MAS MATINDI AT MABAGSIK ANG KALAMIDAD NG OPLAN BAYANIHAN KAYSA KALAMIDAD NA DULOT NG KALIKASAN

KARAPATAN-SORSOGON
Santos St., Sorsogon City

Pahayag Sa Midya
Disyembre 10, 2014 

Isang insidente ng pagdukot ang naganap ilang araw bago lumagpak sa kalupaan ng Pilipinas ang Bagyong Ruby, at habang nasa kasagsagan ang paghahanda ng buong bansa sa inaasahang pananalasa nito.
Si Samuel Dollesin, 45 taong gulang, may asawa at residente ng Brgy. Lapinig, Gubat ay dinukot ng mga unipormado at armadong kalalakihan sa Sitio Palukso ng naturang barangay bandang alas sais y media ng hapon (6:30 NH) noong Disyembre 4. Pagkaraan ng ilang araw, noong Linggo, Disyembre 7, natagpuan ang walang buhay na katawan ni Samuel sa isang mababaw na hukay sa Brgy. Sugod, Distrito ng Bacon, Lunsod ng Sorsogon.

Ayon sa mga nakasaksi, ang mga armadong kalalakihan ay mga elemento ng Philippine Army. Kilala nila ang ilan sa mga ito sapagkat ang mga ito ay kabilang sa special operations team (SOT) ng Philippine Army na nagkampo sa kanilang barangay noong panahon ng administrasyong Macapagal-Arroyo. Gayunpaman, ang mga saksi ay natatakot lumantad dahil sa takot nilang sapitin din ang kapalarang sinapit ni Samuel.

Ang kapalarang sinapit ni Samuel ay pangkaraniwang karanasan ng mga mamamayang Pilipino sa iba’t ibang dako ng kapuluan. Ang karanasang ito ay pangkaraniwan sa isang lipunang militarisado na ang nagingibabaw na kalakaran ay ang paghaharing militar upang ipagtanggol at pamayanihin ang anti-demokratiko at anti-mamamayang interes ng mga dayuhang monopolyo at kasabwat nitong mga komprador at asendero.

Oplan Bayanihan ang tawag nila sa militarisasyon ng kanayunan at kalunsuran na bumibiktima sa libu-libong mamamayang Pilipino. 215 na ang bilang ng biktima ng EJK, at 213 ang nabigong EJK, sa ilalim ng Oplan Bayanihan ni Noynoy Aquino. Bukod pa ito sa libu-libong mamamayang biktima ng sapilitang pagpapalikas dahil sa walang pakundangang pambobomba at walang habas na pamamaril sa operasyong militar, mapaminsalang pagmimina at demolisyon ng mga maralitang komunidad sa kalunsuran. Samantala ang mga biktima ng kalamidad na tulad ng Sendong, Pablo, Yolanda, Glenda at Ruby ay patuloy na pinababayaan ng rehimeng Aquino. Sa kabilang dako, hindi ito magkandaugaga sa pag-asikaso sa mga dadalong opisyal ng APEC Informal Senior Officers Meeting (AISOM).

Mas matindi at mabagsik ang kalamidad ng Oplan Bayanihan kaysa kalamidad na dulot ng kalikasan. Ang mga bagyo, lindol at pagputok ng bulkan ay nagpapahinga sa pamiminsala sa mamamayan subalit ang Oplan Bayanihan ay araw-araw na pumipinsala sa buhay at ari-arian ng mga mamamayan.

Collectively Rise from Calamities and Fight Man-made Disasters!

Reference: Vince Casilihan

December 10, 2014

Karapatan-Bikol, the alliance of human rights advocates in the region, spearhead today’s commemoration of the International Human Rights Day. Protest marches will be held in various centers of the region to condemn the state’s attacks on the social, economic, and political rights of the people. In the face of continuing rehabilitation from successive natural calamities, the people most particularly battle man-made disasters in the forms of economic plunder, corruption, and militarization.

The Aquino government has remained the people’s foremost tormentor as it persists in carrying out anti-national and anti-democratic programs.  In order to defend and maintain its plunder and corruption, Aquino’s regime has unleashed Oplan Bayanihan to suppress and attack those who fight the government’s evils.

BS Aquino turns its back on the people and instead emboldens the AFP, PNP and other state armed groups to continue with their flagrant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Across the countrysides of Bicol, 9^th Infantry Division and PNP Region 5 troops create virtual garrisons as they continue to position themselves in the middle of civilian populations, and occupy public structures such as schools and day care centers, chapels, and barangay halls. Needless to say, various other attacks on the people result from these military and police operations that plague the people for months.

On top of harassments, extra-judicial killings, abductions, and destructions of livelihoods instigated by Oplan Bayanihan, Bicolanos in particular likewise confront natural calamities, and the subsequent government’s criminal abandonment and misrepresentation of calamity victims in exchange of public funds. In the name of calamity victims, crooked government leaders cash in on hyped natural disasters, in the process uprooting the people from their homes and livelihoods, and leaving them in evacuation centers hungry and anguish-stricken.

Karapatan-Bikol calls on well-meaning citizens of the region to unite with the victims of the Aquino government and condemn its continuing violations of the people’s rights. Alongside the demands for putting an end to Oplan Bayanihan and punishing the fascist 9^th ID and PNP, we also state our claim for the punishment of calamity fund thieves, and the just relief and rehabilitation of disaster victims. ###

Statement of Political Prisoners in Camarines Norte

Major Angelo Guzman Reveals the Clown’s Pretense of Oplan Bayanihan

Press Statement

Reference: Vince Casilihan

November 19, 2014

Karapatan-Bikol joins the delegates of Manilakbayan 2014 and the militant organizations of Southern Tagalog region in condemning the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Southern Luzon Command’s attempts at sabotaging today’s picket protest at the gates of SOLCOM headquarters. Utmost denunciation is directed at SOLCOM Spokesperson Major Angelo Guzman, for taking the lead in disrupting and disrespecting the people’s legitimate mobilization.

SOLCOM Spokesperson Maj. Angelo Guzman taunting protesters.

Delegates of Manilakbayan, together with the people of Southern Luzon, held a picket protest to have the AFP hear the people’s demands for respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. Instead, they were responded with blaring Christmas music, with Major Angelo Guzman foolishly clapping and taunting the protesters.

Such act of the SOLCOM Spokesperson reveals the true face of Oplan Bayanihan’s psywar in Southern Luzon. The AFP’s purported reform in methods concerning respect for people’s rights proves to be empty, as demonstrated by Major Guzman’s unreserved display of contempt of the masses.

Karapatan-Bikol takes particular notice of this event because SOLCOM, being the chief implementer of Oplan Bayanihan in the regions of Southern Tagalog and Bicol, exposes its obstinacy in keeping true to being mercenaries of plunderers, big landlords, and pork barrel kingpins. Today’s incident at the gates of SOLCOM headquarters only tells the public that the brutalities of Oplan Bayanihan will continue in Southern Luzon, and that the AFP has at its charge Major Angelo Guzman to spread deceit, as was his erstwhile role with the 9^th Infantry Division.  And also with his strutting, the SOLCOM Spokesperson attempts to divert the people’s minds away from the root causes of the people’s dissent.

We ask Major Guzman: What peaceful Christmas is there when your senior officers order the distress of our families through abductions, death squad assassinations, and destruction of livelihoods? What joyous Christmas will the people have when you can still afford to clown around amidst the people’s condemnation of your organization’s brutalities and deception?

On the other hand, the AFP should retain buffoons with the likes of Major Angelo Guzman, and have him proceed with his clowning. This only inflames further the indignation of a people against poverty and oppression.   

But mind you, Major Angelo Guzman, the people’s outrage is not a laughing matter. ###

Take Our Victories to the Next Day of Protest!

A Statement of Congratulations and Continuing Fight

Reference: Ptr. Dan Balucio – BAYAN-BICOL

      Vince Casilihan – Karapatan-Bikol

November 18, 2014

BAYAN-BICOL and Karapatan-Bikol salute yesterday’s triumphant convergence of KADENA Bicolandia and Manilakbayan ng Mindanao. The coming together of the poor and oppressed people across various regions announces the certainty of victory in the fight against poverty and social injustice.    

More than 15, 000 Bicolanos from all over the region dominated the streets to articulate their solidarity with more than 300 marchers from Mindanao, while advancing other legitimate demands. Bicolanos and Mindanawans exchanged banners and reciprocally pressed for each other’s calls. Such mutual espousal of struggles eliminates sectarian views and cultivates in the people’s minds a comprehensive grasp of poverty and oppression plaguing the whole country. 

The main highways of Sorsogon welcomed the Mindanao delegates in their Luzon leg, with thousands of militant Sorsoganons lining up along major protest centers in the province. Albayanos on the other hand prepared a symbolic Kainang Bayan and shared the province’ prized Pinangat and Bicol Express. In Camarines Sur, a torch parade and a solidarity cultural night capped Manilakbayan’s Bicol phase. Meanwhile, the provinces of Masbate, Camarines Norte and Catanduanes each had their significant mobilizations as testament to the solidarity of Bicolanos with our Mindanawan comrades.  

The region has witnessed yesterday a swelling mass of people rising up against poverty and social injustice, particularly against the loathsome BS Aquino regime. This is on the account of the people’s fortitude in sharply evaluating their despondent conditions, and decisively taking action to command their paths and break away from the chains of an exploitative and oppressive system.

Days of ambivalence and being cowed are over. Today we send off our comrades to continue with their long struggle to Manila. Meanwhile, we return to our communities, our schools and workplaces, and proceed with our daily struggles as well. But in the weeks leading to the next day of protest, we carry on with arousing our fellow peasants, our fellow cultural workers and students, fellow workers and employees, and call for resistance against poverty and oppression. Let us persist in heralding the triumphs of a people united, and spark the righteousness of struggle. Then certainly, on the day that we once again take to the streets, what upheaval shall our voices resound!

Do not let our guards down! Fight the state’s continuing attacks on activists!

News Release

Reference: Vince Casilihan

      Karapatan-Bikol Spokesperson

November 16, 2014

“The policy of state terrorism continues, and so do the people intensify the fight against BS Aquino’s brutality and oppression.” Such is Vince Casilihan’s summarization of the human rights situation in the region, as Karapatan-Bikol condemns the most recent attack on activists.

On November 14, Antonio “Ka Tony” Salvador, a public utility jeepney driver and a respected leader of the militant transport organization PISTON, resisted his abductors as they attempted to put him in a van. The failed abduction took place at the Central Plaza Terminal in the town of Daet in Camarines Norte province. The brazen act happened at around 10 am, in full view of bystanders, passengers, and Ka Tony’s fellow drivers. With Ka Tony bravely resisting, his abductors sped away in the gray-colored van with license plate VCZ 455.

Karapatan-Bikol’s Vince Casilihan asserts that Ka Tony’s abductors are members of the state’s death squads, as they declared that they have placed Ka Tony under surveillance for a month, and have likewise threatened to arrest Ka Tony’s fellow drivers. “What is also revolting is how these state forces speak of killing in such unaffected fashion, as if murders were regular options in their menu,” Casilihan says. He refers to the pronouncement to Ka Tony by one of the failed abductors as they try to wrest him to the van: “Bakit ayaw mo’ng sumakay, hindi ka naman namin papatayin?” (Why won’t you get in (the van)? We won’t kill you.)

“Such flagrant assault on people’s rights demonstrates that there has been no letup in Oplan Bayanihan’s white terror,” says Casilihan.  “The 9^th ID Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police’ posturing on peace, human rights and international humanitarian law are all but shattered and discredited with their bloody trail of violations,” he adds.

Moreover, Casilihan censures the BS Aquino government in its reactionary approach to the people’s demands. He says, “In the face of biting hunger and loss of livelihoods, it is extremely repulsive that instead of heeding the people’s legitimate claims, Aquino sends his attack dogs to silence those who are most determined in advancing the welfare of the victims of poverty and state abandonment.”

In ending, Casilihan calls on the people to carry on, and leaves a caveat to BS Aquino and his armed forces. “Not only has the government failed in abducting and silencing a committed people’s leader. The BS Aquino regime has also beset upon itself the outrage and intensified struggle of Ka Tony, his fellow drivers, and the militant people of Camarines Norte.  The people know fully well that only through the strengthening of their ranks and heightening of their fight will they be able to bring together all the faculties in exposing and punishing a murderous regime.” ###

Unite our Marches in Booting the US-Aquino Regime!

Kadena Bicolandia con Manilakbayan

Press Release

References:  Ptr. Dan Balucio, Bayan Bicol

                     Vince Casilihan, Karapatan Bikol

November 16, 2014

BAYAN-BICOL and KARAPATAN-BIKOL, under the banner of KADENA Bicolandia, express their firm solidarity with hundreds of militant marchers from Mindanao in their Manilakbayan ng Mindanao 2014. This archipelagic journey of the peoples of the island aims to gather support for their struggle against massive and wanton plunder of the environment, and the corresponding militarization of communities.

Aptly hoisting the call “Food and Peace in MindaNow”, the march brings to the public’s attention the massive incursions by big foreign companies in mining, energy, and agro-business. These have targeted vast lands being tilled by peasants and Lumads, thus causing hunger and the destruction of the sources of peoples’ livelihoods, as well as the communities and the environment. Likewise, the call for peace befits the political situation in the regions of Mindanao, whereby in order to quell the peoples’ protests against plunder and destruction, and to secure foreign capitalist interests, the Aquino government has positioned around 55 combat battalions of the Philippine Army. Reinforcing these army battalions in attacking civilians are troops from the PNP, vigilante groups, and paramilitary units specifically formed to assist state forces in protecting and defending big foreign plunderers.

Manilakbayan ng Mindanao 2014 brings to the country’s seat of government in Manila at least 300 mass leaders, human rights victims and defenders who are Lumads, peasants, workers, women and children, church people, and other sectors. They will be nobly spanning major provinces of The Visayas, Bicol, and Southern Tagalog, and coordinate with solidarity activities on the road. BAYAN-BICOL and KARAPATAN-BIKOL, along with various other cause-oriented organizations in the region, welcome the marching delegates on Monday, November 17 in synchronization with KADENA Bikolandia, the region’s chain of protests against the Aquino regime’s ills. Our comrades from Mindanao, while drumming up their struggles, will also be linking up with the common fight of the poor and oppressed in the region.

With Bikol likewise suffering from the Aquino regime’s economic offensives and militarization, it is righteous to stand firm alongside the oppressed classes and sectors across the nation against our common persecutor. Millions of Filipinos yearn to break away from the destitution and cruelty being imposed by BS Aquino. As we gather nationwide dissent, a massive force of the people shall impel the ouster of a loathed regime.

It is in this same light that the heretofore monthly KADENA Bikolandia, of which BAYAN-BICOL and KARAPATAN-BIKOL are fervent campaigners, once more links the hundreds of mass action centers in the region. While KADENA Bikolandia supports and unites with the struggles of the peoples of Mindanao, Bicolanos likewise shout out their condemnation of BS Aquino’s criminal liability against the peasantry. Along with many other reproaches, we highlight our demand for justice to the Hacienda Luisita Massacre victims, who have not seen any perpetrator punished after ten years.

The Aquino government’s fundamental crime against the Hacienda Luisita Massacre victims is the denial of lands to the peasantry. And such is also the transgression afflicting the peasantry nationwide. In Bicol alone, the bogus CARP and CARP-ER continue to dispossess farmers of their lands through widespread cancellations of Certificates of Land Transfer, Certificates of Land Ownership Award, and Emancipation Patents. More so, Aquino negates the just transfer of the Php72 Billion Coco Levy Funds into the hands of coconut farmers, and instead drools to haul the said funds into the presidential pork barrel.

Similarly, just as the peoples of Mindanao are opposing militarization, Bicol’s communities also suffer from the brutalities and deception of Oplan Bayanihan. With the region being one of the priority areas of this disreputable counter-insurgency campaign, continuing violations of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law are being inflicted by the 9^th Infantry Division Philippine Army in its deceitful Peace and Development Operations across the region. And also, just as Aquino allows plunder and destruction in Mindanao, his Public-Private Partnership program in Bicol has done nothing but auction the region’s public assets – from minerals to energy to public utilities and services – to big foreign capitalists as well as big compradors that belong to the presidential clique.

With the nation being plunged deeper into the mire of poverty and injustice, it is therefore ever-righteous to carry on with our fight in expelling BS Aquino for his grave crimes against the Filipino people. We must defy fear and indifference and join the surge of the poor and oppressed in taking to the streets and fighting for justice and genuine progress.

Let hundreds of marchers unite with thousands and millions in triggering off tremors that will take down BS Aquino’s throne. Let our KADENA Bicolandia link with the nation’s struggle and render a despised regime its warranted ouster. ###

The demon finally back home to spread its clones

The demon finally back home to spread its clones

Reference: Vince Casilihan,

Karapatan-Bikol Spokesperson

September 17, 2014

Freeing the demon to finally rule over genuine justice under civil authority, it does make sense for the Aquino administration. Beware - He is an inactive military official, retired servant of co-imperialist regime and certified Butcher of human rights.

The Bulacan Regional Trial Court (RTC) granted Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, Jr. a sanctuary of military dominance by transferring him from the Bulacan Provincial Jail to the headquarters of his mother unit in Taguig City.

How come that despite his labels and bloody records, the Aquino administration is still compassionate about icon of impunity? The present administration showed was its intention to revive bloody records to its highest level.

As mastermind of disappearance of activists during the previous administration, the human rights victims should be the ones to demand for security and not granting the violators’ demand.

Let him detained and suffer in ordinary jail, not it is home. If Malacañang did not respect the court’s decision on Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAP) and still pursues for Pork Barrel System, why now the Malacañang respects the court’s decision to transfer Palparan to a military detention center? So many killed and their rights are continually violated.

Why the Aquino regime not against of it? Of course, it will secure their fellow evil from scrutiny and not to pro-long its agony. As mastermind of disappearance of activists during the previous administration, the human rights victims should be the ones being secured and not granting the violators’ demand.

Definitely, Aquino is preparing for more Palparan clones before the master butcher finally sentence to death. It is an indictment to the whole AFP if they can’t train more potential and stronger Palparan.

The demons are now warmly singing inside their home after the cries and shouts in the court’s decision. They are joining their master for their loud and proud battle cry “MORE Injustices under BS Aquino”.  

With total lack of interest, the whole system of Aquino regime including its justice system has been ruled under darkness covering all forms of genuine justice to its people.

Filipinos’ Future: still on Aquino’s tail of Corruption

Filipinos’ Future: still on Aquino’s tail of Corruption  

Vince Casilihan, Spokeperson Karapatan-Bikol

September 3,2014

Men of President BS Aquino in the Congress ruled and declared that the future of the Filipinos will not head to progress instead, will be on their boss’ tail of corruption. Voted by 54 congressional allies of the Aquino regime, the three impeachment complaints against their boss were dismissed after they find it empty.

Only four congressmen from the Makabayan bloc who truly fought and continues to fight for the people’s rights.  They filed the complaints that were centered on unconstitutional Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which the Aquino administration sold our government to the United States of America.

“Aside from being sufficient in form, the complaints are also sufficient in substance,” Vince Casilihan of Karapatan-Bikol said. “It’s only that Aquino’s allies did not listen to its people”.

The justice panel headed by Rep. Niel Tupas only toyed its people during the debate just to appear by being fair and impartial. They already declared that the impeachment complaints were premature and do not fit the House deliberation.

From the voice of the people, the three complaints are sufficient in substance, fits the deliberation of the House plenary and timely to oust Aquino for his corruption, betrayal of trust and culpable violation of the Constitution.

Indeed the Men of BS Aquino find it empty and no substance to listen to the people. They totally surrender their power to their boss. The progress of the people must be promoted and their rights must be protected.

 It can totally be realized if corrupt officials headed by Aquino should be terminated in service. 

Transport Capitalists set new terminal for more financial gain

Transport Capitalists set new terminal for more financial gain

Vince Casilihan, Spokeperson:Karapatan-Bikol

September 3,2014

Since the questionable Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) is under scrutiny, capitalists of the Aquino regime worry about their additional kick-back from the people. They set the road as avenue for them to continue the supply of corrupted money.

Without any consultation, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) banned buses from Bicol from entering Metro Manila. They discriminates ordinary commuters from the region who take the bus and who can’t afford expensive ride to the metropolis. 

It is not the best and most convenient to open the Southwest Interim Provincial Terminal (SIPT) in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, to these buses from Bicol region. “Bicolanos are being corrupted and being capitalized by the government since they need to take double ride,”Vince Casilihan of Karapatan-Bikol said .

“Everyone should know especially the government agencies that solving the traffic congestion problem and corruption in the transport sector would not be resolved through that executive order,” Casilihan added. “It only adds more burden to the lives of our people and hassle on delivery of goods in the country”.

Setting new terminal far away from the safest and most convenient way for the local commuters is like setting new scheme and new face of corruption under Aquino regime. “This only means the present administration is insufficient in solving the rampant criminal violations of the drivers,” Casilihan said. “That’s why their hitting the pocket of more passengers to sugar-coat this kind of anti-people executive order”.    

Two-wheeled Vehicle: Driving Aquino Regime’s impunity faster in his remaining Two Years

Two-wheeled Vehicle: Driving Aquino Regime’s impunity faster in his remaining Two Years

Reference: Vince Casilihan, Spokesperson of Karapatan-Bikol

August 28,2014

“Two years left for BS Aquino’s term and yet his ruthless legacy of impunity is as faster as the two-wheeled vehicle to kill progressive leaders under his administration,” Karapatan-Bikol condemns to the strongest possible the extrajudicial killings of the Bicol Coconut Planters Assiociation, Inc. (BCPAI)-Masbate chair and Bayan Muna-Baao coordinator in two provinces in Bicol region this week.

“The ruthless legacy of the butcher Palparan had been driving the whole military unit of the present administration with more guns of human rights violations,” Vince Casilihan of Karapatan-Bikol said. “Their bullets already silenced 52 victims”.

Last August 25 at 12 midnight, BCPAI-Masbate chair Vicente Hugo gunned down along the road of Brgy. Del Rosario, Uson in Masbate. Hugo is also a Brgy. Captain in Arado, Uson who defends the land of the masses against former Congressman Antonio Kho.

“He is supposed to attend the National Consultation on August 27-28 in Guinubatan to report and help solve issues surrounding small coconut farmers like the move to privatize coco levy-acquired assets,” Casilihan said.

The following day, August 26 at 11:30 noon, Bayan Muna-Baao coordinator Librado Adoptante was shot three times in Baao, Camarines Sur by by two unidentified hooded gunmen in motorcycle. Since 2006 til December 2013, the 42th IBPA and CAFGU survey him for counter insrgency program.

“Indeed feeding the ruthless AFP with guns only satisfy their cravings for fresh and progressive blood,” Casilihan stated. “Instead of rendering basic social services, the brutality of Aquino regime’s counter-insurgency program drives the civilians into greater terror and hopeless security”.

Free the True Hero of the Masses, Free KMU-Albay worker Certeza

Free the True Hero of the Masses, Free KMU-Albay worker Certeza

For reference: Vince Casilihan

Spokeperson, Karapatan-Bikol

August 25, 2014

Karapatan-Bikol condemns to the strongest terms the arrest of Hernan Certeza, spokeperson of Kilusang Mayo Uno-Albay (KMU) who joined to fight for the people against Pork Barrel during the national holiday in commemoration of National Heroes Day.

Activist Certeza is currently detained at Police Station in Sto. Domingo. He was arrested in their house about 7:00 pm after the protest rally against Pork Barrel in Albay. 

This only shows how the current administration curtails the freedom of expression and assembly of those who are critical of its policies and programs. The arrest and detention of Certeza is a clear manifestation that there is no genuine freedom in the country and, heroes who fight for it must be silenced and detained.

The arrest of KMU worker Certeza was allegedly for grave coercion during the fight for genuine power service last February 24. There is no crime committed when Certeza and other members were merely asserting their grievance against ALECO privatization which happens under EPIRA law. Certeza took active participation in the campaign against privatization of power industry and manipulation by the Board and NEA through anomalous and questioned Concession Agreement. It must be noted that members and consumers are owners and stakeholders of ALECO and can exercise their rights as such, and thus should not be prosecuted for the same.

What Certeza did is to fight for the people against a fascist and punitive administration that promotes privatization. “We demand that he must be freed now,” Casilihan urged.

National Heroes Day is for true heroes of our country, from past to present. Certeza is one of the true heroes of our country. Let’s end this kind of brutality under the Aquino administration.

A Call for Bicolanos High time to take Initiative: Stand Up and Sign Up!

A Call for Bicolanos

High time to take Initiative: Stand Up and Sign Up!

For Reference: Vince Casilihan, Karapatan-Bikol

                        Ptr. Dan Balucio, BAYAN-Bicol

                        August 25, 2014

Bicol region landed as top performing regional economy in 2013 according to Philippine Statistics Authority. However, “does this rating enough to justify Bicolanos’ current economic status and clears the name of the local officials in their political obligation without any taint of corruption?” BAYAN-Bikol urges people in the region to take initiative. “ If not, if their rights are still violated and being corrupted, it is high time to Stand Up and Sign Up against corruption and Pork Barrel System”.

The economic growth should be felt by majority of its subordinates,” Vince Casilihan of Karapatan Bikol said. “The black and white report is useless because most Bicolanos are still victims of poverty and corruption”.

Together with young and professionals from religious community, Legal community, Academic community, Small Business community and other sectors across the Philippines, progressive organizations in Bicol region  assert their call to all Bicolanos through the initiated a protest and signature campaign against Pork. “Be part of the historic movement against Pork Barrel System! We must join force to pass a law and let the perpetrators be accountable,” they agreed.

People’s demand for accountability and transparency, which were promised by the President, are never been happened under his term. Philippines is still the most corrupt country. According to United Nations Development Program, roughly 13 percent of the country’s annual budget is lost to corruption each year.

Aquino administration fails to prosecute and punish corrupt officials, especially its president. Just like their boss, Local corruption also remains rampant. One rampant sample of corruption is the implementation of President BS Aquino’s unconstitutional Disbursement Acceleration Program or DAP. It is a form of presidential pork barrel declared as savings.

More than Php 144 billion projects funded by DAP that are questionable priority projects. It only served as well of corruption according to Dan Balucio of BAYAN-Bicol. “The economic growth of Bicol only refers for pro-imperialism and self-interest political patronage”.

Aside from rampant human rights violations in the region, there are also overfishing, widespread corruption and uncooperative local executives. There had been instances where commercial fishing vessels were sighted operating within the 15-kilometer economic zone reserved for municipal fishers along the Ticao-Burias Pass of Masbate City.

There are also road scam in Bicol funded by PDAF and DAP. “Even the Supreme Court already declared PDAF and DAP unconstitutional, the informal practice of pork barrel system still remains through “Congressional Insertions” and allocating funds for the government agencies to be their connivance in the system,” Balucio said.

We need a law that will directly criminalize those who enact lump sum discretionary funds and are involve in any way with creating and dispensing pork barrel,” Casilihan stated. “To require transparency, accountability proper budgeting and auditing proceduresm, we need a law”.

With that, it is high time to gather the power of the people to propose and enact such pro-people Act, an anti-imperialist but national democratic.

People’s Initiative on August 25 is a nationwide drive to collect 6 million signatures to stop President Benigno Aquino III’s discretionary powers over all lump sum funds. Under the people’s initiative law, signatures of at least 10 percent of the total voting population, of which every congressional district must be represented by at least 3 percent of its voters, are need for an initiative to succeed. Bicol region consists of 16 congressional districts.

Let’s Abolish all forms of Pork Barrel! Join the wider and stronger protest against US-Aquino regime. Bicolanos must support and join us to campaign People’s Initiative Against Pork Barrel System.  

Be A Hero of the new Generation and be part of the broad alliance of agents of change!###

Ceremonial Turnover: Masking new “Palparan” under Aquino regime

Ceremonial Turnover: Masking new “Palparan” under Aquino regime

August 18, 2014

Reference: Vince Casilihan

Spokesperson Karapatan-Bikol

During the ceremonial turnover of rifles at Camp Aguinaldo, the incumbent Lord of Butchers blessed his dark army with more power. Indeed, it is now undeniable: the different face of Aquino regime, and its difference from the face of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Army under counter insurgency program.

Retired Major General Palparan’s ruthless legacy is strengthened, armed with high-quality battle equipment and prioritized by BS Aquino III. It is like “take these, we will train armies stronger than Palparan,” Vince Casilihan of Karapatan Bikol said.

Under Aquino’s four years in power, Karapatan-Bicol documented 373 incidents, 1,424 cases of human rights violations in Bicol region. These violations have attacked 16, 240 individuals, 50 of whom are victims of extrajudicial killings.

Under his watch also since he assumed the highest post in the land last June 30, 2010, there are four massacres recorded in the region.

According to Karapatan-Bicol there were 17 persons killed in four massacres, two in the seventeen fatalities were minors. The massacres were committed in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and in Masbate.

The Mobo Massacre happened on September 7, 2010 in Sitio Irong-Irong between the boundary of Mapuyo and Mabuhay, Mobo, Masbate. The suspects were the elements of 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Armeña, Uson, Masbate.The victims were  Vicente Flores, 41 years old, Richard Oliva, 44 years old, Jonathan Monacillo, 21, years old and Melecio Monacillo.

Villadima Massacre happened last February 4, 2011 in Villadima, Libmanan, Camarines Sur . The victims were  Pedrito Bico, 54,Christian Bico, 28, Arman Queto 34 years old, Cipriano Gamier, 35 years old, Fernando Lopez, Tiolo Corral.

Mancera Massacre happened last February 25, 2013 in Sitio Mapatong, Malaya, Labo, Camarines Norte. The victims were identified as Benjamin Mancera, 54 years old, Michael 10 years old and Richard Mancera, 7 years old.

The victims in the Gata Massacre are Julio Rivera Lubiano, 31 years old, Rene Rivera Lubiano, 28 years old, Salem Elpa Virtus, 24 years old and Jessie Altamera Brondia, 35 years old. 

The massacre of four local gold panners in the Sitio of Pawikan, Barangay Gata, Lahuy Island, Caramoan, Camarines Sur last March 22, are additional figures of crime in the region committed by the state against civilians under Aquino.

The Filipinos need basic social services, not guns. “They only use that to kill them ,” Vince Casilihan stated. “The mercenary reactionary and fascist orientation of the AFP under Aquino should be the one be killed”.

The fundamental buttress in perpetuating power is intensified under Aquino according to Vince Casilihan. The new face of Gloria’s Oplan Bantay Laya under Aquino’s counter insurgency program tagged Oplan Bayanihan bloats human rights violations not only in Bicol region.

The brutal counter-insurgency campaign in the region must put to end with stronger protest. We will be more vigilant for the new “Palparan” face targeting the welfare of the people.