"Two poems for August"

"Two poems for August"

"With Pickaxe and Rifle"
(Inspired from the Albanian song with the same title)

Through the hills, ricefields, towns, and cities
The struggle renewed us, awaken
For the homeland like a spring flower
Blooms more beautiful by the day
Foes greedy and cruel in their nature
Trying to hinder our direction
But the folk will fight till they're no more
And freedom will bloom once again

chorus
A pickaxe in one hand will build our nation
A rifle in other will serve to defend
Together in step forward to serve the motherland
Taking back the future, freedom is at hand

Children singing songs like nightingales
With words full of love, hope, and peace
And growing up like lilies, smiling
For their loved ones gave love and joy
And if ever our foes whose envy
Wants to erase this joy forever
The folk will beat them fire to fire
And freedom will bloom once again

As we together build the nation,
Our legs and arms hurrying forward
Striving to increase our production
Showing to the world what is ours
We'll water the fields with our efforts
We'll forge the future with our hopes
We strive, learn strongly to transform
A nation that deserves to be free

"That crazy want to kill my nation"

That crazy want to kill my nation

Day after day promising yet corrupting

Now he is betraying while the homeland is down

While here at the corner I no longer thinking

Dreaming of seeing my homeland under him rising

Seeing edifices of glass and steel

Of roads and bridges of stone and concrete

Carryovers from past, so much to brag it on

When in fact trying hide "so strong"

The shantytown and the barren field gone wrong?

Who would not come with a gun in hand?

To break free, fight back the land

Who would not come with a gun in hand?

To break free, fight back the land

God! Those crazies want to kill my nation

Like their leader promising yet corrupting

Thinking about the carryovers to brag when doing nothing

And with the pandemic while assuming they're concerning

Like their leader while the homeland is down they're betraying

Seeing wonders of contemporary modernity

Various forms from science and technology

Even in past continuing, so much to brag it on

When in fact trying hide "so strong"

The feudal order that's gone wrong?

Who would not come with a gun in hand?

To break free, fight back the land

Who would not come with a gun in hand?

To break free, fight back the land

Fools! Those crazies want to kill my nation

day after day they're promising yet corrupting

Like their leader betraying while the homeland is down

While here at the corner I'd rather thinking

Dreaming of fighting back my homeland from them corrupting

A homeland sold by the river, and a nation send to the dogs

All for pieces of silver by that self-interested horde

They dreamed of "peace" and "progress" while sowing chaos

To those who dare to oppose, those victims of the order ages old

Wouldn't surprised to see actions from those who end sold

Who would not come with a gun in hand?

To break free, fight back the land

Who would not come with a gun in hand?

To break free, fight back the land

When he and his minions killing chickens and scaring monkeys (and calling it as "change" and "hope")

When he and his minions killing chickens and scaring monkeys

(and calling it as "change" and "hope")

Or "Thoughts after Duterte's brand of order 

from Tokhang to this Pandemic
through the news and their statements" 

Initially, most people accepted Duterte. For despite his flaws and controversies, one would seem that this man of action is willing to be more than just "attacking the yellows" but also to steer the country to its greater heights, of promoting development, of cultivating national awareness, and the likes that would say breaking the country from its cycle of dependency both from domestic oligarchs and foreign overlords.

However, as weeks and months passed, his promises were turned out to be empty rhetoric while some of his actions as carryovers from the past. This person would say that time and again Duterte is on the first place, sworn to upheld and protect an order people would detest with; no matter how he make "compromises" with the folks who happened to be "promised" to have some semblance of change. Those times would also say that the administration "tries" to be "one with the people" with Mariano, Taguiwalo, Lopez, Ridon, Maza, and others concerned as trying to make a difference.
But, that "difference" was cut off by the interest-seekers also within that administration. That in a time when people got a savour of hope that same administration was also behind those string of killings be it war on drugs or land disputes. And Duterte, the man who promised hope and change, end choosing those who upheld their interests and contented in continuing the carryovers no matter how "controversial" would it be. And his supporters simply accepted the way things are despite thinking that their idol can still bring those changes without those who truly matter: Lopez, Taguiwalo, Mariano, Ridon, and Maza end sidelined and booted out afterwards, and from their places are those of former generals with Duterte himself justifying as "because they obey what he wants."

But for the sake of fairness, those carryovers somehow tries to prove that the country is steering towards development no matter the fact that the ones who benefited are not the folk but the interest-seekers, if not intended to outweigh the controversies that darkens the administration's image. Like Hitler who one would say was behind the Autobahn and the Volkswagen Beetle yet also behind the Holocaust, Duterte's "Build Build Build" and the Mobile Kitchen for hungry kids is the same Duterte who is behind  Operations "Tokhang" and "Double Barrel." 

And the fact that these could only govern by the permission of the landed gentries and the military, these semblance of development, regardless of its achievement has rather led to a huge income disparity between the haves and the have-nots in the country. With this, somehow the idea of "change" turns out to be a half-baked rhetoric brought by a ruler whose "action-oriented" politics meant consolidating further interests in the guise of realising people's hopes. Even those who are concerned about their country would say realised how they are fooled by that ruler who once promised land for the landless, houses for the homeless, sovereignty for the nation, empowerment for its people.

What more in these past weeks where people's expression is those of concern.

***

Speaking of concern, this COVID19 pandemic would say has become a challenge for the country under Duterte.

Basing from articles involving the way the Duterte administration treats this pandemic sitation, one would say that the administration thinks much about interests even at the expense of people's health. The initial reluctance to impose travel restrictions from those coming from China, the failure to control pandemic using medical means and instead by military/police antics, the enforced "lockdowns" to control movements from the opposition (including the closure of ABS CBN and the passage of the AntiTerrorism Act), and even the recent killings of those who strongly against Duterte in a time of pandemic has shown something that's simply a case of killing chickens to scare the monkeys.

Why is it that case? For an orderist like Duterte, using the pandemic as a chance to create a "new normal" based on restricting movement. Like "Operation Tokhang" and "Double Barrel", he sees something to provoke fear and in fear meant putting people in order. That he makes an example out of something or someone in order to threaten others be it the intensified anti-drug operations, the passage of the anti-terror act, or the closure of ABS CBN even in the middle of the pandemic in order to scare the rest into submission; that he doesn't care calls from human rights groups or the opposition, or worse, seeing the pandemic in itself as an opportunity to push through his agenda- that by imposing lockdowns, mobilising his police and military, to those of his treatment of the entire situation as a "peace and order" issue, this meant to provoke people into a state of fear, making way to a normalcy that's according to the president's whim.

For his supporters would say that "it's better to be feared than being loved" in a manner of Machiavelli, that "to keep is no benefit and to lose is no loss" in a manner of Pol Pot, and his treatment of the pandemic, is as same as his other controversial programs- more like a catharsis to remove their perceived undesirable from their "perfect society". It also doesn't matter for them that the regime they lived and loved is itself a vassal of both Americans and the Chinese, for "it is none of their business" no matter these bigwigs has done to its vassal be it its trade agreements, multinational companies, to those of the disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea- yet they're the ones who once appalled by that goddamn leader's "sense of patriotism" after promising will put the flag after riding a Jetski towards Scarborough Shoal.

But despite their "dream" of total order the more those who really expressed concern about the order these fanatics and their idol wanted upon.

***

As a writer, such concern about this pandemic situation is becoming more than just seeing the news and making an analysis. In a time when the order trying to use a situation using a silent enemy people seemingly not just thinking about their health and well-being, but also those of others and their society- especially when the very order who promised about ensuring the folk its well-being is actually using the entire situation as a means such as to silence dissent.

Pardon for the thought, but in seeing people becoming concerned on these issues then these issues affecting entirely their lives and communities outweighs the projects of various sorts the order has bragged about. Come to think of this, which is important: the aerotropolis in Bulacan or the much needed hospitals and schools? The skyscrapers to be built in Makati and Bonifacio Global City or the much needed mass housing structures similar to the flats of Hong Kong and Singapore? Of course the system will say "these are included in the Build Build Build program" only to find out these as empty promises if not getting corrupted by those in self-interest. Some even left empty, deteriorating, and if "squatted", why the hate when these occupiers occupy a neglected project? Who is to blame: the homeless or the ones who promised houses for the poor only to be neglected afterwards?
For sure their supporters would disagree such harsh criticisms and insist about people's concerns in the programs of the administration. That schools, houses, hospitals are side by side with toll-paying roads, airports in once-ricefields, and others to be bragged by the order to its subjects.  But worse, that by seeing people's concerns gone into thin air by the corrupted, then fuck! Will people believe in the promises of the administration? Again, the carryovers from the past were supposed to be to continue development, but turned to be meant to brag over by one administration after the other while the people remained "as-it-is."

Again, in this time of pandemic, or rather say with or without this pandemic and regardless of who is the leader be it from Duterte or the traditional opposition, the people are increasingly becoming concerned and in need of solidarity. And if getting concerned also means to investigate further from facts and offer down to earth alternatives-

 Then this includes thinking beyond the imposed parameters.

Is it really "revolutionary"? Or CounterReactionary?

 Is it really "revolutionary"? Or CounterReactionary?

It turns out to be a yearning for a palace coup those who wished for a "revolutionary government" with Duterte as its leader.

Ranging from comments in social media to those of actions brought about by Duterte's supporters, the idea of a "revolutionary" government is seemingly presented as a panacea to various social ills, of having Duterte prolong its term to steer further their perception of development-even it meant sacrificing their civil rights for a pittance. 

The zealots, especially those describing themselves as the “Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee” as rather disguise their agenda by calling their proposal a “revolutionary government” to confuse the people. By claiming that theirs as "revolutionaries", complete with manifestoes and at sometimes mobilisations, would say trying to appear themselves as "radicals" within the government, and at times mimicking their really-radical adversaries with the same sentiment of advocating changes-but sans the militancy. 

But the question is, what makes them revolutionary? Is it by simply removing the oligarchs? leveling the playing field? Social justice and at the same time obeisance to rule of law?

Such sentiment of theirs echoes the language of Marcos with his "democratic revolution from the center" and their actions as "revolt of the poor." Especially when the once-radicals-turned-orderists (like Nilo Tayag who supported both Marcos and Duterte) has even willing to create a radical image of Duterte by despicably appropriate for the regime the language of change and reform when in fact all but to conceal the obvious aim of consolidating interests and to preserve the ever-prevailing order under their idol.

And to think that despite their written and vocal sentiments, of "removing oligarchs and of the corrupt" if not "that Duterte is currently deprived of the “necessary powers” he needs in order to fulfill his campaign promises", there is absolutely nothing "revolutionary" but instead employing the tired old tactic of demagoguery used by Duterte to misrepresent the interests of the folk. 

As far as this person knows that a revolution But, despite their actions, there is absolutely nothing "revolutionary" but instead employing the tired old tactic of demagoguery used by Duterte to misrepresent the interests of the people. For sure one would remember how most of Duterte's diehard supporters aren't there to support their idol let alone for a free porridge and cash.

But obviously, this "revolutionary" sentiment of theirs boils down to their hatred against the opposition. And since they wanted a change in the charter and preempt the possible need for constitutional succession, or an outright declaration of martial law, again, does not foster "change" let alone a delusion. Wouldn't be surprised if amongst these fanatics wanted an incident similar to the Reichstag or the Gestapu of Soeharto and claiming there's a "revolution" initiated by the government. 

To call it "revolutionary" is nothing but using the word with a quote-unquote. But to be led by an orderist and supported by those sworn to upheld the order while playing themselves as willing to accomodate the people? Then it's nothing but a counterreaction to an existing reaction- especially in the face of its incompetence and bungled response to today's Covid-19 pandemic and other existing socioeconomic problems gone aggravated. 

"After Corruptors, Oppressors, a growing Pandemic and a Leader who is Pathetic"

"After Corruptors, Oppressors,

 a growing Pandemic and a Leader who is Pathetic"

Thoughts after the recent statements and actions 

made by the present Duterte administration

At first, this note expresses a deep concern of the people over the recent remarks of president Duterte in regards to his actions surrounding this COVID19 pandemic. Mostly in his unusual drunken and callous self, his messages seemed contrary to reassuring the people as it confuses those who listened.

In this note, people are concerned with deep anxiety about what the Duterte administration as well as those of the administration's actions that:

1.) Duterte failing to answer to the Filipino people after dismissing speculations of him going to Singapore for a medical checkup, while insisting his right to do so, contemptuously ignoring the travel restrictions which he and his quarantine generals have harshly imposed in the name of pandemic control. 

2.) The misinterpretation of woes surrounding the pandemic situation especially from health workers and medical professionals as "inciting to revolution." 

3.) The corruption within the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation amidst pandemic, whose executives have pocketed 15 million pesos from its funds, and overpriced IT equipment. 

4.) The passage of the antiterror act that equates the right to dissent as an act of terror and an elaborate system of surveillance including attempts to regulate social media  by state elements. It is also the same law that justifies the carrying out of assassinations against radicals like Randall Echanis and Zara Alvarez.

5.) The ever-submissive stance towards China instead of defending sovereignty in the contested Kalayaan Group and Panatag Shoal. Which is way contrary to the promise of "having an Independent Foreign Policy" stated by Duterte. 

6.) The shutdown of ABS CBN in an attempt to silence opposition on the basis of "technicality". 

There are more statements and actions brought about by the administration, but given the these examples lies the further need to "seek truth from facts" and to expose, oppose the inconveniences brought by the order through the administration. To "Seek truth" has becoming more than just diligence in study or investigation, of beating around, scratching the surface, or digging deeper in search for truth, but also includes finding correct solutions to the emerging as well as inherited problems- that at times be more than just the convention. 

For contrary to the supporter's impression that the administration still adheres to democratic principles, the vulgar orderist agenda has shown that such any action against the administration, what more of the order in itself is interpreted as being "antidemocratic"; but this doesn't stop the people from ever-getting concerned over matters surrounding the regime and its actions, especially in this pandemic situation that the order treated as a "chance" to pursue their orderist agenda masked as "development". 

"After a person sworn to remove the corrupt becomes the corrupt"

"After a person sworn to remove the corrupt 

becomes the corrupt"

Thoughts after the recent corruption scandal
in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation

It seems that in a time people demand for financial aid, and health workers as in need for their medical equipment, that big bureaucrats treated the national health insurance system as a milking cow for their personal interest.

For as one of the government institutions that's been marred by corruption scandals, Philhealth involves cash advances and reimbursements worth billions of pesos, all being released against ghost receipts prepared by syndicates inside the health insurance system, and Top officials take advantage of their position to finance their high-style of living, junkets, and other extravagant expenses.

For sure the president is feigning ignorance despite claiming he is against corruption in his administration. But it is not surprising that the administration as fully well that Philhealth has been a den of corruption, a milking cow for scrupulous officials and criminal syndicates. And is tiptoeing around his appointed Philhealth President former general Ricardo Morales instead of suspending and face charges, worrying that the military might irk for this.

But remember, Duterte's appointment of Morales as Philhealth president is way too far from the requirements needed by the charter (an expert in the field of medicine and management) despite his credentials as head of the AFP General Insurance Corporation and was President and CEO of the AFP Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. Furthermore, this also reflects Duterte's "neo-Arroyo" way of appointing former Military officers to government posts like Año for the Interior and Local Government, Galvez for the Peace Process, Visaya for the National Irrigation Administration, and others Duterte handpicked upon amongst the retired men in uniform.

Initially one would say that Morales really viewed his designation as a "challenge" and "honour", that he promised to "fix the organisation" and "to eliminate corruption" in a period when the Universal Health Care act was enacted; but to say "there is always corruption in Philhealth" shows a contrary to his earlier promise: for did he just admit that he tolerate corruption? That there are good crooks and bad crooks within the institution? Seems that the trust and confidence from the people towards the institution has becoming a shitstorm especially when these crooks turned an institution into a milking cow for their interests-especially in the time of pandemic.

For now the administration is trying to appear "observant" in this issue involving their handpicked official. Duterte is again telling that he will go after corrupt officials while Morales had to "leave" because of his illness. The question is this: will he face the shitstorm along with those who are implicated in the scandal? After all, he appointed that person who had the "privilege" and "honour" to work in that institution- only to admi he as incapable of doing by saying "there is always corruption."

Perhaps, to cut this note short, that the corruption scandal shows the negligence coming from a person supposed to clean the institution of corruptors, if not exposes further the systemic problem in the neoliberal thrust of privatising the entire health and medical insurance system where bureaucrats and capitalists alike enjoy endless streams of profits all at the expense of the people who contributed for the sake of its benefits especially in this time of pandemic. 

JUSTICE FOR RANDALL ECHANIS!

JUSTICE FOR RANDALL ECHANIS!

By Kat Ulrike

At first, this note strongly condemns the the cold blooded murder of Land Reform and Social Justice advocate Randall Echanis.

Known by the order for his principles, Echanis, 72 years of age, was killed by armed men in his rented home in Novaliches, Quezon City.

This brutal act is seemingly a vicious attack against critics of the regime. That even in this time of pandemic this kind of act would say that the order has undoubtedly did its handiwork especially after Duterte publicly ordered state forces to hunt down consultants of the National Democratic Front after he terminated peace negotiations last 2017.

For sure the order would either assert their "innocence" if not accusing the revolutionary movement; but this extrajudicial act brought against Echanis shows how the order, with or without this COVID19 pandemic, has trying to consolidate its tendency to rule under tyranny- by including the most treacherous of acts in terrorising the people.

And in response to this act, this note calls for a condemnation against those behind this treacherous murder. Regardless of their denials, those who concerned must demand that these attack dogs be made to pay for this gruesome crime against those who assert for national and social justice.

At the same time, this note extends sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues-in-struggle. For having devoted his life to his principles, Randall Echanis is indeed a stalwart of the cause of the working masses, an advocate of land reform and national industrialisation, and a promoter of a just and lasting peace.

"(again) Recalling Sioktong and its bitter-herby taste"

"(again) Recalling Sioktong and its bitter-herby taste"

It seemed to be a year past when this person visited Destileria Limtuaco museum both for seeing its rich heritage as well as a good shot of Sioktong.

Be it Vino de Chino or Vino Kung Fu, Sioktong, or originally named as See Hoc Tong, was the original and pioneer brand of Chinese herbal wines that was first produced by Destileria Limtuaco over a hundred and fifty years ago. There were also other Sioktong brands like Apollo and Vino Kusuga, as well as from other makers like Kulafu or Fighter, but the herb-taste has becoming a localised Jägermister- sans the green colour.

Remembering this herby-bitter taste, Sioktong was originally known as a herbal tonic, meant to give the drinker strength and vitality as this is distilled from over 15 Chinese herbs with cold and hot properties, as it promotes the balance of “yin and yang,” the key to good health- and these herbs include angelica root, cassia bark, dried dates, chrysanthemum flowers, fennel seed, and cloves all sound like a lineup of ingredients you'd find in a good old brew.

Quite strange to some, if not folksy as opposed to their usual drinking of brandy, gin, and various sorts of liquor commonly sold in the metro, but for some who avidly drinking that oriental wine are rather look at its healing properties as in the past- and quite true that some of its ingredients can be healthy for the blood: angelica root is used to treat circulation problems; cassia bark, or Chinese cinnamon, can increase blood sugar uptake, which can be beneficial for patients with diabetes.

However, one such herb seemingly made Sioktong known as "dong quai" or "Female Ginseng" that's usually used in Chinese Herbal Medicine for the belief it treats anemia and weakness which is usually caused by lack of sleep and exhaustion, as well as cardiovascular conditions, and high blood pressure. For men, it's said to improve sexual performance, which is the exact opposite of what you'd expect for an alcoholic drink. For women, Siokong has been said to regulate menstrual flow, and relieve dysmenorrhea. 

Interestingly enough, that while the drink started off being mostly marketed to men, it eventually became a popular product among women.

As this writer remembers the last time he visited that place, both for history and for that Sioktong, would say that the old family recipe Don Bonifacio Limtuaco brought from China to the Philippines in 1852 has been part of history the way Ba Kut Teh, a Chinese-Malayan beef delicacy that also contains herbs known for bringing strength and vitality.

And from that past legacy would say that one would assume that such products, allegedly with some healing properties from old lore would be left to the tales of old, yet if tried would find "acceptable" as such. 

"An arsenal churned from crude workshops"

"An arsenal churned from crude workshops"

Notes after the improvised weapons
of the "Islamic state" and the Syrian "rebels" 

fighting against the Assad regime in Syria

A factory workshop, originally manufactured steel and iron,
end repurposed as a weapons factory, making improvised
mortar shells and tubes for the "free Syrian army" in Aleppo
source: Reuters/Hamid Khatib

"free Syrian forces with their missiles
created in Aleppo. According to them, they
get explosives from government shells which
failed to explode.
Source: Reuters/Youssef Boudlal

It is from their workshops controlled by the "Islamic State" or anti-Assad groups like the "Free Syrian Army"/or the Islamist insurgents where their homemade weapons been developed. 

All coming from scrap metal or discarded old weapons refashioned into "something new", these weapons may seemed not accurate but still dangerous especially in those times of battle.

To some it is unsual, especially in seeing various weapons being created, crudely, from these workshops. Despite its crudity, these workshops routinely manufacture various sorts of weapons, bombs, all meant to shook fear in pursuing their actions. That be it a rocket launcher or a mortar fashioned from a pipe and on some cases, remnants of an existing weapon, these firearms for them are meant "continuing their resistance" regardless of its crudity which includes having lack the correct fuses, and oftentimes failed to detonate. 

But for yours truly, all after reading articles related to these weapons churned from these workshops with lathes and crude machinery, would say that these weapons are rather out of "compulsion" especially after failure to acquire weapons from the black market, and that the once machine shops used to fashion tools or repair stuff are turned into an armory of sorts, churning weapons two and fro to provoke their foe or worse, incite terror to those aren't meant to be part of the conflict.

But come to think of this, groups like the "Islamic state" afforded to create their weapons in an article from Wired, it stated that:

"Many of ISIS’ leaders were veterans of that insurgency, but as they began ramping up their war against the Iraqi government in 2014, they knew they needed more than IEDs and AK-47s to seize territory and create their independent Islamic State. A conventional war required conventional arms—mortars, rockets, grenades—which, as an international pariah, ISIS could not buy in sufficient quantities. Some they looted from the Iraqi or Syrian governments, but when those ran out they did something that no terrorist group has ever done before and that they continue to do today: design their own munitions and mass-produce them using advanced manufacturing techniques. Iraq’s oil fields provided the industrial base—tool-and-die sets, high-end saws, injection-­molding machines—and skilled workers who knew how to quickly fashion intricate parts to spec. Raw materials came from cannibalizing steel pipe and melting down scrap. ISIS engineers forged new fuzes, new rockets and launchers, and new bomblets to be dropped by drones, all assembled using instruction plans drawn up by ISIS officials."

A series of shoulder-fired, recoilless rocket launchers made
by the "Islamic state", shown with a variety of repurposed
projectiles. Weapons engineers from the "Islamic state" took
Soviet-era munitions and made western-style launchers for
them, even affixing written instructions for them.
Source: Damien Spleeters/Conflict Armament Research 

Yet that their level of sophistication grew from the insurgencies fighting against the American Occupation of Iraq from 2003 to 2011. But this insurgency ranges from Baath loyalists, Shiite and Sunni militant groups, to those of the Al Quaeda in Iraq that the "Islamic state" came from. These groups became adept in making improvised weaponries coming from conventional munitions and arsenals abandoned in 2003 by Iraq's defeated military, along with ingredients that bombmakers developed themselves. 

"Free Syrian army" officers assisted in using a makeshift
 anti-aircraft weapon. One picture showed using an electronic
compass from a smartphone to help them aim their weapon near
Menagh military airport in Aleppo during the Syrian Civil War.
Source: Mahmoud Hassano/Reuters

So were the "Free Syrian Army", who mostly depend on Turkey and the west for their assistance against Assad. However, some of them are radical muslims who, like Al Quaeda and the rival "Islamic state", do also create their own set of weaponry. At times they are known for their Mortars and rocket launchers like what happened in the battle of Aleppo, all coming from their workshops with all its crudity. Another article from the Atlantic also attests the same "creativity" as shown by these "rebels" coming from their workshops:

"While the rebels are using many modern tools, they've also come up with their own makeshift solutions. In these weapons workshops, anti-aircraft guns are welded to pickup trucks and armor shields are attached to machine guns and cars. Mortar shell nose cones are turned on lathes and explosives are mixed by hand. Homemade grenades are launched by jury-rigged shotguns or giant slingshots in the urban battlefields of Aleppo and Damascus."

These would say that from their weapons turned their variant of terrorism as "industrial" the way they used their creative mindset and needed a lot of material in large quantities to pursue their agenda. The tubes, trigger mechanisms, empty gas cylinders or fire extinguishers, necessary metal to be fused and all, these for them would say  meant to continue their terror or as what they say "continue the resistance" regardless of their "lack of support" from their allies. Yet, these would say end destroyed or captured by their enemies be it from the Syrian Arab Army, the Kurds, or the Russians. 

But even those who are against both the "Islamic State" and the "Free Syrian Army" also devised their own makeshift weaponry. The Kurds for instance, they also devised their own weapons from their workshops, crude like their adversaries indeed, and at times they captured weapons from the enemy in order to improved their understanding of their types along with those coming from abroad, aside from using it for their frontline operations.

All in all one would say that their creativity in making weapons was necessary. This note is not meant to condone their actions but to know how these forces able to have their ways to augment their existing weapons and ordinance- that at times taking their practise to new levels, with outputs different from the usual and exceptionally cruel at its worst- especially when it targets civilians the way it targets its adversaries.

sources:

https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2013/02/diy-weapons-of-the-syrian-rebels/100461/
https://www.wired.com/story/terror-industrial-complex-isis-munitions-supply-chain/
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/10/world/middleeast/isis-bombs.html

"When Interest-driven Threats trumps 'cultural renaissance'"

"When Interest-driven Threats trumps 'cultural renaissance'"

(A note after the demolition of Capitol theatre a month ago

and the recent demolition threat over Philamlife building)

Despite the passage of the "National Cultural Heritage Law" (Republic Act No. 10066) some years ago seeking to protect structures over 50 years old as well as those designed by National Artists, it seems that heritage structures seem to have a habit of biting the dust especially in Metro Manila.

Be it the demolition of the old Capitol theatre, former American Chamber of Commerce Building and Uy Su Bin in Binondo, or the already demolished Philippine National Bank in Escolta, the former Philbanking in Port Area, the Mandarin Oriental and the Hotel Intercontinental in Makati, and now seeing the former Philam Life building in Ermita under the death knell of the demolition ball, these edifices, no matter how it was made by a well-known national artist or done decades past and contributed to a country's socioeconomic and cultural developments, these altogether are rather treated as disposable structures that is, to be replaced by some forsaken structures driven by markets with growing demands.

It is unsurprising, for as yours truly seeing those structures in the past, these would say has contributed to a district's, what more of a city's, and even the country's development. That it stood the test of time and thus needs a new lease in life with retrofitting and some adaptive resuse; but as expected, interest seekers especially those with known names rather chose to destroy and replace with something "that appeals to the market", of high-rise condominiums with malls on ground floor, replacing culture with consumerism- that nonetheless worse than the ones who did 9-11 in New York.

“Despite the local government’s reassured support for our heritage sites, 

owners continue to replace these structures with new buildings 
for better investments,”

- from a statement made Kapitbahayan sa Kalye Bautista 

over the demolition of a heritage house in Quiapo.

And in seeing some pages in Facebook expressing neoliberal "optimism" in a form of high-rise structures over Metro Manila such as those in Manila to Makati, is this the "development" being preached about? And as for government officials who promised to preserve heritage, did they address the problems of those who own buildings of decades past? Most owners even wanted incentives in making their old communities appealing, and some officials do respond including some suggestions from concerned architects and urban planners whose view on heritage conservation and development as down to earth as opposed to so-called "developers"; even Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso had vowed to preserve Manila's cultural and historical landmarks like in the case of Manila Metropolitan Theatre.

Yet the promises brought about by some government officials can be dismissed as empty rhetorics what more of seeing them blindfolded or outright aloof as they fail to see the ever-present state of heritage that's threatened.

“We cannot prohibit somebody to utilize his or her property 
as long as they follow the rules. 

Walang opposition, walang nag-lobby sa amin na heritage site 'yan,” 

(There's no opposition, no one did even lobby to us that the place is an heritage site)

- Isko Moreno Domagoso defending the demolition of a heritage house in Quiapo 

(which opposed by Kapitbahayan sa Kalye Bautista)

And this person wouldn't be surprised that they are also same as those who "willing to destroy heritage" since "it is not necessary to keep it" if not a "necessary sacrifice for 'development'"- and mayor Domagoso's statement shows its contrary to the promise of renaissance that has shown in the Metropolitan theatre and his Jones Bridge.

But to think that threats over heritage continues to be ongoing, if that's the case, then no wonder why there are those who are sick and tired of a decadent setting, if not willing to revolt against that kind of world such as this Manila has facing. Heritage isn't about churches with adobe brick walls, the antiquated bahay na bato, or even the Torogan. It can also be an art-deco structure, a post-war bungalow, or even the international style building that once made Manila having a showcase of modernity. 

Yet these structures, sadly to say, are becoming irrelevant and forgotten in favour of high-rise boxes, substituting culture with consumerism, unless these are to be moved somewhere else such as a theme park where these edifices are rather treated as hotspots at the expense of being removed from its community of origin.

Sources:

https://www.spot.ph/arts-culture/the-latest-arts-culture/82596/demolition-capitol-theater-escolta-a833-20200622

https://www.spot.ph/arts-culture/the-latest-arts-culture/83135/demolition-of-philam-life-auditorium-continues-in-august-2020-a833-20200806

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/354915/heritage-issues-continue-to-hound-manila-despite-renaissance-program/

https://www.esquiremag.ph/politics/news/heritage-house-mania-demolition-a00293-20200107

"When Solidarity and Compassion also meant Revolution"

"When Solidarity and Compassion

also meant Revolution"

(Or: Notes after President Duterte's statement in response 

to the call of concerned health workers over the pandemic crisis,
and how the President treated their concerns as a "call for Revolution")

At first, this note stands by the people, especially thousands of health workers who spent their life facing the risks of COVID19 and in the face of Duterte's senseless triades against them. For in his recent statement, Duterte has shown his fear as he interpreted the concerns addressed by the health workers as "calls for revolution" and issued threats of using Martial law to silence them as well as ridiculed nurses to join the police "if they want to receive higher wages."

In this part, this statement brought about by the president shows how his treatment over the situation as rather driven by fear than care towards the people. That from having former military heads as part of his task force against COVID19 to those of militarisation/use of police power to control this pandemic crisis, Duterte's obsession with security uses this pandemic as a way to silence the growing opposition against his leadership, having sick and tired of incompetence within his term. 

And to think that the president has treated the collective plea of health workers and concerned peoples alike as "inciting to rebellion", this note denounces his petulant response along with threats and insults. Indeed, he declared to remand Metro Manila and adjacent provinces under "Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine" with stringent restrictions and police control as he wanted, but failed to put into place urgently-needed measures to support the capacity of the health system including free COVID19 mass testing and treatment, aggressive contract tracing, and overhaul of the poor system of data collection to effectively manage this growing pandemic. 

What more that Duterte himself didn't even announce the distribution of additional subsidies to those who will again be forced to stay at home for the duration of this "Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine".

With this kind of bullshitry brought about by the regime would say that the concerned people rather stood on those who have been working overtime treating and caring for the growing number of COVID19 patients in the country. Overworked and having lack of necessary needs such as protective equipment, a disproportionate number of health workers have died and many end falling ill and being treated all because of ill working conditions at hospitals and health facilities. And despite praised as "modern day heroes" they are grossly underpaid and not given the necessary compensation for the risks taken nor the expenses when they themselves end hospitalised when they contract the disease.

Worse, public hospitals and health facilities are understaffed and efforts to employ enough new nurses and health practitioners as insufficient. Earlier, statements from various medical groups like the Philippine Medical Association, to those of former Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit called for urgent response including comprehensive reforms to address the pandemic- which captured the views and sentiments of health workers. 

These calls for drastic measures was issued as the cases of COVID19 infections in the Philippines surpassed 100,000 more than twice the number compared to a month ago. The sentiments of health workers also revealed the real pandemic situation that indirectly includes exposing lies and false assurances from Duterte and his camarilla- especially those who have not provided nor offer people any explanation how the pandemic are spreading except blaming people for not wearing masks or follow "social distancing." And to think that police arrest people in the streets even for the "flimsiest and idiotic" reasons, it has allowed establishments to operate their facilities and firms without government health regulations. The so-called "Balik Probinsya" program and the "Hatid Tulong" for those desperate to leave Metro Manila and return to their provinces has resulted in large crowds congregating, hence another source of spreading infection around the country.

Perhaps, for an orderist like Duterte, he treats the issue on health and well-being of the Filipino people as purely "internal security" matter. Along with his camarilla of former military officials and rabid supporters, they took much time in integrating "security", "health", and "development" and is at all times, difficult. The call for drastic measures, the need for change in the orientation and leadership over this pandemic response, and the need a shift from "strictly security" to those of "health and wellbeing" via medical and public health experts to take the helm from former military generals are quite far from the views Duterte thinks of such as population control and restrictions. 

Worse, to see that same regime covering up its failure to address the situation, let alone what they used to instead of heeding the call of the concerned, what more of treating as an act aiming to destabilise the administration and the order itself.