The Manila Collegian Volume 30 Number 18-19

The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Manila Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 - Monday

new-age nightmare 08 features

filial piety 14 opinion

MARTIAL LAW IN MINDANAO MARRED BY STAUNCH PROTESTS, PETITIONS IN SC

02 NEWS

02 NEWS NEWS DOSE:

Fascism under Martial Law in Mindanao NIÑA KEITH M. FERRANCOL

Following the terror attacks of Maute Group in Marawi, President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte declared Martial Law in Mindanao last May 23, 2017.

In times of terrorism and rebellion, Martial Law is used as a countermeasure. However, according to progressive groups, curbing terrorism is only used as pretext to further abuse of civil liberties and political rights of the people.

Progressive groups argue that this declaration will worsen the situation in Mindanao. Evidently, the recent events in the area show the negative implications of Martial Law such as intensified military operations, illegal arrests, detention, deaths, extrajudicial killings and massive human rights violations. The number of internal refugees and displacement of communities also increased.

Furthermore, many civilians are getting caught in the crossfire.

Based on the statistics from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Crisis Management Committee, internally displaced people have already reached 239,887 as of June 6. There were up to 22 civilian deaths, 52 people missing and 1, 707 civilian stranded counted.

12 workers of Korean-owned Shin Sun Tropical Fruit Corporation in Compostela Valley were also harassed by the military last June 2 during their protest against the illegal dismissal of 53 workers in the company. Moreover, the ongoing peace talk process between Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) was compromised.

Progressive groups further reiterated that militarization will not solve the conflict but only aggravate it causing growing armed conflicts and social unrest.

The Maute group is reportedly comprised of Moro leaders who were dissatisfied with the peace talks between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). As such, the NDFP suggested that the root of the armed conflict must be resolved firsthand. *Layon ng News Dose na na magbukas ng serye ng mapanuring pag-ulat hinggil sa napapanahong balita.

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

Martial Law in Mindanao Marred

by Staunch Protests, Petitions in SC THE NEWS TEAM

President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s Proclamation No. 216 or the declaration of Martial Law (ML) in Mindanao last May 23 faced series of protests from various groups and sectors as they deem it as having 'no legal basis', 'no factual anchorage for its necessity', and not the solution for the Marawi crisis. ML is currently challenged in the Supreme Court (SC) by multiple petitioners.

The said declaration was in response to the conflict in Marawi City between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Maute Terror Group which sparked when government troops attempted to capture Isnilon Hapilon - Abu Sayyaf leader and the 'Emir' of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in South East Asia.

The so-called "existence of rebellion" and the extremists' plan to establish an ISIS province in Mindanao was one of Duterte's reasons for imposing ML. The proclamation ensuing the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus will take effect at a maximum of 60 days without extension from congress.

Duterte said that it will be similar to the Martial Law declared by Ferdinand Marcos and hinted that he might declare Martial Law to the

whole country if deemed necessary.

Exacerbated Crisis As of June 17, death toll from the clashes between the government forces and extremists amounted to 329, where 225 were extremists, 59 were government forces, 26 were civilians and 19 were deaths from civilians displaced by the crisis. According to Joint Task Force Marawi, as of June 15, 1,629 civilians have been rescued from conflict zones. Strategic vantage points in Marawi City were recovered and only 4 out of 96 barangays are currently experiencing conflict.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as of June 20, 69,321 families or 338,674 individuals were displaced with 3,747 families or 17,724 persons staying in 83 evacuation centers. DSWD also

laid out plans of financial help for every family totalling 5,000 which will be given in 2 tranches - 1,000 pesos in June 23 -24 and 4,000 pesos when returning to Marawi was deemed safe.

This is also aside from the food and relief packs that were sent to them.

In line with this, DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo thanked individuals and institutions who extended help to the displaced families through DSWD including the University of the Philippines campuses in Metro Manila, Kabataan Party-List Cordillera, Cebu Pacific Air Lines and others.

Petition Forwarded Duterte's declaration of ML faced opposition in the SC with groups including the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Secretary General Neri Colmenares, Albay

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NEWS 03

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

Photos taken by Agatha Hazel Rabino Representative Edcel C. Lagman, women residents from Marawi City, National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), human rights advocates and others sending paper works for its termination. In line with this, from June 13 to 15, oral arguments in the SC took place where consolidated petitions were discussed and their petitioners questioned.

Arguments by petitioners include the difference between the act of 'terrorism' and 'rebellion' as stated in the law, the sufficiency and integrity of ML's factual basis, ML's necessity, Marawi siege being a pretended rebellion, and ML as the instrument of last resort. Petitions were also submitted to compel congress to convene jointly for Proclamation No. 216. Additionally, SC Associate Justice Marvic Leonen also expressed concerns over the Duterte's ML scope.

To answer majority of the petitions, Solicitor General Jose Calida was asked by the SC to represent key Martial Law implementers such as Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff

General Eduardo M. Año.

According to Calida, the Marawi Crisis was an act of rebellion since presidential powers were deprived on the area and the government had already exhausted all possible options before going to its last resort which is ML. On June 15, the last day of the oral arguments, top martial law officials held a closed door meeting in the SC together with the petitioners' representative, Lagman.

Protests Intensified Three days after the declaration of ML, protests in Mendiola took place to condemn Duterte's declaration. "Ang Batas Militar sa Mindanao ay patunay lamang na ang noo'y pagbibiro ni Duterte tungkol dito ay maaaring mauwi sa katotohanan," furthered Anakbayan National Chairperson Vencer Crisostomo.

Last May 31, protests were also held outside the House of Representatives (HOR). During the protest, Gabriela Women's Party (GWP) Representative Emmi De Jesus called out the review

of the facts and reports justifying ML since some of it had been negated by media reports. She also articulated that the airstrikes and blockades will only worsen the condition of the Marawi civilians.

On June 12, multiple protests were held across the country. In Cebu City, 300 people under the Cebu Citizens' Assembly called for vigilance pertaining to Martial Law. They also feared that the Visayas will be placed under ML and a multitude of abuses will arise. Protests in Iloilo City, Roxas City and Calibo calling for the lifting of Martial Law in Mindanao also occurred.

Groups trooped to the US Embassy to decry US intervention in the Marawi Crisis. "The US creates, exploits and fans conflicts worldwide to advance their imperialist agenda, which includes reestablishing bases in the Philippines", stated BAYAN Secretary General Renato M. Reyes Jr. BAYAN also mentioned that it does not have any legal basis.

Lastly, the groups gathered in Mendiola to heed their calls against Martial Law, resume peace talks with

FROM P.02

the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), and to expel US troops in Mindanao. Groups like Anakbayan also declared that protests will continue to intensify.

“If police, military and related vigilante and paramilitary groups are now conducting extrajudicial killings with impunity, with more than 7,000 victims reported and counting, what more under martial law, where they will be given even more power to curtail our rights?”, stated former Bayan Muna Representative Teddy Casiño.

Moreover, Reyes also issued a separate statement stating that ML will affect the government's peace negotiations with the NDFP, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

"The various armed conflicts in Mindanao are rooted in decadesold problems of poverty, inequality, discrimination and violations of the right to self-determination. These will ultimately require more than just a military solution. Martial Law is not the answer", he concluded.

04 NEWS

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

A TIMELINE OF MARTIA

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

AL LAW IN MINDANAO

NEWS 05

06 NEWS

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

Photos from the 2017 National People's Summit at Philippine Heart Center. People's assessment of President Duterte's first year in office was discussed during the program. (June 28, 2017 | Photos taken by Thalia Real Villela)

HR passes tax reform package Labor groups contest bill as anti-poor ANTON GABRIEL ABUEVA LERON

Upon its third reading, the House of Representatives (HR) approved House Bill (HB) 5636 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Bill last May 31 in a 246-9 vote with 1 abstention.

The decision arrived much to the chagrin of several labor groups and coalitions who argue that the bill’s provisions on excise taxes will beleaguer low-income Filipinos.

Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) insists that the package will do more harm than good to minimum wage earners.

Promising Provisions

"The impact of the proposed tax measure to workers is not uplifting because those who are already poor workers would become even poorer. This bill is a big mistake committed by congressmen who approved it," declared ALU-TUCP spokesperson Allan Tanjusay.

HR 5636 was touted by lawmakers as a long-needed tax reform package. Should the bill be signed into law, taxpayers who earn less than P250,000 annually shall be exempted from income taxes while the maximum income tax will gradually be reduced from 32% to 25%.

On the other hand, the wealthiest taxpayers – those who earn more than P5 million annually – shall merit an increase in their income tax from today’s 32% to an eventual 35%.

Unforeseen Implications Despite the bill’s favorable stance on personal income tax, the Associated

Tanjusay was referring to HB 5636’s provisions on excise tax – one of the most highly contested portions of the bill. According to the provisions, sugarsweetened drinks such as powdered juice and soft drinks shall be taxed P10 per liter.

Moreover, other commodities such as fuel and motor vehicles will also receive an increase in excise taxes.

In a study by the Philippine Association of Store and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), it was assessed that around 1.3 million

sari-sari stores will be affected by the tax increase. The reform is also projected to directly impact the living expenses of ordinary Filipinos, since for sugarsweetened beverages alone, 80% of consumers are actually low-income earners.

Concerted Defense Hence, ALU-TUCP is contending for the increase of daily minimum wage to P184 and the implementation of a P500 allowance for minimum wage earners in order for them to cope with the steadily rising cost of living.

Bayan Muna Party-list Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate also expressed his party’s apprehension over the bill.

According to Zarate, HB 5636’s personal income tax reduction will have little to no effect on taxpayers since some provisions remove current personal and medical insurance tax deductions as well as introduce the taxation of fringe benefits.

Conversely, Zarate argues that the rich shall inadvertently benefit from the bill since they would be able to receive an approximate P178.3 billion in tax reductions via reforms to personal and corporate income taxes, estate and donor taxes, and capital income taxes.

“According to DOF, without tax reform, the people will likely remain poor.

With regressive taxation, which mainly characterize the tax reforms in HB 5636, the people will be poorer and burdened further”, explained Zarate.

Zarate asserted that only the government and the wealthiest families will benefit from HB 5636 while the poorest Filipinos shall bear the brunt of its effects.

As of press time, HB 5636 is yet to be signed into law. The bill is set to be discussed by the Senate once Congress opens its second regular session on July 24.

NEWS 07

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

Fifth round of peace talks between GRP-NDFP, annulled GRP set last-minute preconditions SOFIA MONIQUE KINGKING SIBULO

Peace talks between Government of the Philippines (GRP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is still intact despite the cancellation of the fifth round of formal talks last May 27 at The Hague, Netherlands.

Setbacks to Agreements Both panels were present for the formal talks as scheduled, however they proceeded to a closed-door preliminary meeting after the GRP presented several prerequisites.

Despite the cancellation of the fifth round, the peace negotiations are still ongoing.

Following this, Secretary Silvestre Bello III assured that the NDFP negotiating panel are still covered under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

Meanwhile, the GRP insisted that the NDFP sign a ceasefire agreement prior to the negotiation, an action which the NDFP had then deemed as counter-productive.

Moreover, the GRP also asked the NDFP leadership to recall its declaration to the New People’s Army (NPA) to carry out more tactical offensives in response to the GRP’s all-out war and imposition of martial law in Mindanao. In line with this, The NDFP explained that the GRP’s pending of the peace talk will further pacify the NPA.

JASIG secures the rights of negotiators, consultants, staffers, security, and other personnel participating in the peace negotiations to free and unhindered passage in all areas in the Philippines regarding their duties. The participants will be granted immunity from surveillance, harassment, search, detention, prosecution, interrogation or any other similar punitive actions due to any involvement or participation in the peace negotiations.

In contrast, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza clarified that the GRP backed out in the fifth round as a response to the “blatant defiance” of the NDFP to the Martial Law in Mindanao.

“In specific areas of cooperation and coordination, the armed forces of the GRP and NDFP shall be bound by a ceasefire agreement between them, pending the issuance of ceasefire declarations that are unilateral but simultaneous and reciprocal,” stated the NDFP negotiating

Sustained negotiations

panel.

De facto, GRP expressed that the NDFP should sign a unilateral ceasefire agreement to continue the talk. President Spokesperson Ernesto Abella emphasized that the NDFP should be consistent with their pronouncements.

Upholding Peace Despite the withdrawal of attendance for the fifth round, both parties are still eager to pursue the negotiation.

“A few days ago, it was learned that, through back channel talks, members of the two panels had resolved certain actual or perceived hindrances and agreed to continue the disrupted fifth round of negotiations within two months,” stated Satur Ocampo.

The negotiation then may ensue on August.

Furthermore, various groups urged the government regarding the need for the assumption of the negotiations. They also

highlighted the issues the people continue to face, which would be resolved upon the forwarding of the peace talks.

“Peace talks should be about genuine agrarian reform, national industrialization, providing free housing, education, and social services rather than about forcing revolutionaries to surrender without resolving the socio-economic roots of armed conflict,” said Anakbayan National Chairperson Vencer Crisostomo.

Moreover, human rights group Karapatan reacted to the threat of President Rodrigo Duterte on the arrest of the representatives of the panel due to NDFP’s response to the Martial Law in Mindanao.

“We call on President Duterte to exercise sobriety in his pronouncements which have profound effects on policies and processes on the ground. We reiterate the call for continue the peace talks between the GRP and the NDFP, adherence to previously signed agreements in the peace process and the lifting of the martial law declaration in Mindanao”, urged Karapatan Secretary-General Christina Palabay.

Photos from the All Leaders' Meet held on June 21,2017 at the office of the Manila Collegian where former Student Regent (SR) Raoul Manuel gave the groups updates on the Free Tuition Policy (FTP) and how this policy will be integrated into UP. (Photos taken by Leah Paras)

08 NEWS

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

Migrants’ Act of 1995, tasahin at repasuhin – GWP Migrante, nagpahayag ng suporta ARIES RAPHAEL REYES PASCUA

Iginiit ng Gabriela Women’s Partylist (GWP) ang pangangailangan sa pagtatasa ng Republic Act (RA) 8042 o ang Migrants’ Act of 1995.

Kasunod sa paglagda ng Migrants' Act of 1995 noong Hunyo 7, 1995, itinalaga ang petsa na ito na Pambansang Araw ng mga Migrante bilang paggunita sa eksekyuson kay Flor Contemplacion sa Singapore dahil sa kasong pagpatay na isinakdal sa kanya.

“Twenty-two years after the enactment of RA 8042 or the Migrants’ Act of 1995, the plight of Filipino migrant workers has worsened is a gross understatement. If Pres. Duterte wants to protect our OFWs and curb labor migration, he must begin at questioning the labor export policy institutionalized in this law,” wika ni Arman Hernando, tagapagsalita ng Migrante International.

Ayon sa mga ulat, sinumite ng mga kinatawan ng GWP na sina Rep. Emmi De Jesus at Rep. Arlene Brosas ang House

Resolution 1056 o ang resolusyon na naguutos sa Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs na muling aralin, alinsunod sa lehislasyon, ang Republic Act 8042, na mas kilala sa tawag na Migrante Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.

Sa likod ng panukala Sa pananaliksik na ipinasa sa mababang kapulungan, iginiit ng Migrante na ang Migrants’ Act of 1995 ay nakakapagpagpatindi lamang sa komodipikasyon ng lakas-paggawa ng bansa dahil itinataguyod nito ang Labor Export Policy at ang di-makataong kalagayan ng mga manggagawa.

Iginiit din ng Migrante na ang batas ay nag-

alis sa tungkulin ng pamahalaan sa mga OFW at kanilang pamilya, at ipinasa ito sa mga pribadong institusyon.

Sa isang pahayag ni Hernando, kaniyang isiniwalat ang mga datos na nagpapatunay sa patuloy na paghihirap ng mga migrante, “The more revolting fact is that even after the death of Flor Contemplacion, the government unabatedly continued deploying the most vulnerable section of OFWs, the domestic helpers. By 2015, 533 domestic helpers are being deployed every day, an increase of 207% from 2015. And they are all treated like slaves,” wika niya.

Idiniin ni Hernando na sa kabila ng pagkakaroon ng batas ay marami pa ring pang-aabuso ang nararanasan ng mga

manggagawa sa ibayong dagat at hirap pa ring makamit ang hustisya rito. Sapilitang pagpapabalik sa sariling bayan, iligal na pagrerekrut, at pagsasampa ng kaso sa mga OFW ang sumasambulat sa POLO, POEA, at OWWA araw-araw.

“We reject the Migrants’ Act of 1995 as we reject the commodification of migrant workers in the unjust Labor Export Policy of the government,” pagpipinid ni Hernando.

Nitong Hunyo 7, pinangunahan ng Migrante International ang isang porum na pinamagatang “SUMA 2017: The State of the Filipino Migrants and their Families under the Duterte Administration” sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman.

Photos of the lightning rally conducted by various student organizations during the commencement of the University Graduation for UP Manila held last June 21, 2017 at the Philippine International Convention Center. (Photos taken by Justin Francia)

FEATURES 09

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

In the evening of May 23, 2017, a nightmare of the past plagued the entire island of Mindanao during its supposed slumber.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared Martial Law hours after the reports that government troops raided the alleged hideout of the Abu Sayyaf leader, Isnilon Hapilon, who has sworn allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2014. The said hideout was located in Marawi City, and the seizure of it added fuel to the fire of the continuing battle of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Maute Terror Group militants.

President Duterte, later on, cited the “existence of rebellion” as his primary basis for declaring martial

law, following the terror attacks in Marawi City.

De Ja Vu Often referred to as a ‘reactionary constitution’, the 1987 Philippine Constitution serves as the saving grace of the nightmare that was the Ferdinand Marcos regime.

The current constitution of the country tries to safeguard the rights of the people from internal and external abuses, as opposed to what it failed to do during the nationwide martial law that started in 1972.

In today’s

Philippine Constitution, many provisions are specifically stated regarding the declaration, implementation, and limitations of military rule. Under Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, it is stated; “In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he [the President] may, for a period of not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law.” To show a sense of equality among the branches of government regarding this matter, the Legislative and Judicial branches are also given distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities.

While the Congress, voting jointly, is given the power to revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be disregarded by the President, the Supreme Court, on the other hand, in an

appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen, may review the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. In the current constitution, although it is made sure that the power

to proclaim and sustain a military rule is not only held by one person or one office only, it is still vague about the authority and capacity of the state to control its power, which is why, almost four decades after the Marcosera martial law, the same horrors still haunt the Filipino people.

As proven by the horrific events in the past, the declaration of martial law has been nothing but a tool of the state to abuse its power over the people.

Ever since the martial law of the Marcos regime ended, not only did the proclamation had a terrifying imprint on the minds of the people, but it also led people who hold power to realize that it was an ingenious scheme of how to perpetually oppress the masses with a cloak of legitimacy. Placing the country or certain areas under martial law, and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus mean that state forces are entitled to coercive power – they can arrest people and search private properties without warrants.

Although the 1987 Constitution states that only people charged for rebellion and invasion can be inflicted by the suspension of the writ, it still has loopholes that the state could utilize for its abusive purposes; this exact provision provides the state the idea of charging people with other criminal offenses just to make the arrest.

This state-perpetuated practice has been imposed many times in the past in the name of allegedly suppressing lawless violence in the land; one CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

JUSTIN DANIELLE FRANCIA, CZYRAH ISABELLA CORDOBA, AND MARILOU CELESTINO ILLUSTRATION BY JOSE PAOLO BERMUDEZ REYES

NEW-AGE

NIGHTMARE PROBING THE MANDATED MARTIAL LAW IN MINDANAO

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

10 FEATURES NEW-AGE NIGHTMARE

instance is the aforementioned martial law that was declared in 1972, and another is the military rule implemented in the province of Maguindanao in Mindanao in December 2009 under the regime of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The former example is believed to have happened because of various reasons that piled up through the years of Ferdinand Marcos’ reign as president, but, mainly, it was the desire to remain in power and position, and the want to silence adversaries that pushed for the declaration of martial law. On the other hand, the Arroyo administration’s call for declaring martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Maguindanao was caused by the massacre of 57 civilians on November 23 of that year – now known as the “Maguindanao Massacre”.

Looking at the surface, these martial law declarations were made to bring order during times of chaos. But should it be scrutinized, these turn out to be mere acts for those in the stage, to help them gain further control over the people and twist the dreams they want people to remember.

Reverie Under the trance of twisted memories and lies, majority of the people fail to see beyond the declaration of martial law.

As another martial law is set in motion, people are made to believe that it is necessary to suppress lawless violence in the land—covering up its real intentions once more. Still, since the 1987 Philippine Constitution presents two grounds for the President to declare martial law, declaring one should’ve been a tedious and long process. However, martial law in Mindanao was urgently implemented despite the absence of both grounds stated in the Section 18, Article VII. This puts the implementation under criticisms and deep scrutiny.

In a petition filed to nullify martial law proclamation, the four Marawi women insisted that there were no sufficient basis to show that there is nothing that the government could do to fight terrorism attacks in Marawi. The petitioners said that if the government did not collapse at the time of the proclamation of martial law, and if the violence was not that widespread and overwhelming that

only the military could establish an image of governance, martial law is not warranted. This petition shows the immediate reaction of those who are experiencing the situation in Marawi first-hand. The proclamation was also condemned by one of the framers of the 1987 constitution, Christian Monsod.

Monsod said that as the commanderin-chief, President Duterte possesses a great power to call on all of the armed forces to suppress lawless violence whenever necessary. With the huge portion of the country’s annual budget being given to the military, it is in fact dubious as to why martial law has to be declared despite the capabilities of the military.

Even before the existence of an alleged rebellion and the declaration of Martial Law, Mindanao has already been under state ammunition. Since the declaration of the all-out-war, AFP units have bombed different places all over the country. As an example, more than 200 Lumad Families in Far South Mindanao which are mostly B’laan and Kaolo were flushed out of their communities after the AFP have aerial bombed sitios Tangis and Kindag in Barangay Datal Anggas in Alabel, Sarangani. Aside from further bombings in the area, government forces also arrested civilians whom they have tortured and forced to serve as escorts for their military operations.

Furthermore, in Southern Mindanao, around 1,000 families and 5,000 individuals have been forced to move out of their homes as the AFP bombards their area in barangays Macopa, Kibagyo, and Bullucan in Laak, Compostela Valley. Moreover, barangays in Manay, Davao Oriental were also evacuated as the AFP conducted aerial bombings in Lupon, Davao Oriental last February 14.

People from different places such as Samar, Agusan Del Norte, Davao City, Bukidnon, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Oriental Mindoro, and Abra have also been reportedly bombed by government forces.

These bombings do not help in mitigating fear; thus, only lead to the propagation of violence and terror as it land directly and affect the innocent lives of the Mindanaoans. With numerous deaths and injuries, people in Mindanao has certainly suffered the damages brought by the brutality of the country’s armed conflicts. More so, these acts of inhumanity have caused the loss of homes and livelihoods of

FROM P.09

peasant Lumad communities, along with their human rights, and in some cases, even their lives.

As of July 14, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that the total number of people killed due to the ongoing crisis in Marawi City already reached 537 – inclusive of civilians, militants, and soldiers. The uncounted number of people who are hurt, detained, and stripped off their basic rights because of the existence of martial law may also have increased as the death toll rises. Considering the numerous reports of deaths and abuses, the Supreme Court, in a majority vote, still affirmed President Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao. On July 4, Tuesday, 11 justices voted to dismiss the petitions against martial law, thus upholding its constitutionality; 3 justices, including Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, voted to limit the military rule in Marawi City and certain areas in Mindanao. On the other hand, only Associate Justice Marvic Leonen voted to nullify the declaration altogether.

Being the highest arbiter of law in the land, the Supreme Court’s affirmative ruling on Duterte’s declaration of martial law only further legitimizes the military rule, and it proves that the State is the leviathan that sees to the oppression of its people.

Ironically, the government forces whose mandate is to serve and protect their constituents, has kept their backs turned on the masses. Evident in their history of fascism, they stood up against the Filipino in favor of the manipulative and powerful elite, who, even at the cost of bloodshed even among countrymen, will remain to perpetuate violence to keep their power and interests intact. The decision to oppress and abuse the people and their rights comes so naturally to the State that it tends to implement this verdict to every problem that plagues the country. Such is manifested in the new-age nightmare that has been plaguing the Mindanaoans since its implementation.

The declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao can never be justified nor corrected through reasoning out the suppression of lawless violence; for Martial Law has never been the solution in the first place. It is not the reverie, the people think it is. It does not wage wars against the Filipino people, but rather on them, as its primary perpetrator.

QUESTION NO. 1

FROM P.11

negotiations with the Maute group should be handed to the MNLF and MILF. This way, less disagreements will arise. - bakitakomahalaga?, 2012 Hindi. Kasi, (at di lang ito based sa past experience noong Marcos era) maaaring maabuso ang karapatang pantao ng mga taong nakatira sa Mindanao lalo na't mukhang walang kapaki-pakialam ang pangulo sa karapatang pantao (evidence: statements he did). - NeverForget , CAS Hindi nararapat, grabe ang human rights violation ng militar kung hawak nila ang batas mamumuno ang dahas.

- ever-drawing, 2013, CAS Hindi dapat. Ang martial law ay response ng gobyerno sa gulo sa Marawi base sa mga hindi validated na facts at balita ukol sa sitwasyon dun.

Dahil dito, hindi para sa kabutihan ng mga mamamayan ng Marawi and martial law dahil hindi ito magbubunga ng kapayapaan ngunit mas lalo pang karahasan sa panig ng militar at ng Maute group. Ang maiipit dito ay ang mga sibilyan. - turon 2012 This does not aim to solve the conflict in Marawi. Implementing martial law in Mindanao will just amplify the military's authority and power.

This will intensify militarization in various areas and amount to the worsening of human rights violations and suspension of civil liberties.

-Pinkbubbles During the period of the implementation of Martial Law since May 23, there has been no improvements in the situation in Marawi. There have only been rampant cases of intimidation and harassment against citizens. In the first place, Martial Law was not necessary if this is just what it would do. Why allow militarization to intensify if there has been conflict in the first place? Martial Law merely worsened the already ongoing conflict. --ouchita HINDI. HAY DAMOVES NANAMAN YAN NG GOBYERNO. PUNYETANG GOBYERNO. - stuDENT, 2013

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ITANONG KAY ISKO’T ISKA

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

Mga Fulung-Vulungan ng Nagjijisang

S

a

iyong

nararapat ang

palagay, ba pagpataw

LOLA PATOLA WONDER! EDISHUUUN

Batas Militar sa Mindanao?

Bakit?

Nagvavalik na namuHn ang inYong Lola Patola and dis tym from ThemyScIRA! Sow syemfre ano Puh bUh ang gagaween ko hir kundee maghain ng humahataw niyong sumvhong! Vavaeng palabern, waluHng inuurungern ang Lola niyow! WaluHng magkaHkamaling hamoonin si aquoh at vaka‌vaka lunHg namernn, deins na yern makajuwi sa kaniluh. Himayin na ang mga sumvhong, pak, ginemitarn quoh pa ito ng Lasso of truth ufang ifakita na totoong totoo ang mga sumvhong na itow ng aking veloved na afows from Yu-Fi-Em. Simulern nuh natin at ang Lola niyow wil meyk ligtas ang mundow. Hataw!

HINDI. Di siya necessary. Pwede sila magsagawa ng effective military ops without ML. Gusto lang nila ng seemingly justified nation-wide declaration ng ML e. DONT US akonatalaga

ng

Wonder sumvhong numvah Wan: Hell Servicess fara sa aking mga afows

Alerm namuhn nating lahert na taontaon yang fisical eksam ng mga beloved afows ko, at taon-taon deen silang hassel sa maskels nating lahert. Kklk. I herd dizz sumbongz na di na naayos ang Sistema and di sila maxadong considereyt sa mga afows ko at sa mga tym niler? Kalerky!

Italy yern sila ng lasso of truth nang makasagert nang maayows at imbyernuh ang Lola niyow.

Mga afows ko na ubows na nga ang tym for acads, di fa ayusin ng hel services. Tafows di man lung mafagbigyan yung special cases like my afow na injured tafows dee fa rin finafila dahell breaktym talga buh? Minsan fa wala sila sa oras. Alarm namuhn na dudumog ang mga a f o w s ko dahil nid nila magpaeksam, vakit farang lagi nalang di ready? Nakerrr, nxt tym, ayowsin niyo yern and fengeng konting konsiderayshown, kung yaw niyong gibain kow kayow kasamuh ang mga amazowna frends kow.

Yezz health workers din ang nagtatrabahew fara rito and sana we gib dem dah zeym amount of konsidereyshun sa taym and skedyul if we alsow want da zeym to be done to us! Mahiraf fo ang magwork sa environmench na itew so mga afowz and HS, plezz lezz work togedah! Char.

Wonder sumvhong numvah Tu: So-Freaking-Ano raw ???

G na g ang Lola and beloved afows fara gawing pri pri pri ang edukasyown fero anyare YUFI?! SoTagalFarangmAyPoreber???

SobrangToleratedScam? Now mga afows, vago na ang branding ng diskawnt sa tuition kklk.

Ano itech SoFreakingAnek na ganerp? May diskawnt diskawnt na mas hassle ang frocess?

And advans na namern sa ThemyScIRA fero hindi kow tow naririnig or nagegetzzzz.

D namern naorient daw ang beloved afows kow, many sa kanila ay supah lost na lost. Yang tataa, sinow namern ang nagpausow nitow? Itatali kow, sagoooowt! Nid ng mga afows ko malamern faano ang frocess and kung haw haw haw much de carabao ang tuishown! Di sila jumejebs ng fera. Itey na namern ang rich until froven foor na ganerp. Walang alerm, walang anything, may pausowng frocess? Nid ng afows ko ng explanashen and instrucshown.

Hilo hilo na ang lahert nagkakalokowhern nuuuh. Kastresssssss k a y o o o o o o w.

Enebeyern.

Qiqil aqouh. Next tym waley na dapat ganitey na frocess kasi libre na ngaang edukasyown dapat. Ikr. Eherm.

Eneweiiiiii mga afows, ayan ang mga nadekwat kong sumvhongs niyow. Olweiz remember na Lola is olweiz hir, makikinig, nag-aabang at ipagtatanggol kayow.

Falaging lalabern and magsestay stroooong ang Lola niyow for u mga afows. Yang hell services at SFA na yern lagowt talager yan sa akern. Ayusern na kasi natin ang sistemuuuuh at ifaglaban na kasi natin ang pri edukasyown para sa lahert.

Fara lahert haffee. Keep em sumvhongs coming, imma go vak na sa Amazowna treyning kow. Tuhraaaaaay. Wooooooooooooooooooooooosh!

Hindi. duuuuhhh palusot lang yan para magkaroon sila ng dagdag na lakas para lang abusuhin ang mga nasa nayon *rolls eyes* - lipad pa 201400000 Hindi, dahil malamang sa malamang ay gagamitin na naman ito bilang justification para ipatupad na ito sa buong bansa sa hinaharap. - iyakna, 2014, CAS Hindi, dahil sa Marawi lang ang gulo, bakit kailangan buong Mindanao magmartial law? At kahit walang martial law ay pinapasista na ng Militar ang mga kababayan natin na lumalaban para sa kanilang mga lupa. Nagkaroon lang sila ng legal na basehan para lalo mang pasista ng mga magsasakang lumalaban para sa kanilang karapatan. - Marcos pa rin, 2013, CAS Hindi. Gusto natin ng kapayapaan sa Marawi ngunit isa ito, ang pagpataw ng Batas Militar, sa mga paraan ng administrasyon upang samantalahin ang krisis sa Marawi at maisagawa ang iba pa nilang pakay sa iba't ibang parte ng Mindanao. - Ninjatortoise, 201x-xxxx, CAS No. History repeats itself. The one who declares Martial Law always thinks of what is best for the country.

Yun nga lang ang problema, para sa kanya kung anong iniisip niyang nakabubuti ay siyang tama. Which in fact is incorrect. Kagaya na lamang ng pagpapatupad ng ML sa Mindanao.

Marawi is just a portion of Mindanao.

Why include the entire island? Dagdag pa sa history ng ML ang HR violations.

So basically, it brings no good.

- yugioh, CAS NO! Suspending civil liberties to curb terrorism isn't a solution. - tired, CAS Martial Law is not the solution to conflict. The roots of the problem should be addressed.

Peace

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

H

NEWS 11

anggang saan aabot ang

bakasyon

mo?

Anong bakasyon? - PogayKaDay Hanggang sa utos lang ng nanay ko.

Tapos na bakasyon, yung utos niya hindi pa e.

- akonatalaga Doesnt matter. araw araw naman nakabakasyon isip ko. - lipad pa 2014 Ilang idlip ko lang pagkatapos ng finals midyear na ;-; - iyakna 2014-xxxxx, CAS Bahay, dahil bakasyon, walang baon, walang pera. - Marcos pa rin 2013 CAS Hanggang sa August 1 lang.

Ninjatortoise, 201x-xxxx, CAS

-

Lol wala. - yugioh, CAS Konting lakad lang, pasukan na.

- tired, CAS Wala pang isang week ang bakasyon ko, lol HAHA. - bakitakomahalaga?, 2012 Hanggang PC lang. Kasi acads. Punyeam-ta. - NeverForget , CAS TAE GRADUATE NA AKO WALA NA AKONG PERA WALA PA AKO WERK HANGGANG SAAN AABOT ANG BENTE PESOS KO - ever-drawing, 2013, CAS SAAN NGA BA. Kung meron ngang bakasyon in the first place. LOL. - turon 2012 What is bakasyon (sips coffee) - Pinkbubbles Ang bakasyon ko ay aabot hanggang August 1. Wala naman akong ginawa buong midyear hahaha. Tumaba lang naman siguro ako. - ouchita Ano yung bakasyon? Nakakain ba yun??

- stuDENT, 2013

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

12 GRAPHICS

PRAY

GENEVIEVE IGNACIO SEÑO

BANYUHAY

FROM P.14

nakikita ko sa bawat ama at ina na nakakasalamuha ko. Naririnig ko ang inyong tawa sa hagikgik ng mga nakakasama ko. Nararamdaman ko ang yakap at aruga niyo sa bawat masang nagmamalakasakit at nagpapasalamat. Kasama ko kayo palagi sa lahat ng tagumpay at pagkatalo. Nasa isip ko kayo sa panahon ng kalakasan at kahinaan.

Distansya lang ang kalaban natin, at kahit ito ay hindi magpuputol ng pagmamahal ko sa inyo.

Sa panahon ng muling pagkikita, sana’y maiinit na yakap at pagtanggap ang mabahagi natin sa isa’t isa.

Sa ngayon, dito na lang muna ako sa kung nasaan ako ngayon.

Patuloy na susulong, magwawasto, at magpapaunlad. Nasira man ng desisyon ko ang dati nating ugnayan, handa naman akong bumuo ng bago at mas matibay na relasyon kasama niyo. Mula sa pagkawasak, may mas maunlad na ugnayan na sisibol.

Salamat, sa pag-aaruga at pag-uubaya.

Patawad, sa lahat ng luha at sakit na ipinaramdam.

Lagi’t lagi, mahal ko kayo. Hanggang sa ganap at absolutong tagumpay.

NO GUNS, NO GLORY

attacks. The blockade of trucks containing donated relief goods and the heightened force towards their opponents in war greatly compromises the civilians who get caught in crossfire.

Clearly, militarization will never be justification for the curbing the rights of the masses. The anti-poor campaigns, intimidation, psywar and displacement of communities continuously oppress the people, while the perpetrators of these crimes are held unaccountable. The people of Mindanao are rendered voiceless as the military continues to withhold information from the media and controls all channels of communication to the rest of the country.

Simultaneously, the brand of leadership Duterte shows encourages fascist behavior of the military and the imposition of Martial Law in Mindanao demands military supremacy.

Their unnecessary aggression against the Maute group

became their justification to violate human rights and civil liberties, such as forced entry of houses and intimidation of the people.

During the National Interfaith Humanitarian Mission launched by several progressive groups, elements of the AFP have been found to have looted homes. Another time, when workers of the ShinSun corporation organized a picket at Compostela Valley, the military in that area violently attacked and dispersed the groups, incarcerating leaders of the demonstration. Even the aerial bombardment of various areas does not directly damage the targeted enemy, but only further causes destruction to communities and victimizes the citizens. Thus, tn the pursuit of their so-called peace and security, the military deviates from methods that truly ensure the safety of the people.

As militarization persists, the crises on social injustice and poverty are only exacerbated. Hence, as the military pursues its means,

FROM P.15

indigenous groups, revolutionary forces, Moros and the people will continuously struggle for recognition and democratic rights.

If the government truly aims to achieve peace, it should lend an ear and acknowledge the voice of the people. The negotiations with the Maute group should be handed over to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the conflict to be resolved outside of martial law.

History has proven that martial law will not ease tension between forces, it would only aggravate groups to fight back against overwhelming cruelty. The people have always been struggling against different faces of fascism and oppression. Hence, violence will never be a resolution to conflict, but genuine negotiations for peace and recognition of the people's assertion for democratic rights would be an initial step to dissolve the strain between the masses and the government.

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday MICHAEL LORENZ DUMALAOG RAYMUNDO

GRAPHICS 13 MARIE ANGELU DE LUNA PAGOBO

GENEVIEVE IGNACIO SEÑO

14 OPINION Truth Be Told Mico Cortez

A NEW FIGHT “It really wasn’t that bad.”

People nowadays have a warped view of one of the most infamous times in our country’s not-so-recent history. Martial Law was not good for anyone, except for those in power who profited and benefited from it.

And yet, thanks to misinformation, propaganda, and historical revisionism, Martial Law is now perceived by more and more people as a prosperous, peaceful time - a so-called “Golden Age”. Well, it really fricking wasn’t.

As tempting as it may be to label these people “idiots” and “fools”, it is necessary to remember that if that is the only information they have about Martial Law, then they are inclined to believe it. Their limited perspective is misconstrued as truth, and the propaganda they have been fed is interpreted as fact.

But this can not and should not stand.

Of the many things I have come to appreciate about being in UP, it is that we - having once been at the forefront of the resistance are acutely aware of the truth. We really should, seeing how many student leaders fought to the death for our country’s freedom during those dark times If you’ve watched Dramatista’s Lean, you should know exactly what I’m talking about.

We have a responsibility to inform and enlighten those who are blinded and misled by such lies. We may have to deal with trolls and ad hominems, but that comes with the territory.

And under the current administration, we may very well have a dictator in the making. The time may come - sooner, rather than later - that we will have to struggle for our freedom. Though, to be fair, that is a struggle that has never truly ended. When that time comes, I can only hope that every UP student and alumni will join the fight.

Even those who have left these halls with their sablays over their shoulders and their (mock) diplomas in their hands. Even those who don’t like rallying or don’t want to be involved with politics. Because when push comes to shove, it’s not about politics or carrying placards or shouting chants. It’s about fulfilling the true purpose of being an Iskolar ng Bayan: not just serving the people, but being one with them come hell or high water.

I’ll catch you next time.

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

BABAYLAN

PAGSASAKAPANGYARIHAN*

PATRICIA ANNE LACTAO GUERRERO

Sa mga panahong hindi ka umuugnay, hindi ko na makita ang dahilan kung bakit kailangan pang magpatuloy.

Kahit ganoon, iniisip ko pa ring sumubok kahit parang warning bells na ang kawalang pakialam.

Nakapagtataka lang na katahimikan ang sagot mo sa tinuturing na kontradiksyon. Malayo sa aktitud natin kapag hinaharap ang pasismo ng estado kung saan naghuhumiyaw tayo upang ipaglaban ang ating karapatan. Pakiramdam ko tuloy ay naiwan akong walang laban.

Kung sa bagay, hindi naman bago ang karanasang ito simula nang suungin ko at harapin ang pagmamahal sa iba, sa aking kapwa. Ngunit, sadyang ang kilos mo ay may nakaraang pinapaalala. Ika nga #NeverForget para #NeverAgain. Kung totoong natuto ako sa nakaraan, dapat na ata akong tumigil. Dapat na ata akong magpumiglas sa iyo, dahil dati akong bihag ng pag-ibig, rehas ko ang bisig ng dating kasintahan, boses ko ay nasa kaniya hangga't may kadena ng pangako para sa isa't-isa.

Pero sa iyo, ang unang pagtatagpo ay isang pagsasakapangyarihan, kaya tila paglaya ang pagdating mo. Hindi na dapat ipaliwanag kung bakit hindi tayo pwedeng lumabas sa Mayo Uno kahit walang pasok, bakit lagi akong galing sa Mendiola, bakit napakahalaga ng

oras at komunikasyon, bakit hindi lang opinyon natin ang mahalaga at kailangan ng kolektibong pagpapasya kahit napakapersonal na usapin ang pakikipagrelasyon.

Ngunit, bakit parang nakulong naman ako sa isang kasunduan? Bakit tila nasa sulat lamang ang pakiramdam, ang pakialam?

Dapat ay tumangis lamang ako para sa magsasakang inaagawan ng lupa, sa maralitang hinihiya at tinatawag na makapal ang mukha noong ipinaglalaban nila ang karapatan sa pabahay, sa mga manggagawa na huli

SA MGA PANAHONG HINDI KA UMUUGNAY, HINDI KO NA MAKITA ANG DAHILAN KUNG BAKIT KAILANGAN PANG MAGPATULOY. kong nakapanayam kung saan 250 piso lang kada araw ang kinikita habang unti-unting nalalapnos ang balat dahil sa plastik at kemikal sa enklabo ng Valenzuela at para sa aping masa na dahilan kung bakit tayo nandito at nagtagpo – ang pagtangan ng parehong prinsipyo at naghahangad ng tagumpay para sa kanila, kasama sila.

BANYUHAY

Marahas ang lipunan na ating ginagalawan. Marahas din ang kasalukuyang dahilan ng pag-inog nito. Sinubukan niyo mang umangkop upang hindi ko maranasan ang kagat ng gutom sa tiyan at matakpan ang realidad, lipunan na rin ang siyang nagtanggal ng piring. Ang komportableng sitwasyon na dinala ng pansamantalang pagkabulag ay napalitan ng nakababahalang pagkamulat. Animo’y tumalon tayo sa kawalan at nakarating sa dimensyon na puros pananamantala at pambubusabos. Sa pagkakatanggal ng piring, luminaw ang lente at lumabas ang nagnanaknak na katotohanan.

Sa punto na ‘yon ang tinatangi niyong anak ay natutong maging mulat. Ang tinatangi niyong anak ay natutong magtanong at mag-usisa. Ang tinatangi niyong anak ay napagtantong hindi na sapat ang maglagi lang sa malamig niyang kwarto.

Ang tinatangi niyong anak ay natutong tumindig, nangahas na baguhin ang lipunan, at magbalikwas sa lumang kinagisnan.

At ngayon, masakit man isipin, ang tinatangi niyong anak ang dahilan ng inyong pagtangis.

Napaka-abstrakto pa naman ng pagibig, kailangan mo pa itong ihulma sa ibang porma para kongkretong makita.

Sa ngayon, unti-unti nawawalan ako ng materyal na batayan para suportahan ang isang abstraktong nararamdaman. Akala ko ay mahirap na ang pagsisimula ngunit mas ibayong hirap pa pala ang pagpapatuloy. Pero sulong lang, dahil ang pagpapatuloy ay paninindigan na tama ang sinimulan. Basta tandaan, hindi tayo isang kontradiksyon, magkahanay tayo kahit nasa magkaibang pulo. Ang isinisigaw mo ay siya ring panawagan ko. *Empowerment

FILIAL PIETY

AGATHA HAZEL ANDRES RABINO

Dumating man tayo ngayon sa punto ng pamamaalam, hindi naman ibig sabihin na ito ay pangmatagalan.

Bukod tangi ang karanasan ko sa araw-araw na pakikisalamuha sa masang estudyante, sa sulong na mga aktibista, sa proletaryadong manggagawa at magsasaka, at sa militanteng maralita. Samu't saring kontradiksyon ang sa akin ay umuusbong. Unti-unting nabubura ang personal at patuloy na kinukubkob ako ng gawain. Ang daming kuwento pero wala akong makausap. Nagpagiwanan na siguro ako ng panahon kung saan hindi ko pa tanggap na ang Facebook, Twitter, Instagram o ano pa man ang pagkukuwentuhan mo ng mga bagay -bagay na kung maaari sa isang natatanging tao mo lang nais ibahagi.

Hindi ako bumukod upang iparamdam na kayo ay nagkulang.

Hindi ako nagpasyang tahakin ang daan na hindi pangkaraniwan upang irehistro ang galit at pagkamuhi ko sa inyo. Sa panahon ng pagbabalikwas at pagsulong, napagtanto kong hindi galit ang nagtulak sa akin upang gawin ito, kundi pagmamahal. Pagmamahal na hindi ko maipapamalas sa pamamagitan ng mga gintong medalya na isusukbit niyo sa leeg ko sa araw ng pagtatapos.

Hindi

banayad

ang

pagmamahal

LAGI’T LAGI, MAHAL KO KAYO. HANGGANG SA GANAP AT ABSOLUTONG TAGUMPAY. na ipinaparamdam ko. Ito ay marubdob, madugo, ngunit tiyak at pangmatagalan. Ito ay pagmamahal na naipapamalas sa ilalim ng mainit na sikat ng araw, habang tumatagaktak ang pawis, garalgal ang lalamunan mula sa pagsigaw, at pagod ang mga paa mula sa mahabang paglalakad.

Ito ay pagmamahal na pinanday sa mga bukirin, pagawaan, at lansangan.

Sabihin man nilang ideal, ito ay ang pagmamahal na tinuro niyo rin sa akin noon pa man at ngayon ay buong buhay kong isasapuso at pararangalan: ang ubos-kaya at walang pag-iimbot na paglilingkod sa sambayanan.

Alam natin sa kaibuturan ng ating diwa na kahit ilang balde man ng luha ang ating itangis, o pilitin man natin lagutin ang pagmamahal, idaan man natin ang ugnayan sa pagmumura at galit, proseso pa rin ang pag-unawa at pagtanggap. Hindi man tayo nagkakasundo ngayon, patuloy pa rin akong kikilos upang ipakilala sa inyo itong niyakap kong buhay. Abutin man ng ilang taon o dekada, naniniwala akong dadating din ang panahon na mahampas man kami ng batuta o bigwasan ng matinding krisis, muling bubukas ang inyong tahanan para sa amin. Dadating din ang panahon ng pag-unawa. Dadating din ang panahon ng pagtanggap. Dadating din ang panahon ng pagpapatawad at pagkikita.

Bagaman ‘di tayo madalas mag-usap at nakukupot na lang minsan sa texts na “Ingat lagi,” at “Kumusta ka?” ang komunikasyon natin, palagian pa rin kayong nasa isip ko. Kayo, na CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

EDITORIAL 15

Volume 30 Numbers 18-19 July 24, 2017 | Monday

DANIELLE MONTEALEGRE RODRIGUEZ

E D I T O R- I N- C H I E F Agatha Hazel Andres Rabino A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R F O R I N T E R NA L S Aries Raphael Reyes Pascua A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R F O R E X T E R NA L S Sofia Monique Kingking Sibulo M A NAG I NG E D I T O R Arthur Gerald Bantilan Quirante A S S I S S TA N T M A NAG I NG E D I T O R Adolf Enrique Santos Gonzales NEWS EDITOR Eunice Biñas Hechanova NEWS COR R ESPONDENTS Elizabeth Danielle Quiñones Fodulla Patricia Anne Lactao Guerrero Anton Gabriel Abueva Leron Niña Keith Musico Ferrancol Leah Rose Figueroa Paras Shaila Elijah Perez Fortajada F E AT U R E S E D I T O R Chloe Pauline Reyes Gelera F E AT U R E S C O R R E S P O N D E N T S Justin Danielle Tumenez Francia Liezl Ann Dimabuyu Lansang Jennah Yelle Manato Mallari Marilou Hanapin Celestino C U LT U R E E D I T O R S Josef Bernard Soriano De Mesa Thalia Real Villela C U LT U R E C O R R E S P O N D E N T S Jose Lorenzo Querol Lanuza Jonerie Ann Mamauag Pajalla GR APHIC S EDITOR Jazmine Claire Martinez Mabansag R E S I D E N T I L LU S T R AT O R S Michael Lorenz Dumalaog Raymundo Jose Paolo Bermudez Reyes Danielle Montealegre Rodriguez R E S I D E N T P H O T OJ O U R NA L I S T Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan

OFFICE 4th Floor Student Center Building, University of the Philippines Manila, Padre Faura St. corner Ma. Orosa St., Ermita, Manila 1000 EMAIL themanilacollegian@gmail.com WEBSITES issuu.com/manilacollegian www.facebook.com/themanilacollegian www.twitter.com/mkule MEMBER

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Solidaridad - UP Systemwide Alliance of Student Publications and Writers’ Organizations

The Cover Illustration

Marie Angelu De Luna Pagobo

Layout

Jazmine Claire Martinez Mabansag

NO GUNS, NO GLORY

A

S THE MILITARY intensifies aggression on the Maute group through the implementation of martial law in Mindanao, their pretext of peace is unveiled.

In response to the mounting attacks of the terrorist Maute group, President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte declared that authority in quelling conflict would be handed to the military. As such, control of the whole region would be determined by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and no law would precede their judgement.

crisis, and the prejudice on those less privileged socio-economically has spiked following the unlitigated platform of Duterte's anti-drug campaign.

Merely decimating the effects of drug abuse through the rehashed “Project Double Barrel, Alpha Reloaded”, the government has failed in addressing the root cause of the problem – poverty.

contradiction of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) mars the intention of the government to pursue peace and security. The government's mandate to protect the people is opposed by its inaction on the destruction of homes, deaths, political crimes and displacement of families and communities propelled by military operations.

Martial Law was last implemented by former president Gloria Arroyo in response to the Maguindanao Massacre. Unlike Duterte however, Arroyo declared Martial Law only in the Duterte’s fascist directly affected area, imultaneously the brand of brand of leadership Maguindanao, and lifted leadership uterte shows has been revealed her decision in just 9 starting from his days. Presently, Martial encourages fascist behavior of pronouncements on Law has remained the military and the imposition of fighting crime. The instated for the entirety war on drugs waged of Mindanao even when artial aw in indanao demands by the president Supreme Court Associate not long after his Justice Marvic Leonen military supremacy inauguration has cost stated that there has been countless of lives across no evidence suggesting that the country, and the killing spree order to contain rebellion backfired a large-scale attack on the Mindanao of those suspected to be involved on his claim to promote conflict region is underway. Furthermore, in drug dealing and abuse. Dubbed resolution between the government data used to justify the area of “Oplan Tokhang”, the said operation of the Republic of the Philippines Mindanao fit for martial law had already alarmed many groups (GRP) and the Communist Party of proved be delineated from reports overseas and received backlash due the Philippines (CPP). The violence forwarded from media coverage in to the rising death toll documented this proclamation ensued validated Marawi. due to the extrajudicial means of all denial of rights and liberties of stopping any drug transactions. human rights and political activists, Aside from the fact that the terror Duterte’s drastic move, however, and residents of the communities induced by the Maute group did had only impacted on over 12, 000 caught in the middle of collision of not cease upon the implementation urban poor and had unfulfilled its the two forces. The further delay in of Martial Law, another concern is goal of apprehending kingpins and the forwarding of the peace talks the protection and relief assistance drug lords. Much blood has been between the GRP and the National those directly affected by the spilled from the majority of the Democratic Front of the Philippines CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 population directly hit by the drug (NDFP) and the GRP's deliberate Likewise, the war Duterte called on the New People's Army (NPA) and his resolution to “flatten the hills” in

S

M

,

L

D

M .