Sorsogon Bishop Bastes Speaks Out Against Balikatan

CLICK HERE TO WATCH the Video of Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes as he speaks out against Balikatan and explains why he is not affirmative with the invasion / intervention of US military troops in Sorsogon.

Drive Out US Troops and Balikatan! - Tindog Atenista

Statement
Tindog Atenista
Reference: Gerard Edgar O. Surtida, Spokesperson

STOP BALIKATAN 2009! NO MORE TO FOREIGN INTERVENTION!

Tindog Atenista, an alliance of individuals and organizations in Ateneo de Naga University, condemns the implementation of the Balikatan 2009 and its suspicious objectives through “humanitarian missions”.

The news has erupted and was confirmed by the released statements from the advance party movements of the RP-US Balikatan that since October last year, they have ensured that several areas in the Bicol region will be the primary locations for the implementation of the 25th Balikatan Exercies 2009.

The Chairman of the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement Commission Edilberto Adan, other high-ranking officials, and the military spokesperson of the Solcom, 9th ID and 901st 1B also confirmed that there are 3-4 possible provinces in Bicol Region that will be affected.

JUNK THE MDT and VFA! The implementation of the Balikatan Exercises throughout the country came forth from the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) of 1951, which states that the Republic of the Philippines has entered into a “mutual understanding and agreement” with the United States of America in terms of military activities.

This continues to reflect the characteristics of the country being a dependent, neo-colonial outpost of the United States of America. Such characteristics were observed in US’s wars of aggression against Korea and Vietnam. From the MDT, Visiting Forces Agreement came to be. This This lengthened the direct and indirect interference and stay of US in Philippine soil, making the country open for foreign military activities.

Provisions in the VFA sets that US military forces need not to be inspected in entering and leaving the country, making us more prone to illegal activities such as illegal drugs, smuggled goods, exploitation of natural resources, nuclear weapons, etc. only US military forces are given the authority to check and inspect their own cargo and transport vehicle as stipulated in the provision.

Furthermore, a provision of tax exemption is given to these foreign elements, which is a big disadvantage to our economy’s part. Both MDT and VFA aimed to have a more developed and improved military tactics and technology but for more than 50 years of foreign intervention, no development was seen and our AFP still remains backward.

This is a grave offense against our sovereignty and a severe threat to our national security.

WE WANT GENUINE SOVEREIGNTY AND INTEGRITY! Balikatan 2009 with the objective of giving humanitarian actions to the Bikolanos is a farce. It is a farce that was proven in the past Balikatan exercises. Its unwanted effects were further supported by the 17 congressmen of Mindanao for its suspension.

What the people need is not more foreign activities and intervention happening in our country but a change and progress in economy, politics, and culture. What the people need is change and progress that is not tainted by the filth coming from foreign influences.

What we need is a government that is efficient and sufficient by itself and free from overseas interference. Provisions of MDT and VFA directly contradict our right to sovereignty and integrity. Such provisions disrespects and puts into utter disregard our laws of the land.

It is a big conspiracy of lies and deceptions Balikatan will bring more human rights violations as seen in the “Nicole Case”, more environmental degradation, more exploitation of our natural and human resources, and more chaos within the region. This is unacceptable.

WE NEED WHAT IS NECESSARY! The very fact that this is a humanitarian mission is also as true as the thought that Balikatan 2009 is a free helping hand. The Philippines being the host country for this program will the source of finance for this activity. What we need right now is not the “helping hands” of foreign elements.

Needless to say, we do not need them at all in these times of crisis and hardships. We need proper and fair subsidies in education, agriculture, development and improvement of facilities and services, and health.

We do not need hypocrites to walk among the oppressed and suppressed. We do not need more funding for the military activities for this will not save us from our churning stomachs and burnt down lungs.

What we need is change and progression without this aliens interfering in everything that we do. Drive them out now!

We therefore call upon the youth sector and the other sectors of Bicol region to stand up and drive out the Balikatan 2009.

Also, we call upon the people and other public officials to junk the MDT and VFA for it is the basis why such foreign intervention continues to exist in our country.

YOUTH STOP BALIKATAN!
DEFEND OUR SOVEREIGNTY & INTEGRITY!
DRIVE THEM OUT NOW!

Kabataang Pinoy (Filipino Youth) of Bicol Speaks Out Against Balikatan

Kabataang Pinoy-Bikol Statement:
Reference: Journey Alfonso, Spokesperson

ANG KABATAANG PINOY-BIKOL AY KONTRA SA BALIKATAN

Kaming mga Kabataang Bikolano ng KABATAANG PINOY ay maigting na tumututol sa pagpasok ng Balikatan exercises sa Kabikulan. Walang ibang hatid ang pagdating ng tropang militar ng Kano kundi ang pamamaslang, paninira at pangwawasak ng kabuhayan at mismong buhay nating mga Bikolano.

Hindi makakatulong sa pag asenso ng ating rehiyon at bansa ang tropang militar ng Kano. Bagkus, lalo lang iigting ang kaguluhan. Kung talagang “Humanitarian Mission” lamang ang kanilang sadya, bakit hindi ang Red Cross na lamang ang maglunsad nito? Pinalalabas lamang nila na Humanitarian Mission ang pakay upang malinlang ang mga tao at malaya nilang magawa ang tunay na anti-mamamayang misyon sa ating rehiyon.

Siguradong lalaganap na naman ang paglabag sa mga Karapatang Pantao sa ating bansa. Hindi pa ba sapat ang sakripisyo’t kahihiyan na dinanas ni Nicole at kanyang pamilya sa kamay ni Smith at iba pang kasamahang sundalong Kano?

Napatunayan nga ng hukuman na nagkasala ang Amerikanong sundalong ito at nahatulan ng habambuhay na pagkabilanggo,ngunit ngayon ay pinalaya at nakabalik na sa sariling bayan.

Ang kaso ni Nicole na isang kabataang Pilipina ay pagpapatunay sa pagpoprotekta ng tropang Kano ng Balikatan. Hindi makatarungan ang batas. Ang nangyari kay Nicole ay maaring maulit kung hahayaan na lamang natin ang paglulunsad ng Balikatan Exercises dito sa Bikol.

Tutulan natin ang Balikatan, para sa katahimikan ng Bikol.

Tutulan natin ang Balikatan at siguarduhing hindi na lumala pa ang talamak na prostitusyon, droga, sex scandals, pang aabuso, at mismong pagyurak sa Karapatang Pantao nating mga Bikolano.

Tutulan natin ang Balikatan upang hindi na mas lumala pa ang pagdanak ng dugo ng maraming sibilyan.

Huwag nating hayaang makapasok ang Tropang Kano sa ating Rehiyon na maaring magpakalat ng mga sakit tulad ng AIDS, Syphilis, atbpang klase ng sexually transmitted diseases o STD.

Hindi ang Balikatan Exercises ang sagot sa kahirapan, at hindi ito ang solusyon sa kagutuman. Huwag tayong magbulag-bulagan, alamin natin ang magiging epekto nito sa ating bayan.

Huwag basta paniwalaan ang kasinungalingang sinasabi ng gobyerno, na makakatulong ito, at ito ay para rin sa ating kapakanan, dahil alam naman nating pansariling interes lamang ang iniisip ng may mga katungkulan sa gobyerno at hindi ang kapakanan nating mga mamamayang sibilyan.

Huwag hayaang dalhin sa Bicol ang gerang nangyayari na sa Mindanao,
Maigting nating isigaw: NO TO BALIKATAN!!!

Bicol militants challenge new US President Obama to Stop Balikatan!

News Release
January 20, 2009
References: Tessa Lopez, public information officer, BAYAN-Bikol
John Concepcion, spokesperson, KARAPATAN-Bikol

Bicol militants challenge new US President Obama to Stop Balikatan!
Sets massive rally against Balikatan on Jan. 22

Leaders of people’s organizations comprising the umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Bikol (BAYAN-Bikol) gathered in Legazpi City today to issue a challenge to US President-elect Barack Obama on the day of his inaguration to put a stop to the Balikatan exercises in the country, as well as to rescind the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

According to Tessa Lopez, public information officer of BAYAN-Bikol; “As the new president of the sole superpower in the world, we hope that Obama will make a clear foreign policy shift contrary to the war-mongering Bush regime.. In this light, our challenge to him is to stop the Balikatan exercises in the Philippines before it cause more damage to the lives of Filipinos,”

“To show the urgency and seriousness of our call we will lead a massive rally against the Balikatan this coming January 22. All provinces of the region will mobilize on this day and we expect at least 20,000 people to participate. This is a clear manifestation of the Bicolano people’s opposition against the exercises,” added Lopez.

Meanwhile John Concepcion, spokesperson of KARAPATAN-Bikol said, “If the Balikatan is not stopped we fear that the number of human rights violations will spike in the region. This is aside from the fact that the US troops are trampling on our country’s sovereignty and they are also endangering the lives of Bicolanos with their war games,”

“So we are enjoining more Oragons to come and participate in the rally so that early on we can register our opposition to the Balikatan and the VFA. Like Gen. Simeon Ola we must continuously oppose the presence of US troops in our country,” ended Concepcion. # # #

Gabriela Calls for Cancellation of Balikatan Exercises in Bicol

Kanselasyon ng Balikatan sa Bicol ipinanawagan

IPINANAWAGAN ni Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan ang kanselasyon ng Balikatan Exercises sa Bicol dahil sa maraming kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mga sundalong Kano sa Mindanao.

Inanunsiyo kamakailan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines na magsisimula sa Abril ang Balikatan Exercises, ehersisyong militar sa pagitan ng US at Pilipinas, sa mga probinsya ng Albay, Masbate, at Sorsogon sa rehiyon ng Bicol.

Pero ayon kay Ilagan, sa mga lugar sa Mindanao na pinaglulunsaran ng Balikatan Exercises, "naghahasik ng terorismo ang mga sundalong Kano sa mga sibilyang komunidad, at kailanman hindi sila pinapanagot sa ilalim ng batas dahil sa immunity na ibinibigay mismo ni Pangulong Arroyo."

Inihalimbawa ng kongresista ang kaso ni Arsid Baharun of Zamboanga City na nasugatan sa testing missions ng mga sundalong Kano noong 2004. Noong 2006 naman, nasugatan ang 50-anyos na si Bizma Juhan nang sumabog ang isang bomba sa ehersisyong militar ng mga tropang Kano sa Indanan, Sulu.

Nauna nang binatikos ng National Democratic Front- Bicol ang Balikatan Exercises na umano'y layong durugin ang mga komunistang rebeldeng New People's Army.

"Walang bandidong Abu Sayyaf o anumang teroristang grupo sa Bikol, at wala ring malalang kalamidad sa nakaraang dalawang taon upang gawing batayan ng Balikatan. Malinaw na ang tunay na pakay ng tropang US ay makialam sa palpak na counter-insurgency program ng AFP," pahayag ni Greg Banares, tagapagsalita ng NDF-Bicol.

Aniya pa, layon ng mga tropang Kano na isarbey ang mga kalupaan sa rehiyon para tiktikan ang NPA at para mapakinabangan ng mga kompanyang US na interesado sa mga likas-yaman doon.

Labag umano ito sa pambansang soberanya at integridad sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas.- Pinoy Weekly Online

SUMABA KA holds Convenors’ Meeting

News Release
Sorsogon City
January 17, 2009

SUMABA KA HOLDS CONVENORS MEETING

SUMABA KA (Sorsogon United Movement Against Balikatan for Peace)launches its opening activity against the US-RP Balikatan in the province of Sorsogon with a meeting of its Convenors Group. Pastor Lemuel Igdanes of the UCCP Barcelona, Brother Lito Bonifacio of the Sorsogon Baptist Church and Mr. Eduardo Ferreras, Secretary-General of the Provincial Transport Alliance (PORTA) were elected as Provincial Spokesperson, Spokesperson for the Ist District and 2nd District of Sorsogon, respectively. SUMABA KA is part of BAN BALIKATAN (Bicolano Alliance for Nationalism Against Balikatan), a regional formation of organizations and individuals against Balikatan.

SUMABA KA formulated and affirmed its stand against the conduct of Balikatan in the province, namely: it is a transgression of Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity; it is an interference on Philippine internal affairs; it will cause economic dislocations on the farmers and fisherfolks and will cause gross human rights violations within the radius and perimeter of the war exercises; it will contribute to the immense growth of prostitution, the proliferation of prohibited drugs and spread of sexually-transmitted disease in the province and a host of other social problems. Also the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) under whose mandate the Balikatan operates will subsume the local government units under its authority, thus, placing these LGU’s of a sovereign government under a foreign power.

On January 7, US troops surreptitiously entered the province without observing the customary protocol of courtesy call to the Local Chief Executive of the province, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and church dignitaries which stirred a torrent of protests and consternation among patriotic and civic-spirited citizens from the basic social sectors, church, academe, the professions and local government officials.

The US-RP Balikatan is a joint exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Armed Forces. It has a very bad image and reputation in Mindanao.#

A Caricature of Balikatan

A depiction of Balikatan 2009 in Bicol in its true form

BAYAN-Bicol welcome Church’s opposition to Balikatan

News Release
January 16, 2009
Reference: Tessa Lopez, public information officer, BAYAN-Bikol

Militants welcome Church’s opposition to Balikatan
Urges other sectors to do the same

The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Bikol (BAYAN-Bikol) welcomed the opposition of the Catholic Church against the planned Balikatan here in the region. This developed as Bishop Lucilo Quiambao of the Diocese of Legazpi, voiced out his view that the Balikatan will just be a bane to Bicolanos because civilians will be the ones caught in the crossfire when US troops are engaged in armed encounters. The bishop also said that prostitution would increase with the presence of US troops and the morality of our youth will be endangered.

According to Tessa Lopez, public information officer of BAYAN-Bikol, “this is a positive development and we hope that this will encourage other sectors to speak up against Balikatan 09. Even the good bishop does not believe that the US troops will only be engaged on their so-called “humanitarian missions” because in every Balikatan exercise, war games and even actual combat operations are part of the package,”

“We are calling on all patriotic Bicolanos to stand up and oppose this new type of invasion. Oragons should join rallies, sign petitions and participate in discussions opposing Balikatan, these are just some of the ways we can show our disgust against the US troops,” ended the militant leader. # # #

“Gen. Simeon Ola would turn in his grave with Balikatan 09”- BAYAN-Bicol

News Release
January 15, 2009
Reference: Tessa Lopez, public information officer, BAYAN-Bikol

“Gen. Simeon Ola would turn in his grave with Balikatan 09”- BAYAN-Bikol

The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Bikol (BAYAN-Bikol) said that the famous Bicolano revolutionary hero General Simeon Ola would have a fit when he learns that the US troops he had fought against for so long will not only be welcomed in the region but the red carpet would be rolled out for them by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

According to Tessa Lopez, public information officer of BAYAN-Bikol, “Gen. Ola, whose name honors the PNP regional camp in Legazpi City is known to be the last Filipino revolutionary general to surrender to the Americans during the Philippine-American War. The brave general would turn in his grave if he knows that the land he so fervently defended would just be opened up to our foreign oppressors,”

“What the AFP and PNP are doing is treason; these US troops trampled on our sovereignty by being here and meddling in our country’s affairs and second, they do not even have the decency to say the real reason for their operations here” added the militant leader.

“Like Gen. Ola we must continuously oppose the presence of US troops in our country. We must voice out our opposition against the Balikatan exercises and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA),” ended Lopez. # # #

Balikatan 2009: Pictures of Connivance and Treachery

The whole concept of Balikatan from the very first one conducted up to the latest which will be conducted in Bicol region in April, 2009 is to ensure US military interventionism. They keep reassuring the people that their only purpose is to do “humanitarian missions” during the conduct of a Balikatan exercise.

But we ask, why should they be the one to do such? There are lots of Phil. government agencies concerned that should have been the ones responsible to conduct such “humanitarian missions” - why the AFP with the US military forces, then? Clearly there are conniving agenda and treacherous purposes behind. Well, we have seen the results of the past Balikatan “humanitarian missions” in Mindanao and Central Luzon - brutal killings and damage of property, rise of prostitution and rape.

As a patriotic Bicolano, will you be willing to subject fellow Bicolanos in Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate to these atrocities?

BALIKATAN IN BICOL SHOULD NOT LEAVE ANY SINGLE FILIPINO DISADVANTAGED - CHIZ

Press Release from Senate of the Philippines 14th Congress
January 11, 2009

Opposition Senator Chiz Escudero today cautioned the government to stick to humanitarian missions alone of the 2009 RP-US Balikatan military exercises in the Bicol provinces in April this year.

The Balikatan exercises have been arranged for engineering and medical missions in the provinces of Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon.

While Escudero, Senate Committee Chairman of Justice and Human Rights said the aim of the Balikatan exercises would benefit many locals, especially those who have been severely affected by disasters in previous years, he remains wary of other agenda that may be concealed from the public.

“Our government better make sure that this exercise will adhere to the terms it has been devoted to and not use it as front for other endeavors that may antagonize and stir indifference from various sectors.”

Escudero, for one refers to the insurgency problem in the Bicol region with New People’s Army on the other end of the government concerns.

While the senator admits that the insurgency problem in Bicol still persists and needs to be addressed in all fronts, he said the government should keep external forces out of this matter.

“The Balikatan should avoid at all cost any intervention that may straddle in our internal affairs. The insurgency issue in Bicol, and in any part of the country for that matter, remains the national government’s concern and responsibility. Any outside force touching it meddles with our sovereignty”.

The senator also cautioned US soldiers joining the exercises to conduct themselves in the true manner of an officer and a gentleman and adhere to the laws governing the country and its people.

“The Balikatan should not leave any single Filipino disadvantaged in any form or manner. Both sides should make sure that they finish the exercises without any untoward incidents”.

Escudero, who is a Bicolano himself also appealed to all locals and the armed sectors of the province to let the military humanitarian mission proceed peacefully.

“Let no one antagonize any one. If this mission is really for medical and engineering endeavors, let us not get in the way of helping our fellowmen who have suffered from the devastation of previous disasters.”###

"Balikatan 2009: A Disguised Psy-War Operation Targeting Bicolanos" - KARAPATAN - Bicol

This is a reaction to the PDI article last January 9, titled “RP-US ‘Balikatan’ goes to Bicol; no war games. The US Armed Forces as well as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are blatantly deceiving the public of the real purpose of Balikatan 09 to be held here in Bicol.

The mere fact that they call their intelligence and psychological warfare operations as “humanitarian missions” is unforgivable. They are using these so-called missions to monitor and gather intelligence against farmers and other Bicolanos who voice out their opposition against oppressive government policies. The US troops then pass on the intelligence gathered to the AFP to harass or kill these people. To date since Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took power in 2001, at least 71, 850 have been victims of human rights violations in Bicol, included are 166 victims of extra-judicial killings.

This is the height of temerity and is very unbecoming for our so-called visitors. If they are indeed visitors then they should be thrown out. Both the US troops and the AFP do not respect anything or anybody. First, the US soldiers trampled our sovereignty by being here and meddling in our country’s affairs and second, they do not even have the decency to say the real reason for their operations here.

These US troops should be declared “persona non grata” by all the governors of the region. If they cannot respect the collective intellect of Bicolanos then they would have nothing but contempt for common folk, which will lead to more human rights violations.

This again is another reason for the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to be junked and not to let another such travesty to our country happen again.


John Concepcion
Spokesperson
KARAPATAN-Bikol
664 Barangay 17, Legazpi City, Albay

BAYAN-Bicol lambasts Balikatan

News Release

January 9, 2009

Reference: Tessa Lopez, public information officer, BAYAN-Bikol

BAYAN-Bikol: “Balikatan 09 is a disguised intelligence and psywar operation! US troops should be declared “persona non grata”

The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Bikol (BAYAN-Bikol) lambasted the US Armed Forces as well as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for blatantly deceiving the public of the real purpose of Balikatan 09 to be held here in Bicol.

According to Tessa Lopez, public information officer of BAYAN-Bikol, “Both the US troops and the AFP do not respect anything or anybody. First, they trampled on our sovereignty by being here and meddling in our country’s affairs and second, they do not even have the decency to say the real reason for their operations here”

“These US troops should be declared “persona non grata” by all the governors of the region. If they cannot respect the intelligence of Bicolanos then they would have nothing but contempt for common folk, which will lead to more human rights violations” said Lopez.

“The mere fact that they call their intelligence and psychological warfare operations as “humanitarian missions” is unforgivable. They are using these so-called missions to monitor and gather intelligence against farmers and other people who voice out their opposition against oppressive government policies. The US troops then pass on the intelligence gathered to the AFP to harass or kill these people. This is the height of temerity and is very unbecoming for our so-called visitors. If they are indeed visitors then they should be thrown out,” added the militant leader.

“This again is another reason for the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to be junked and not to let another such travesty to our country happen again,” ended Lopez.

Balikatan 09 is the 25^th Balikatan exercise since the VFA was signed. # # #

Habo Kami Kan Balikatan sa Bicol!!! (We are Against Balikatan in Bicol!)

Bikolanong Makabayan Ayaw sa Balikatan! (Nationalists Bicolanos Against Balikatan!)

BAN Balikatan agrees...

This is a recent report in the GMA Network's Regional News regarding Balikatan in Bicol.

NDF calls for opposition to ‘Balikatan’ in Bicol

MANILA, Philippines - Communist rebels have vowed to resist the upcoming RP-US Balikatan exercises that will be held in the Bicol region this year.

National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Bicol spokesman Gregorio Bañares said residents in the region should not be fooled by US claims of "humanitarian missions."

"Para sa US, magkasinghalaga ang pagpatay ng isang ekstremista at ang mga 'humanitarian missions' sa kontra-insurhensya. Kung kaya't ginagamit nito ang mga pekeng 'humanitarian missions' upang magsarbey ng karagatan at kalupaan ng bansa at maniktik laban sa rebolusyunaryong kilusan (For the United States, the humanitarian missions are just a cover for surveying Philippine terrain and spying on the revolutionary movement)," Bañares said in a statement on the Communist Party of the Philippines website.

Several provinces in Bicol are considered infested by New People's Army (NPA), armed wing of the CPP and NDFP.

On the other hand, Bañares said the exercises are a form of US military intervention.

This is a form of US military intervention that violates our national sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.

Because of these, he urged residents in Bicol to resist the Balikatan exercises, which are reportedly due to start this February.

"Walang bandidong Abu Sayyaf o anumang teroristang grupo sa Bikol, at wala ring malalang kalamidad sa nakaraang dalawang taon upang gawing batayan ng BALIKATAN EXERCISES. Malinaw na ang tunay na pakay ng tropang US ay makialam sa palpak na counter-insurgency program ng AFP laban sa CPP-NPA-NDF (There is no Abu Sayyaf or terrorist group in Bicol. Neither is there any calamity. It is clear that the objective of the Balikatan exercise is to bolster the government's failed counterinsurgency efforts)," he said. - GMANews.TV

More News Reports about the Bicol Balikatan

This appeared in today's edition of The Philippine Star's online site under the National news section:

RP-US Balikatan in Bicol to focus on rehabilitation work
By James Mananghaya Updated January 09, 2009 12:00 AM

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro defended the conduct of this year’s RP-US Balikatan military exercise in the Bicol region, saying it would focus on rehabilitation work in calamity-stricken areas and would not meddle in the anti-insurgency campaign there.

“It is a good place where we can work together for the rehabilitation of calamity-prone areas (and) calamity-stricken areas. That goes to show also that there is going to be an emphasis on voluntary assistance and disaster relief operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response under the Philippine Defense Reform, a voluntary demonstration of response which is ASEAN-wide, too,” he said.

Greg Banares, spokesman of the National Democratic Front in Bicol, said there is no terrorist group in the region and that there have been no major calamities there in the last two years to warrant the conduct of Balikatan.

Teodoro said calamity victims in Bicol would benefit from the humanitarian projects and that the Balikatan would have little impact on the military’s internal security operations.

Meanwhile, in a press briefing in Legazpi City yesterday, Maj. Llewellyn Binasoy, chief of the Research and Special Concerns Division of the Armed Forces’ Civil-Military Operations, said Philippine and US forces “are now in the process of detailed planning in consultation with local stakeholders” to ensure the Balikatan’s success.

Capt. Kelly Schmader, commander of the 13th Naval Construction Regiment of the US Pacific Fleet, said some 450 US military personnel would take part in Balikatan. – With Celso Amo
###

TV Patrol Bicol on Balikatan in Bicol

TV Patrol Bicol episode January 8, 2009, reported the recently conducted AFP-Bicol press conference with regards to the 25th Balikatan exercises in Bicol which will commence by April, 2009.

According to declarations of US Military and AFP spokespersons, the provinces chosen as the primary sites of Balikatan are Masbate, Sorsogon and Albay. They will be concentrating in the 3rd district of Albay, Municipalities of Uson and Mobo in Masbate and Municipalities of Juban and Irosin in Sorsogon.

The US Military spokesperson, Captain Kelly Schmader declared that they are committed to conducting Humanitarian Missions and nothing else.

By the 1st week of April, Medical Missions will be commenced and even veterinarians will also be available.

By the 2nd week of April, they will start the Infrastructure project, wherein construction of water facilities will be the priority. The construction materials for these projects will be purchased mainly in Bicol to help the industry.

The US Government/US Military had initially budgeted $450,000 USD for these projects.

Watch the full report about this at TV Patrol Bicol, January 8, 2009 episode by downloading the video.

What the US Military says about this Balikatan exercises in Bicol being purely Humanitarian Missions is all very well, but we must not forget that they have also said the same about the previous Balikatan exercises in Mindanao which culminated to cases of civilian executions, killings, damage of property, and other military atrocities and abuses of power committed shamelessly by no less than US military servicemen and AFP personnel who are part of the Balikatan.

Let us also not forget about the Subic Rape Case wherein several members of US troops from Balikatan were involved - Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith and 3 other US military servicemen were convicted of sexually assaulting and gang raping 22 year-old Nicole, a Filipino.

Bicolanos of Sorsogon Against Balikatan

BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN - SORSOGON

Pahayag Sa Media
Enero 8, 2009

ANG BALIKATAN AY INSTRUMENTO NG
PANDAIGDIGANG TERORISMO NG US SA PILIPINAS

Nandito na sa Lalawigan ng Sorsogon ang BALIKATAN, isang magkasanib na ehersisyong militar ng armadong pwersa ng US at ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), sa ilalim ng Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) at Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA). Layunin diumano ng BALIKATAN na sanayin at paunlarin ang kakayahan ng AFP sa pagsugpo sa terorismo.

Isinagawa na ang BALIKATAN sa iba’t ibang panig ng Pilipinas: sa Gitnang Luzon, Basilan, Sulu, Zamboanga, at iba pang mga probinsya sa Gitna at Kanlurang Mindanao. Nag-iiwan ng malaking pinsala sa kalikasan, kapaligiran, at pamumuhay ng mamamayan ang BALIKATAN, huwag nang banggitin pa ang napakaraming malulubhang paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mga mamamayang naninirahan sa mga lugar na pinagdausan nito. Taliwas ito sa ipinangakong pag-unlad ng mga komunidad sa sandaling ang BALIKATAN ay idaos sa mga ito..

Mariing tinututulan ng BAYAN-Sorsogon ang paglulunsad ng BALIKATAN dito sa ating lalawigan:

Una, ito ay labag sa soberanya at panteritoryong integridad ng Pilipinas. Ito ay labag din sa ating Saligang Batas na nagbabawal ng pagkakaroon ng dayuhang base militar at dayuhang tropang militar sa ating bayan;

Pangalawa, ito ay hindi para sa interes ng sambayanang Pilipino, kundi para sa mapandambong na pang-ekonomiyang interes at disenyo ng imperyalistang US sa Pilipinas;

Pangatlo, ito ay mas lalong magpapalubha sa sitwasyon ng insurhensya sa ating lalawigan. Napakalaking banta sa kapayapaan ng lalawigan ang presensya ng mga tropang Amerikano dito;

Pang-apat, katulad ng nangyari sa Basilan at Sulu, ang BALIKATAN dito sa atin ay maaaring humantong sa pagkalulubhang paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mga sibilyan tulad ng walang pakundangang pamamaril, panununog ng bahay, sapilitang pagpapalikas, paninira ng mga ari-arian at komunidad, pamamaslang, pananakit at marami pang iba;

Panglima, ito ay magiging dahilan ng paglaganap ng prostitusyon at pagkalat ng mga nakahahawang sakit na tulad ng AIDS, herpes, syphilis at gonorrhea, at paglaganap din ng mga droga at kriminalidad at iba pang gawaing anti-sosyal sa lalawigan; at,

Panghuli, ipinaiilalim nito ang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa sarili nitong programa sa mga lugar na pinaglulunsaran nito. Halimbawa ay ang naganap na insidente sa pagdating ng mga sundalo na magkokondukta ng inspeksyon sa Juban at Irosin na siyang site ng BALIKATAN nitong Enero 7. Isang malaking breach of protocol na ang mga tropang Amerikano ang puntahan ni Gob. Sally A. Lee sa Juban sa halip na ang mga ito ang magpunta sa luklukan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa Kabisera ng Sorsogon upang magbigay galang sa pinuno ng lalawigan.

Walang ganansya ang mamamayan ng Sorsogon sa BALIKATAN. Ito ay nakadisenyo sa gera at panghihimasok na hindi maaaring pagtakpan ng mga humanitarian, medical at dental missions at mga construction at infrastructure projects. Nagmamaskara lamang ang imperyalismong US sa likod ng mga proyektong ito. Ang tunay na mukha at intensyon ng US ay makikita sa gerang agresyon nito sa Iraq at Afghanistan at panghihimasok sa mga bayang lumalaban sa imperyalistang pandarambong.

Huwag tayong magpapalinlang. Hindi ang mga kilusan sa pambansang pagpapalaya, mga pambansang demokratikong organisasyon, at mga mamamayang lumalaban sa US ang mga terorista. Ang US ang NUMERO UNONG TERORISTA sa buong daigdig.

Latest about Balikatan in Bicol

RP, US announce April Balikatan Exercises 2009 in Bicol
By Celso Amo Updated January 08, 2009 03:30 PM

LEGAZPI CITY—Representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States have announced that the Balikatan Exercise this year will be conducted this coming April in the Bicol region.

Major Llewellyn Binasoy, chief of the Research and Special Concerns Division of the Civil Military Operations of the AFP, said the Balikatan Exercise, which is an annual bilateral military exercise between the Philippines and the United States for the past 15 years will be held in April.

“At present, both forces are now in the process of detailed planning in consultation with local stakeholders to ensure the success of the scheduled Balikatan Exercise 2009,” said Binasoy during a press briefing at the conference room of the Venezia Hotel here this morning.

Binasoy said the primary objective of the exercise is to improve the inter-operability of both forces for mutual defense in accordance with the Mutual Defense Treaty.

“While the primary function remains to make both forces ready to aid each other, the conduct of the exercise has evolved and is continuously evolving,” Binasoy said, adding that for this year, the Balikatan Exercise will help communities in the Bicol Region by conducting medical, dental, veterinary and other humanitarian assistance like repair of school buildings, put up water systems and construct farm to market roads.

Capt. Kelly Schmader, commander of the 13th Naval Construction Regiment of the United States Pacific Fleet, said that some 450 US personnel will be joining the military exercises.

Thee cost of the project is shouldered jointly by both parties with the US allotting some $450,000.