Gov’t forces capture alleged NPA leader in Sorsogon

Delfin Mallari Jr.
Southern Luzon Bureau, PDI

LUCENA CITY, Philippines — A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sorsogon province was captured by combined elements of police and Army soldiers Wednesday, a regional military spokesman said Thursday.

DEFEND LIFE, UPHOLD HUMAN RIGHTS - Bishop Bastes

Statement On the Occasion of the 59th Declaration of International Human Rights Day

Life is the most precious gift that man has ever received from God. Man shares in the grace of the Divine Life and man’s image is created according to its Creator. Such likeness magnifies God’s goodness to man and no one has any right to put a sunder. This pristine dignity is inalienable to man. This is the HUMAN RIGHTS.

BARANGAY DEFENSE SYSTEM (BDS): STATE GARRISONS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

On the Occasion of the International Human Rights Day

Vibrant life has been lost in the countryside especially in the far-flung barrios in the Province of Sorsogon. It is no longer a place of KASANGGAYAHAN (place of abundance and peace) but rather state garrisons where military rules the life of the people. Military posts have been installed in the barangays; the movement of the folks are regulated and made to log their whereabouts in the journal of the post. People who enter and leave the area are obliged to give their names and their purpose. Dangerously, the civilians particularly the women (mothers usually bring their siblings in the barrios because they do not have “yayas”) and youth are made to watch the military posts. There are even measures to regulate the supplies coming in the barrios such as limiting the rice purchase to 5 kilos only, more than that is not allowed and would mean supporting the rebels. At times, curfew is implemented in the area; hitherto the economic and social life of the people is affected, not disregarding the political straightjacket that tightens the barrio atmosphere. Members of progressive organizations like Bayan, Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas are subjected to intensive surveillance and threatened to cease their activism if they hold their lives precious or their loved ones. Even the traditional civic organizations are asked to disclose their members, the nature of the organization and the source of fund. Fear and suspicion envelop the once tranquil life of the people.