;

WHEREAS, “humanitarian missions” and “civic actions” are part of the “communications strategy” being employed by the US armed forces to justify their continued presence in the country as stated in the Strategic Communication document of the US Pacific Command (PACOM) Pacific Joint Training Strategy. Such activities are undertaken “to educate elected officials, opinion leaders and the public on the importance of military training; build public trust and support of training activities; portray the cost of readiness and potential impact of not being ready…and highlight the military as good stewards of the environment;”

WHEREAS, humanitarian missions are not the main activities of US Special Forces in previous joint exercises in Central Luzon, Mindanao and Panay. It will not be different in the exercises to be launched in Bicol. They are merely part of a “communications strategy” that is subsumed to strategic US military thrusts. In the US Pacific Command Joint Training Strategy 2007, the umbrella plan for activities such as the Balikatan, it stated that “the overarching goal of the Pacific Joint Training Strategy is to ensure U.S. forces are ready to respond promptly and effectively to any and all contingencies that may confront our nation;”

WHEREAS, it has been ten years since the VFA came into effect. Under this agreement, especially from 2002 to the present, various illegal and criminal activities involving American troops have placed the general safety of the local people into question;

WHEREAS, there is a pressing need to look into the current tack of the AFP interpreting foreign policy and the application of relevant treaties and agreements with regard to the Balikatan exercises;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Committees on Foreign Relations and National Defense and Security, jointly or separately, conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the impact of Balikatan exercises to our nation’s sovereignty and the safety of the people in the Bicol region.

Adopted,

SATUR C. OCAMPO TEODORO A. CASIÑO LIZA L. MAZA

Bayan Muna Party List Bayan Muna Party List Gabriela Womens Party

LUZVIMINDA C. ILAGAN RAFAEL V. MARIANO

Gabriela Womens Party Anakpawis Party List

"JUNK VFA, OUST GMA" – Manila-based Bikolanos Demanded

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:18:00 +0000

A number of Bikol and Bikolano allies vehemently opposed the impending RP-US Military Exercises set to be done in Region V this April.

Commemorating the 23rd anniversary of EDSA Uprising on February 25, 1986, the ORAGON attempted to march to the US Embassy in Roxas Boulevard, along with Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and other national democratic sectoral organizations, to echo the Bikolano sentiment against the BALIKATAN Exercises.

They said that although it is disguised as a “humanitarian mission,” in reality, it is a mischievous collaboration to allow intervention with the political and military affairs in the region, and in turn, explore and exploit its economic riches.

ORAGON believes that Balikatan must be stopped not only in Bicol but in the whole country as well, by junking the lopsided Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that gives way for the Balikatan’s continuous discharge. They are threatened that Balikatan would destroy further, their already impoverished homeland that was Bicol. The “war games” they would launch will demolish the sanctity they have always wished to go home for, as evidenced by what has happened in Mindanao, portions of Central and Northern Luzon, and other Balikatan devastated Philippine territories.

In its decisiveness to air Manila-based Bikolanos’ sentiments, ORAGON even attempted to march through police formations protecting their US Embassy bosses. This peaceable attempt was faced by truncheons and beating of rallyists by police subservients, resulting to multiple injuries and damages among organized demonstrators.

Thus, they said, such instance only justified that Balikatan to be stopped and VFA to be junked would have to be fore worded by ousting the US puppet Gloria Macapagal Arroyo regime.

Organisadong Bikolanos para sa Nasyunalismo, Ayaw sa Balikatan (ORAGON) dispersed themselves, seeing sustained resistance and more actions including a signature campaign to junk VFA, in the near future.

Bicolano oragons flex muscles, gears up for anti-VFA, anti-Balikatan battle

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:55:00 +0000

The communities, the schools, and the offices of Metro Manila jolt as Bicolano nationalists, as well as their non-Bicolano allies, assemble and accumulate forces to rendezvous with Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) for tomorrow's anti-Visiting Forces Agreement mobilizations.

ORAGON (Organisadong Bikolano Para Sa Nasyunalismo), a formation of Metro Manila-based Bicolanos, has on its part all the more firmed up its spirits in championing fellow kababayans' strong opposition to the conduct of Balikatan in the Bicol region. Thousands of Bicolanos are now on the 3^rd day of a region-wide caravan in protest of the Visiting Forces Agreement and the holding of RP-US Balikatan in Bicol. Despite attempts by state forces at sabotaging the caravan, the region-wide protest is expected to triumphantly conclude in Legazpi City, Albay on February 25. The regional alliance BANBalikatan (Bicolano Alliance for Nationalism Against Balikatan) spearheads the battle against the joint military exercises deceivingly pronounced by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as purely “humanitarian missions”.

ORAGON contends that the Balikatan war exercises, apart from being an explicit encroachment on Philippine sovereignty, likewise amounts to intensified militarization of the Bicol provinces. In fact, baby Rafaela Polvorido, a 1-year old girl from Barangay Balanac of Ligao, Albay has already been tragically killed when soldiers from the 901^st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army fired grenade launchers during a clearing operation. The operation has also left 9 members of the baby’s family and relatives wounded by shrapnels, and their homes burned. It was found out that Balanac’s neighboring Barangay Paulba shall be a site for Balikatan, hence the military clearing operations.

And with such, Metro Manila-based Bicolanos are revolted that more tragedies brought by Balikatan may befall their families and friends back home. ORAGON opposes the RP-US Balikatan in Bicol, as much as it objects to joint military exercises on any part of the country, having comprehended the nature and misfortunes effected by the RP-US Balikatan.

And likewise for ORAGON, apprehensions on Balikatan’s adversities shall finally be appeased only when the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement, which allows for deadly military exercises, be junked by the government. But overly repulsing is Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s subservience to imperialist dictates as she abandons Philippine integrity to demand custody of convicted rapist US Marine Daniel Smith.

So thus shall be ORAGON’s battlecry: Bicolano Nationalists, Defy Balikatan! Junk VFA! Oust GMA!

The Bicol word “oragon” may mean strong, brave, resolute, resilient. Tomorrow, any or all of these attributes shall typify ORAGON as they march towards their fight against VFA and Balikatan.

Bicolana - Gabriela Albay Chapter Condemns AFP and Balikatan for the Tragedy in Ligao, Albay

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:07:00 +0000

Kinalulungkot at ikinagagalit ng Bicolana Gabriela-Albay ang kalunos-lunos na sinapit ng pamilya Polvorido sa kamay ng 901st IB ng Philippine Army.

Ang patuloy na clearing operations ng militar sa Balanac, Ligao, Albay; na malapit sa Brgy Paulba na siyang pagdarausan ng Humanitarian mission umano ng Balikatan 2009, ang siyang nagbunsod ng kamatayan ng sanggol na si Rafaela Polvorido (isang taon,apat na buwang gulang) at pagkasugat ng ina nitong si Jocelyn (30 taong gulang) at mga kapatid na sina Ina (limang taong gulang) at Daisy (apat taong gulang) nitong Miyerkules, Pebrero 18, 2009.

Kasalukuyang nagkakaroon noon ng session ang mga opisyal ng baranggay Balanac nang may marinig na putok, dito biglang nagtakbuhan ang mga baranggay officials. Nang mataranta din ang mga militar, walang awa nilang pinuntirya ang bahay ni Eufemia Polvorido.
Sinunog ng mga militar sa pamamagitan ng pagbomba ang bahay na ito na kasalukuyang kinaroroonan ng mag-anak ni Jocelyn, habang niraratrat din ng militar ang mga nagtatakbuhang sibilyan. Namatay ang sanggol na si Rafaela matapos itong magtamo ng malaking sugat sa ulo dulot ng shrapnel ng bombang tumupok sa bahay.

Sa kasalukuyan, nakatira ang pamilya Polvorido sa baranggay hall. Hanggang ngayon, may trauma pa rin sa nangyari ang mga batang sina Jullus at Nene Polvorido, na kasabay ni Eufemia nang bombahin ang kanilang bahay.

Matinding pinsala at takot ang dinulot ng operasyong militar sa Barangay Balanac. Walang pasok angBalanac Elementary School nang dinatnan ng Fact Finding Mission team ang lugar. Natakot ang mga guro at estudyante sa pangyayari. Patuloy pa rin ang ginagawang operasyon ng mga militar sa mga baranggay sa Albay para sa preparasyon sa Balikatan.

Kapansin-pansin din ang presensya ng napakaraming myembro ng Philippine army na nasa mga kostal na baranggay ng Legazpi, Sto. Domingo, Tiwi, Tabaco at Bacacay, Albay. Nagsasagawa din ng mga pulong-pulong ang Philippine Army sa mga kostal na baranggay at nagpapaliwanag kaugnay sa Balikatan.

Sa mga ginagawang panimulang clearing operations pa lamang ng militar, ang mga simpleng mamamayan ay nawawalan na ng kabuhayan, bahay at buhay upang bigyang daan ang Balikatan 2009. Ibig ding sabihin nito, higit pa ang daranasin ng mga mamamayan sa pagsimula ng Balikatan.

Nagiging malinaw dito ang paggamit sa humanitarian missions na ginagamit ng mga militar ay panabing lamang nila sa kanilang military operations. Panunuhol lamang ito upang matanggap ang presensya ng mga Kano sa mga kumunidad na paglulunsaran ng Balikatan.

Dahil sa mga maliwanag na dahilan, ang Bicolana Gabriela Albay ay naniniwala na walang magandang maidudulot ang Balikatan 2009 at ang patuloy na militarisasyon sa kanayunan.

BAN Balikatan Unity Statement

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:28:00 +0000

We, the Bikolano Alliance for Nationalism against Balikatan (BAN BALIKATAN) composed of Sorsogon United Movement Against Balikatan (SUMABA KA), Alyansa ng Mamamayang Albayano Laban sa Balikatan (ALMAALAB), Ugnayan ng Mamamayan Laban sa Balikatan - Camarines Sur Alliance, Youth Stop Balikatan, together with various people’s organization raise ourselves as one voice in strongly opposing the RP-US Balikatan in Bikol.

We believe that our right to self-determination and national sovereignty charts the course of our destiny as a people, a region and a country. We cannot allow this right to be trampled upon by continuous US intervention through the Balikatan Exercises in the region under the guise of “humanitarian missions.”

We believe that the long history of American intervention and control in our country and in the region brought about our backward economy and dependence. This dependence and control was put into various unilateral treaties signed between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States granting parity rights, economic and political rights favorable to American interests. They are the same interests that prompt the conduct of of the 25th Balikatan exercises in Bikol.

We believe that the constitutional mandate of the termination of the RP-US Military Bases in 1991 has not been fully respected. The safeguard of American interests in the South East Asia and Pacific rim was ensured through the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Balikatan Exercises that was based on the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA).

We vehemently abhor the disrespect for the constitutional provisions barring nuclear weapons in our country, and we demand for the accountability of damages caused by the toxic wastes brought by the Americans to our country.

We likewise put in question the provisions in the VFA, exempting American soldiers from criminal jurisdiction in the Philippine courts. We believe that such provisions are anti-people and disregard our dignity as a people.

We likewise believe that the Mutual Defense Treaty all the more put our country under threat of being a battleground of war between the US and its rival powers as proven during the second world war.

We expose the true character of the Arroyo government as a great protector of American interests and violator of human rights. The government’s war on terrorism justified under Oplan Bantay Laya I and II is supportive of the US global war against terrorism which have cause enormous violations of human rights ranging from threat, displacement of communities, abuse of women and children and extrajudicial killings which remain unresolved until today. The Bikol region has not been spared from the crimes and violations. While the Arroyo government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines prides itself as the protector of the people it, at the same time prides itself as a virtual partner of US in the war on terror.The accountability of the Arroyo government remains bleak and as elusive as its promise of economic development amidst the global crisis.

We doubt the sincerity and true intent of the “humanitarian missions” under Balikatan 2009 which will involve around 6,000 US troops and 2,500 Filipino soldiers. We see this as a front to their war exercises and intent to spy on the vast expanse of Bikol’s resources.

We therefore enjoin all patriotic Bikolanos and Filipinos to heed the call of exposing and opposing the Balikatan in Bikol. Let us join ranks in protecting our fellow Bikolanos, and our land Bikol.

We likewise call on individuals and organizations to support and participate in the multi-sectoral and multi-cultural campaigns and activities of the Bikolano Alliance for Nationalism against Balikatan.

Let us collectively work for true peace and justice taking the prime interests of the majority of our people who are poor and exploited!

Let us strongly uphold our dignity as a people, and as a country!

Let us strongly uphold our right to self-determination and national sovereignty!

STOP BALIKATAN in Bikol!
PULL OUT all US troops in the Philippines. NOW!
SCRAP the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement!

SUMABA KA launched Provincial Formation on February 4

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000

February 4, 2009
News Release
SUMABA KA! (Speak Out!)

The delegates to the first assembly of SUMABA KA have successfully launched its provincial formation today. Elected as officers are: Reynaldo Mendoza, Chairman; Eduardo Ferreras, Vice-Chairman; Pilar Gabito, General Secretary; Genoveva Capsa, Deputy GenSec. Appointed as Treasurer and Auditor are Maria Luisa Hababag and Karapatan, respectively. Three spokespersons were elected during the Convenors Meeting of January 17. They are Reverend Lemuel Igdanes, Provincial Spokesperson; Brother Lito Bonifacio, Spokesperson for the Ist District of Sorsogon; and Mr. Eduardo Ferreras, Spokesperson for the 2nd District of Sorsogon.

Thirty three (33) delegates attended the launching activity. They came from the various sectors and institutions that matter in the Sorsogon body politic, namely, the Church, academe, government employees, legal and other professions, basic sectors (peasants, fisherfolks, women, youth and students) and patriotic individuals and organizations. They will represent the people of Sorsogon in the latter’s struggle to free Sorsogon from the uninvited, unwanted and sinister presence of US troops in the province under the RP-US Balikatan war exercises.

The assembly affirmed and reiterated the views and stand of the convenors of SUMABA KA in the Convenors Meeting of January 17, to wit:

Balikatan violates Philippine sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity;

The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), under which the Balikatan operates, subsumes the authority of the local government officials of Sorsogon;

Balikatan will gravely disrupt the economic activities of the people in the areas where it will be held, thus, jeopardizing the livelihood of the people, especially the farmers and fisherfolks, in these areas;

Balikatan will expose the people of Sorsogon to more serious human rights violations and exacerbate the very fragile peace and order situation in the province;

Balikatan will contribute to the significant growth of prostitution and its consequences, like sexually-transmitted diseases (STD’s), fatherless children and broken homes;

Balikatan will abet the proliferation of drugs, and drug abuse, and the crimes attendant to it; and,

It will promote moral decay and social decadence in the province.

The so-called “humanitarian missions” that will be conducted by the US troops can never hide the true color and essence of Balikatan which are military intervention and external aggression. Military intervention and wars of aggression are the hallmarks of US global policy in the 21st century as exemplified by the experiences of the people of Basilan and Sulu, and the peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Humanitarian Missions” is merely one of the three components of the Balikatan war exercises, with the other two being Combat Operations and Intelligence Operations.

Mga Sorsoganon, Magkasararo asin SUMABA KA kontra sa Balikatan!

BAN BALIKATAN in Bicol!

BIKOLANO URAGON! BALIKATAN PALAYASON!

NO TO RP-US BALIKATAN WAR EXERCISES!

NO TO US MILITARY INTERVENTION AND WAR OF AGGRESSION!

Mass Mobilizations Against Balikatan All Over Bicol Today

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:32:00 +0000

In Albay, 5,000 people expressed their resounding opposition of the conduct of Balikatan 2009 in Bicol and thundered the streets to shout: STOP BALIKATAN! They also told the US Troops to stay out of Albay Province.

Basic sectors protest Balikatan in Albay

In Sorsogon, 7,000 people stormed into the streets shouting NO TO BALIKATAN and encouraging more Sorsoganon folks to speak out against Balikatan and defend our sovereignty.

Sorsoganons by the thousands rally against Balikatan

In Masbate, 8,000 people congested the narrow streets in order to indicate their strong opposition of Balikatan 2009 and no to indignity, intervention, human rights violations, US terrorism and poverty.

In Camarines Sur, 2,000 people flooded the streets shouting out protests and pouring out their indignation of foreign intervention and violations to the Constitution.

Thousands of people went out and marched against Balikatan in Naga City, Camarines Sur

In Camarines Norte, a substantial number of people also participated in an Outdoor Activity to protest against Balikatan.

All over Bicol today, January 22, 2009, more than 22,000 Bicolano nationalists headed by BAN Balikatan expressed their opposition to US Intervention and terrorism. Bicolanos showed that they will never rest until the US troops have totally been driven out of our country, VFA/MLSA have totally been scrapped, genuine peace has been achieved and our country has undergone significant and lasting political and economic change.

No to Balikatan! - Bishop Quiambao

noreply@blogger.com (BAN BALIKATAN) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:30:00 +0000

CLICK HERE TO WATCH the Video of Rev. Bishop Lucilo Quiambao as he speaks out No to Balikatan in Bicol.