"Let faith, hope, and love overcome these trials and finally prevail."

"Let faith, hope, and love overcome these trials and finally prevail."

A message this 2021

This coming 2021 will be remembered as a second year of the pandemic. Like 2020, this year will be marred by the pandemic's wave, and expect new casualties, possible lockdowns, and a renewed effort to restore stability if not to maintain it.

And to think that this year also marks with a bang and celebrations as any other "new year", this 2021, to put it bluntly, expects extra effort in controlling, if not beating this pandemic. That in every home and workplace people will feel the new normal of "safety" and "concern" as possible casualties occur; and as any other year where everyone spending time with family, friends, and loved ones in turning a new page, words like "caution", "care", "effort", "solidarity", the need for "support", and others will be overheard throughout knowing that this second year of the pandemic will face both old and new challenges and at the same time having one's self fight and fighting back in moving forward not just to control this pandemic but to build a better nation.

But regardless of this challenge, as well as other existing ones, this note expresses hope that the people will fight back and move forward after this pandemic-driven challenge. Again, expect sacrifices, efforts, struggles not just against this hidden foe but also incompetencies, corruption, various forms of injustices that hinders a country's pathway to development. Expect words like justice, freedom, continues to resonate so is development, peace, or hope, especially in this pandemic driven times. 

For now, while waiting for that vaccine or looking for new ways of treatment, that the people's needs are to be addressed, that solidarity and compassion be the norm, and in this time of despair, let this nation's, if not this world's faith, hope, and love, be overcome these trials and finally prevail. 

When fighting for principles means going beyond parameters

When fighting for principles means going beyond parameters

A message for Rizal day

At first, the Filipino folk mark this day to honour the sacrifice of this great Filipino hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Be it from his talent to those of his dedication for the struggle to self-determination, Rizal is a person one would say worthy of emulation. 

However, despite celebrating his martyrdom and recognsing his aspirations and contributions, the fact that most Filipinos venerate him as well as other heroes without understanding. That they only knew about he as using the power of the pen to convey sentiments, yet, fails to recognise that he himself acknowleges the power of the people-the need for revolution and going beyond the parameters of legality. 

But realistically speaking, that Rizal, with all his talents, chose to sacrifice despite offering him escape by the Katipunan in the hopes that he will bring his thoughts to his grave. But no, his works resonate that Filipinos willing to fight, revolt against tyranny, only to have a country still in shambles and still led by local tyrants in connivance with interests. It is not surprising that some aspects from Rizal's life and works continues to be shown in different depictions. 

It is no joke that Rizal chose to sacrifice. For him perhaps to die is to rest, a "noble death wish" as one may say, but for the folk who believed in him that death may give way to a renewed committment to independence and a new beginning. Sadly, the country Rizal wished for a "good life" remains in a continuining past where a backward, feudal, conservative culture continues to thrive even in an era where words like "freedom", "justice", "equality", "democracy" been overheard as alibis by interests. It is not surprising that leaders who preached about Rizal and other heroes' sacrificies be "worthy of emulation" while those who follow and adhere seriously to their aspirations as either being judged as fools who instead of "living a normal lives" rather chose to fight against an order that's unjust. 

Yes, the desire for freedom, justice, democracy, and other words are reduced to empty phrases by the order and its apologists who favour maintaining entrenched interests, yet for those who adhere to it will continue to resonate and be defended even at the expense of their lives. Like Rizal and others, their commitment to freedom, justice, democracy, and other appealing words are more than just rhetorics. 

It simply needs action even it goes beyond the parameters.

"When sometimes Helping becomes another form of Resisting"

"When sometimes Helping  becomes another form of Resisting”

(Or: “thoughts after president Duterte’s
latest annoying tirades in front of the camera”)

Recent months showed how the president has becoming fearful of a growing people's power. Be it his tirades against the left to those of dismissing the vice president's immediate responses as "competing", the president's recent statements has becoming less of a concern about pressing issues and instead tantrums and rants that annoys the once-silent majority. 

For as people waited from the television to those of social media for his nighttime statements, which's supposedly meant to address the situation brought by the pandemic, president Duterte, being visibly upset rather used it as an opportunity to vent his ire on those criticising his policies, if not threatening those against him even those who rather "doing their job" like in the case of the vice president who's simply helping the people especially after the recent calamities affecting parts of Luzon. For Duterte, what Robredo did was "competing against him" no matter how it appears non-political- or is it simply because she comes from the opposition and he, along with his allies and supporters tend to malign her and other oppositionists as such?

Not surprising that in a time people are in demand for solidarity what the order, through the present administration sees it as an action against their wishes, no matter how it appears itself as a patriotic duty to "help those in need". With their maligning towards those who help somehow exposes their own inability to help irrespective of their views, making those affected whether by this pandemic or calamities of various sorts (earthquakes, floods, etc.) run towards those Duterte and his supporters judged as against him. 

Opposition still grows amidst various risks

The success of the growing opposition lies in the current situation and the order's inability to provide sound formulas other than mere "continuity" of past policies. That aside from the pandemic, the people has increasingly expressed concern if not condemnation over the order's perchance for threats and killings-especially with the president's statement condemning human rights for hindering his campaigns, of tolerating policemen's right to kill, or even pinpointing the media for broadcasting news critical to his agendas. "Justice" has been the theme of political appeals aside from "Freedom". For them, "Justice" is the call of those victimised by extrajudicial killings and slander, while "Freedom" is liberation both from the yokes of both domestic tyranny and from international finance capital and the local oligarchy. Wouldn't be surprised if those calls are also appeals for "revolution" as it was expressed in the streets and in the social media. 

However, wishing for the collapse of the present order is not exactly the same as entusting it to Robredo and the liberal opposition with the execution of those ruins. Not that. For "Duterte's Diehard Supporters": she is being perceived as an illegitimate figure if not an usurper in the vice presidency, and dismissed for representing entrenched interests despite the fact that Duterte himself rubs elbows with oligarchs. Robredo, as the opposition represents the negation of what Duterte envisioned-hence an enemy. 

It is not surprising, for basing on various comments in social media, the dismissive nature of the fanatic shows they, out of defending their idol and dismissing their rivals, justifying the oppressive policies and everything that surrounded the regime as willing to sacrifice freedom and democracy while at the same time claiming they are for those words they ditched in a shameful way. But come also to think that the liberal opposition who out there speculate on Duterte's inaction yet failing to offer sound alternatives other than continuing as it goes. These shows that in fact, there's no difference between Duterte and the liberals for being obedient to neoliberal capitalism that's favourable to both compradores and landlords wanting to "expand the pie" for themselves. 

Still calling for a revolution (from above)
while detesting rebellion (from below)?

For sure his supporters will still continue to cling on Duterte being a "revolutionary" the way they called for a "revolutionary government." A year before the pandemic, there were small-scale demonstrations calling for a "revolutionary government" despite the fact that the president himself retreated from that kind of thought he initially toyed with. They, like their adversaries, cried for "Justice" and "Freedom" but the question is, what kind of "Justice" and "Freedom" will their idol Duterte bestow upon the country- when most Filipinos felt the yoke of domestic oppression? Recently, they changed the narrative, this time joining their idol in venting against the opposition-particularly the underground left for its armed struggle, but how come these fanatics are mum when it comes to the demands of the rebels such as those same words "Justice" and "Freedom"- especially when that same order killed peasants for their right to till and of those who demand for a just peace especially in this time of pandemic. 

But wouldn't be surprised that their earlier calls be "fulfilled" especially when faced with the advance of the two opposition parties, that the Duterte administration, sworn to upheld the order from the very start, has no choice but to adopt dictatorial measures. No one will be able to deny the "sacrifices" that this once-praised Davao mayor makes to sustain the state. Yet, come to think that with the pandemic and other existing issues (particularly major ones), the economic crisis and social imbalance are advancing making popular disgust, if not rebellion really a matter the order can't control with. And not surprising that despite attempts to "recover" by the private sector if not the imposition of the "anti-terrorism act" by the authorities, that the socioeconomic crisis in countries like the Philippines, is a crisis that brings the total decline of the State. With this no wonder why the regime has that thought of using both police and the military so much that some personages from its task force meant to control the pandemic are the same personages from the task force meant to put an end to the rebellion!

With or without pandemic, the root causes continue to persist

And in speaking of those existing issues, that so long as the root causes persist, these conditions that pushes the people to revolt continues to ripen and thus cannot be controlled. With or without the pandemic, those major issues like the feudal oppression in the countryside, the corruption and self-interests brought by self-centric bureaucrats and compradores, altogether in connivance/dictated by big power interests (U.S.,China...) are themselves accountable for underdevelopment and poverty. The order may either deny this, if not blaming certain privileged sectors as it tries to preserve the status quo.

But regardless of the denials, the folk are becoming determined to go beyond the parameters in resisting, fighting back all for national and social liberation. Should they just content in those parameters when the very order is silencing them from the very start? Nope-the people can never accept suffering from that worsening chronic crisis brought by the ruling order and its escalating conditions of oppression and exploitation even amidst their "efforts" to silence by means of slander, arbitrary arrest, or even murder. For the order and its apologists this meant "defending democracy" when in fact these as being done to realise state terror and dictatorship especially with the "Anti-Terrorism Law." 

Yet, such action actually provoked the folk to resist in various forms of struggle especially those who had enough of feudal injustices to those of interest-driven repression by both state and corporate authorities. That labor unions, mass media outlets venting critical information, human rights defenders, and other dissenters alike, have continued their action regardless of countless surveillance to those of harassments and prolonged detention with trumped-up charges. Come to think that their calls were simply "land for the landless", "wage increases", "press freedom and transparency", "suspension of land rent and debt forgiveness", "social subsidies for the needy", "support for frontliners" and even "free/or affordable distribution of COVID19 vaccines", among others- yet the system equates those of subversion and terrorism. 

***

Perhaps, with all the events passed,  the people are now asking themselves: until when the administration clings to its idealised paranoia brought by crime, drugs, the growing opposition against his bullshitry, and this pandemic? The annihilation, despite being shown by many, is not yet fully in sight, but the crisis already exists. For Duterte's supporters, their leader is "trying to do his best" even when in fact seeing him cursing during his fireside chats or depending on his circle of ex-military men and friends. Not surprising that by Duterte favouring his own circle of these men (Go, Lorenzana, Dominguez..) 

this would be the denial of the change that the people yearned of in 2016. 

"Sharing amidst Crisis, and Hope over Fear"

"Sharing amidst Crisis,
and Hope over Fear"

Need not to explain further, but, like this picture, this shows that despite this pandemic and fears of possible spikes, of continuing crisis and efforts for recover, foul mouthed messages, and of overheard threats and nonsense, this note expect everyone has its share of joy and hope amidst both crisis and fear in this season: more than the gifts shown underneath the adorned tree, the money in the red envelope, or the mouthwatering delicious food shown at the dinner table.

And may the unconquerable sun of justice, known simply as Jesus the Christ, who, in the day of his birth in the manger bestow upon all the warmth of his presence in every heart and home.

Merry Christmas.

Staying safe and hope-filled in this pandemic-marred Yuletide

Staying safe and hope-filled
in this pandemic-marred Yuletide

(or: "A Christmas Message in a time of Pandemic")

Warm greetings. 

As the Philippines and the rest of the world are experiencing unprecedented upheaval brought by the pandemic, every person, institution, felt how their plans becoming meaningless as to struggle to cope with not just the health implications of virus, but also to the necessary responses to it. Be it lockdowns, restricted movement, or even the rants of the president that instead created a negative ire by its constituents. 

But despite this, and other recent events, means to alleviate from hardships foster solidarity amongst persons and communities. And to think that never in recent memory has any single event had such a far-reaching impact causing so much uncertainty, still, there's a duty to fight back, forge, and grow with words like "recovery" and "normalcy" getting mattered on. With or without a "blessing" from the government. 

And now, in this season known for giving and for reality's sake, feasting, fears of a possible wave of pandemic resonate and keeps one worry about their health as well as those of others. There are no carols except those from the radio and in social media, while novena masses rather in limited number of parishoners or being videoed for those who can't attend. Authorities even advised to stay at home despite people thriving at malls for their yuletide stuff. Not surprising, for like past years, malls are abling to show some "yuletide spirit" even in this time of pandemic. 

Perhaps, in this season and in the coming year this note would say that everything goes: that people, despite this pandemic will try to earn for a living, to see them in the streets despite numerous policies such as social distancing. The pandemic brought by COVID19 continues while people been waiting for a vaccine and various sorts of treatments to stop the spread and to recover others affected by this disease. Hope that despite numerous trials hope and solidarity be ever prevail, to regain comfort if not prosperity without self-seeking, and to forge further for a future that is to come. 

Wishing for goodwill in a time of division: Thoughts after a visit to Bethlehem long ago (and seeing a concrete wall)

Wishing for goodwill in a time of division:

Thoughts after a visit to Bethlehem long ago (and seeing a concrete wall)

Pilgrimage is at first may mean visiting holy sites, but inside lies an embarking on a journey of prayer, reflection, charity, and solidarity especially for the downtrodden in their times of trials, as well as countless other acts of faith.

But for this writer, that kind of journey isn't about faith alone. In fact, as his colleagues were thinking about the next holiest destination in the Holy Land, this writer encountered many walls and some bridges, especially on the peripheries. And from there one would say "What kind of peace being talked about when there are more walls instead of bridges? For sure one has mistaken peace for their desire of silence."

Especially in Bethlehem, known as the birthplace of the Lord Jesus Christ. As this person remembers his visit, the tour guide talked about the Palestinian Christian Situation where most are struggling out for their living- that they all depend on making crafts all for the visiting tourists be it Roman Catholic or Greek Orthodox alike, altogether looking for a rosary, or, if having enough cash, a vial containing holy soil, oil, and water. He even talked about stark reminders of the Israeli occupation- especially checkpoints that inhibit movement, and passes for Palestinians that able to enter Israel whether for work, or for the well-privileged, a chance to study. 

And because of that experience this writer would say that despite the journey's spiritual nature, that in seeing an actually exisiting truth and in the news being read, would say that the journey isn't just about visiting a holy site- but to remind of a duty to serve humanity. That in seeing the concrete walls and graffitis featuring names of martyrs and their calls of struggle, comes the thought of the need for peace that's based on justice. 

Otherwise, of what is prayer for peace if concrete walls continue to stand? Walls, be it physical or not, makes the view of peace, justice, what more of freedom, less possible. 

BEIT SAHOUR

Located east of Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, also known as "Beit Sahour an-Nasara" (Beit Sahour of the Christians), is believed to be the site of the annunciation to the shepherds (Luke 2), in which angels tell a group of shepherds about Christ's birth. The angel’s good news was not given to the noble or pious, but to workers with a low reputation. And ancient Jewish literature ranked “shepherd” as among the most despised occupations of the time — but for Jesus it was to identify himself with this occupation when he called himself “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). 

Popularly known for the "Shepherds Fields", Beit Sahour, the name of this historic city (the house of vigilance) reportedly stems from the Canaanite words ‘Beit’ (meaning ‘place’), and ‘Sahour’ (meaning ‘night watch’). It reflects the city's importance for shepherds, both as a grazing site during daytime and as a place of safety in the abundant caves available to the flocks at night.

And because of that event, there are churches, controlled by both Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox, situated within the site. For Catholics, a tent-shaped "chapel of the angels" was built by the Franciscans in 1953, and was designed by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi. Inside, the church has five apses that mimics the structure of a nomadic tent, with words "Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus" are inscribed in gold proclaiming the pilgrim "Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth."  

Prior to the construction of the modern church, Franciscan archaeologist Virgilio Canio Corbo excavated the site and found evidence of a large monastic establishment, dating back to a mosaic-floored 4th-century subterranean church, which was said to have been built by St. Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, in the 5th century. 

CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY

Originally built by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great over the cave venerated as Christ's birthplace, this present-day basilica was built by the Roman Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, and is still maintained by both Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian Apostolic Churches. 

Inside its halls bear a timeless legacy. That despite its surroundings occupied and almost destroyed by various conquerors (Persians, Arabs, Ottoman Turks, Crusaders alike), as well as the growing need for maintenance by its keepers (as the church is also deemed to be endangered for a long time and thus needs to be restored), the church's timeless relevance and sacredness continues to bring thousands of pilgrims, irrespective of its sects around the world.

But within its walls is far from the usual Christmas card image, that the actual place of Christ's birth is a dimly-lit cave that's originally meant to shelter animals. That place, also known as the "Grotto of the Nativity", is to be entered through its Steps located at the right of the iconostasis leading down to the subterranean cave that sometimes caused pilgrims jamming in trying to enter that sacred abode. In its pillars and walls there were crosses drawn signifying the pilgrims of centuries ago, testifying how their faith was stronger in a time when chaos surrounded them. And the silver star, where marks the spot Jesus Christ was born, is surrounded by 15 silver lamps representing the three Christian communities: six belong to the Greek Orthodox, four to the Catholics, and five to the Armenian Apostolic.

MILK GROTTO

A short distance south of the Church of the Nativity is a shrine popularly known as the Milk Grotto. 

Hollowed out of soft white rock, the site, known since the Byzantine era and restored in 1872 by the Franciscans, has been a center of pilgrimage, and continues to remain sacred to both Christians and Muslims, especially mothers who are trying to conceive. 

ccording to legend, this shrine was the place where the Holy Family found refuge during the Massacre of the Innocents, before they fled into Egypt. But the name "Milk Grotto" is derived from the story that a "drop of milk" of the Virgin Mary fell on the floor of the cave and changed its colour to white. The white "milk powder" is also known for its miraculous powers, that by mixing it with food and praying to the Our Lady, mothers believe it will increase the quantity of their milk or enable them to become pregnant.  

***

These places are indeed, truly deepening the faith of many pilgrims and is visited in thousands around the world, irrespective of its sect. And to think that there are cases of scuffles especially in entering its relics- then it is not surprising for their faith seemingly compels them to enter, pray, and wipe a piece of cloth enough for a relic that not just deepens their belief but also a memory of entering that sacred site.

However, from those places where these pilgrimage sites situated, is also a center of protest. That behind being a "Shepherd's Field" Beit Sahour is also centre of Palestinian political activism, as it played a key role in the first and second Intifadas with its local activists using non-violent activism and tax resistance against Israeli occupation. They even send message of goodwill towards its Jewish neighbours, all in pursuit of "breaking bread, not bones". 

But in Bethlehem, this sacred site didn't escape from being a battlefield. In fact, according to Wikipedia, the city is surrounded by two bypass roads for Israeli settlers, leaving the inhabitants squeezed between thirty-seven Jewish enclaves, where a quarter of all West Bank settlers, roughly 170,000, live; the gap between the two roads is closed by the 8-metre high Israeli West Bank barrier, which cuts Bethlehem off from its sister city Jerusalem. Worse, that Christian families who have lived in Bethlehem for hundreds of years are being forced to leave as their land being seized, and homes bulldozed, all for the construction of Israeli settlements. Even the peaceful Beit Sahour is also affected by those seizures as the original Christian Palestinian occupants being driven out of the town, while Israeli settlements occupy their lands with the courts rule that Christian homes as illegal and thus subject to demolition by its occupiers.

And because of those experiences wouldn't be surprised that the Holy Land continues to be in a state of struggle. True indeed that Palestinians are taking arms and fight against the occupation, that one of their calls is a free Palestine "from the River to the Sea"; while concerned Jews expressed the need for addressing the Palestinian situation not by the force of arms but through a serious dialouge and recognising the Palestinian right for self-determination. Not also surprising that from the scene of war both Jews and Arabs who desired peace seriously wished to "break bread than bones" despite the risks being faced. 

For now the concrete walls continues remain stood and divided villages. Warning signs continues to threaten people with gunfire while Israeli settlements rise from the demolished villages. The other side of the walls, however, bear graffitis that expressed Palestinian opposition towards the occupation, if not some houses bear calls like "Free Palestine" to those of names of martyrs killed during the Intifada or the protests against the occupation. There are even graffitis or monuments that bear movements like George Habash's "Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine" or Nayef Hawatmeh's "Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine". Ironically, these left-wing Palestinian resistance leaders are themselves, Christian by their family backgrounds yet their calls for liberation are secular in description.  

Pardon if this note may end "political" than "spiritual" especially as this writer, having observed both the pilgrimage sites and the concrete walls, of poor Palestinian Christians trying to work for a living and those of the Israelis in their fortress-like settlements. This note, in recalling the writer's visit in Bethlehem would say that despite its religious nature of that journey, would say that Christ's birth is not about spiritual redemption alone but also in pursuit of social liberation- just like what the Magnificat said, how Christ, being the promised redeemer, transforms the world "where the proud will be brought low, and the humble will be lifted up; that the hungry will be fed, and the rich will go without." And from those words, isn't it that political? Even the Lord's prayer itself is also political- for the words in the prayer are the “most revolutionary words human beings could imagine” in calling for God’s Kingdom to come and for His will to be done on earth as in heaven.

Anyway, may those words "peace", "goodwill", and "justice to all" be realised.

"Pandemic or Not, it's all about their interest over the people"

 "Pandemic or Not, it's all about their interest over the people"

Bluntly speaking, this note is ought to say that for the order who deals upon this pressing issue, it doesn't matter whether the pandemic will subside or not, for sometimes having that pandemic is itself a reason for the order to "put people in their place." Of course, people will oppose that measure citing it affects their daily movement (such as those of going to work or to buy necessary needs), but the order sees it as an opportunity to put their perception of stability, even it requires mobilising the police and the military to control people's movement, of imposing stringent measures in various levels and rebranding it as "quarantine" just to show how the regime is itself "fighting" the pandemic- even it isn't in a supposed medical manner and procedures such as the need for mass testing and necessary medical support especially frontliners. 

But as people continue to struggle amidst regulated movements and fear brought by the pandemic, authorities, who all sit comfortably in their high-end offices, and in connivance with interests, shrug people's concerns altogether if not being treated as an opportunity for their political agendas for 2022. In fact, various corporate entities take opportunity to make profit on this pandemic while corrupt politicians trying their best to "beautify" themselves in feigning doing charity for the poor.

However, in the halls of Malacañang comes a myriad of contradictions- that in one of presidential fireside rants, President Rodrigo Duterte wants the government’s vaccination program against COVID19 to kick off earlier than the projected second quarter of 2021, a change of statement from its earlier promise to "bring back normalcy" this December with vaccines to be distributed. Another statement from Duterte said he only recently saw the importance of mass tests after months of skepticism if not disagreeing with concerned officials stressing its importance. 

Yet, come to think that most of his rants shown in television emphasises the administration's real interest as not on how to provide support in this continuing pandemic problem nor the need to acquire vaccines from various sources (be it Pfizer, AstraZenica, or Sinovac) but rather the obsession of defeating the rebels with Duterte and his camarilla wallow in an endless stream of counterinsurgency war profit. The recent red taggings, witch hunts, and the extrajudicial killings has shown how the order, driven by their hatred against the growing mass of opposition from the toiling masses has preferred to continue wielding the sword of war as it continues its low intensity conflict in various names and rephrased plans. 

Like Aquino in 1987, Duterte would rather respond popular discontent not by social and economic reform or immediate relief for the downtrodden mass, but by police, military, and paramilitary action. And in speaking of that "wielding the sword of war" sometimes a concerned would wonder, what's the use of having an agency such as "adviser on the peace process" when the regime simply scrapped negotiations altogether? 

With these, a concerned would say "not surprising" about the situation. That as in the past, the order is either remorseless or unrepentant in its move to focus on their interest even it requires sacrificing its people be it this pandemic or the usual cycle of witchhunts and killings.  

"When defending rights coincides with...Arrest"

"When defending rights coincides with...Arrest"

By Kat Ulrike

The recent arrest that coincides with the "International Human Rights Day" has showeth how the order will continue with its venture. 

That like thieves in the night, authorities conducted four simultaneous raids on residences of six labor rights advocates and a journalist in Quezon City, Manila, and Mandaluyong between 2:00 - 3:00 in the morning last December 10 with evidences planted to justify their motives.

Those arrested and detained due to planted evidences consists of six trade unionists and one journalist. Here are as follows: 

• Dennise Velasco (Defend Jobs Philippines)
• Jaymie Gregorio Jr (Kilusang Mayo Uno)
• Romina Astudillo (Kilusang Mayo Uno)
• Mark Ryan Cruz (Kilusang Mayo Uno)
• Joel Demate (Solidarity of Labor for Rights and Welfare - SOLAR)
• Rodrigo Esparago (Sandigang Manggagawa sa Quezon City - SMQC)
• Lady Ann Salem - Manila Today

From this arrest, along with earlier incidents and bouts of witch hunts, lies the fact that the order's intensified crackdown against critics comes an obvious contempt for human rights. And from these arrests demonstrate how the order, via the current administration considers that human rights, as any other laws under the present constitution as a "doormat" for their orderist agenda. For the apologists, this doesn't matter for them whether it was planted or actually found by state elements, for the important is, these arrested are perceived as "enemies" of the state and therefore deserves that kind of unlikely consequence- and this is unsurprising. 

But will the concerned just stay quiet for this? True that these personalities are either against the administration or being critical on the administration's policies, but does it lead to another wave especially against those simply expressed their disbelief in their leader whose supporters look upon as their idol? Even Vice President Robredo is included in those witchunts brought by the order's apologists simply because she is "competing" against their idol! So again, will the concerned shy away for this system-sponsored paranoia? 

"More than an appeal to recover: Stand and Fight Back!"

 "More than an appeal to recover:
Stand and Fight Back!"

by Kat Ulrike

As in the past, defence policy in the Philippines has less to do with defending its national sovereignty against foreign invaders, but instead continues to pursue a policy that keeps society in a state of fear by endusing that the local population supports whatever orderist agenda the regime and its armed forces pursue "in the name of the people." From this, the armed forces attains both economic and social objectives through promoting internal security. 

Reminiscent of Marcosian tactics and Aquino's "Low Intensity Conflict", the Duterte regime's version of "war on terror" remains "multidimensional"- encompassing political, diplomatic, economic, all in pursuit of "winning the peace". It is not surprising for as the regime, taking pride in its extrajudicial killing or its unjust arrests as a "necessary move", with its apologists using "anticommunism" or its earlier "anti crime" as its rallying point to support with. With this kind of venture, close to 50,000 people in the country have been victims of state terror. Mostly are peasants whose lives been subjected to the whims of the thugs-in-uniform via psywar and combat operations. Even in Metro Manila and its surrounding provinces instances of arrests and killings against activists occurred and rebranded as cases of "resisting arrest" or "illegal possession of firearms" to justify such moves. 

For the apologist of the order, Duterte's version of Low Intensity Conflict is more than a rehash of "democracy versus communism", "against illegal drugs/crime", or an outright call for "total order versus democratic chaos", and these are used to obscure the true agenda of protecting and promoting interests both local oligarch/bureaucrat cliques and foreign conglomerates. By borrowing U.S. Colonel Waghelstein, this kind of action is "total war at the grassroots level", which includes economic and humanitarian assistance as "weapons" while at the same time mobilising either its police/military or the dreaded death squads that also supported by the state. Not surprising if these also supported by allies especially the United States, with its recent acquisition of weapons systems to be used for counterinsurgency purposes. And by suspending the negotiations in favour of Duterte's declaration of war supported by the armed forces, has intensified its operations. Operations like Oplan Kapanatagan and Oplan Kalasag, both described as "whole of nation approaches", are itself derived from the LIC scheme. 

In response to these actions, international human rights groups and known individuals have condemned the Duterte regime for its bloodied venture-of widespread killings and rights abuses. But again, for the apologists, this doesn't matter to them but instead further justifies it by covering up its crimes, or by hearing promises of blanket pardon from the president himself, or by outright equating human rights to "communism" reminiscent of Marcos's accusation of Human Rights as a communist-driven motive. For sure one would also remember statements like "shoot in the vagina", or its earlier rape jokes,  myriad of foul-mouthed messages, and the outright downplaying of the peace negotiations by Duterte himself reflected the administration's actions against the perceived "enemies of the state" whether by its aerial bombing, outright takeover of civilian facilities such as schools, or harassments/coercion from uniformed and non-uniformed elements- that  diminishes the civic and humanitarian programs that primarily aims to "coordinate both civilian and military resources in its offencive" against terrorism and crime. Wouldn't be surprised if state elements also toyed the idea of disbanding the "office of the adviser of the peace process" in order to justify further the basis of discontinuing the negotiations in favour of an all out war "solution."

But despite this, the people who have taken a stand against Duterte's actions chose to stand up and resist against his tyranny. From the recent protests to those of memes in social media, the people, including those who once supported him, realise the fact how the man who once promised "change" turned to be a farce, a mockery of people's hopes and aspirations regardless of what the administration tries to brag such as carryovers of past infrastructure programs or "reforms" that actually rephrased from the past both altogether meant to evade people from seeing the bloodied agenda. These forces, in valuing human rights and national interests are trying to assert and defend through whatever is left of legal courses with greater courage despite reprisals from the order and its attack dogs and only armed with principles and determination to resist against their motives.

“Drawing strength from faith and devotion amidst fear and disquiet”

“Drawing strength from faith and devotion amidst fear and disquiet”

(Or: “thoughts after Duterte’s Immaculate Conception message”)

For sure everyone cannot forget how that leader said that God is stupid, that he chose to go to hell "so that the people will live in paradise", and a myriad of tirades against the church, all just to defend his bloodied venture. 

But to think that with his message on this feast of the Immaculate Conception, just like this coming Christmas, or even Lent and Easter next year, all these together as expressing an appeal to unity using faith, then what an irony. For sure one would ask if is he's trying to curry favour with Christians especially those voted for him amidst his bloodied ventures and inactions, all after his earlier tirades accusing the clergy and the faithful for being against him in the name of "human dignity" and "human rights." "Let us all draw strength from the holy life and example of the Virgin Mary" as what he said, while some years ago he lambasted the Pope and the religious, while his supporters accused one clergyman after another of being a communist simply because of their really concerning statements and appeals. 

Perhaps, no matter how it appears not to be political, that as Christians, any other other religious, would say that there's hope in resisting against the wishes of an oppressive order and a tyrant who leads in it. That everyone should "do their share one another, of valuing justice, peace, respect for human dignity, and human rights" even in this scenarios of disquiet and rage.