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

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.

BAN Balikatan Unity Statement

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!

Mass Mobilizations Against Balikatan All Over Bicol Today

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

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

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!

A Resounding STOP BALIKATAN! - CONDOR-PISTON Bicol

PAHAYAG SA MIDYA
Enero 20, 2009
Reference: JOEL ASCUTIA, Regional President – PISTON Deputy Secretary General (09153199469 / 4834624)

RP-US BALIKATAN Exercise, Instrumento para sa Higit na Proteksyon sa Industriya ng Langis at sa Interes ng Estados Unidos!

BALIKATAN Exercise TUTULAN AT LABANAN!

Tinututulan ng CONDOR-PISTON-BICOL ang pagsasagawa ng ika 25 RP-US BALIKATAN Exercise sa Bikol. Ito ay tahasang paglabag sa soberanya, integridad at mga probinsyon sa Saligang Batas ng bansa.

Ito ay pagyurak sa kalayaan ng bansa at direktang panghihimasok sa internal na mga usaping dapat ay responsalidad ng ating gubyerno. Ang pagpasok ng mga sundalong Amerikano ay magdudulot ng mas malalalim na suliraning sosyal dahil sa pagdisrespeto sa ating kultura, tradisyon, relihiyon at kababaihan.

Ang RP-US BALIKATAN Exercise ay ang magkasanib na ehersisyo militar ng mga sundalong Amerikano at sundalong Pilipino. Sa bahagi ng mga sundalong Pilipino, layunin nitong mapamilyarisa at matuto sa mga makabagong teknika sa pakikidigma partikular sa paggamit ng mga sopistikadong kagamitan at sandatang pandigma.

Sa kabilang banda, matuto naman ang mga sundalong Amerikano sa mga bagong operasyong pangkombat sa mga kagubatan ng bansa.

Kung kaya’t hindi kami naniniwala sa sinasabi ng mga tagapagsalita ng BALIKATAN na “purong humanitarian mission” ang pakay nito, ito ay isa lamang na panlilinlang at panloloko sa mamamayan para maisagawa ang mas madilim na pakay nitong maglunsad ng mga operasyong militar laban sa mga mamamayang tumututol sa paghahari ng Estados sa buong mundo at sa rehimeng Arroyo bilang pinakamasugid na tagasunod nito sa bansa.

Sa pangunguna ng sektor ng tranportasyon at CONDOR-PISTON sa Bikol, naitambol natin sa bansa at sa buong daigdig ang ating malakas na panawagang buwagin ang pandaigdigang kartel sa industriya ng langis. Isa sa pangunahing pinagkukunan ng limpak limpak na kita ng Estados Unidos ang pagmamay-ari sa mga dambuhalang kumpanya ng langis gaya ng PETRON at CALTEX na siya ring nagdodomina sa bansa.

Sa bisa ng OIL DEREGULATION Law, nais ng US na manatili ang kanyang kontrol sa negosyong ito at tahasan nitong gagamitin ang kanyang pwersang militar para nyutralisahin at supilin ang higit pang lumalakas na paglaban ng sektor kasama ang buong mamamayang Bikolano at Pilipino.

Naninindigan din kami na hindi kailangang magsagawa muna ng BALIKATAN Exercise kung seryoso ang gobyernong Arroyo na tugunan ang problema ng mamamayan Bikolano sa kagutuman, kalusugan, eskwelahan at iba pa.

Hindi rin kailangan ang mga sundalong Amerikano para magpatupad nito dahil mayroon tayong mga ahensya at organisasyong sibiko na may ma kakayahan at karanasan sa pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong ito.

Huwag tayong pumayag na insultuhin at bastusin ang ating kalayaan at kasarinlan ng NUMERO UNONG TERORISTA sa daigdig na Estados Unidos. Magkaisa tayong tutulan at labanan ang BALIKATAN Exercise sa Bicol at saanmang lugar sa Pilipinas.

Buwagin ang Pandaigdigang Kartel sa Langis!

Wakasan ang Imperyalitang Pandarambong sa Bansa at sa Daigdig!

STOP 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. # # #