GAME OVER NOYNOY: YOUTH ACT NOW Unity Statement for President Aquino’s resignation

A liar. A thief. A murderer.

President Benigno Aquino III’s spin doctors may weave all the fantasies and tall narratives that they want, but they cannot change the fact that these three words now represent what Aquino is, or has become, for the vast majority of Filipinos.

Over five years into his presidency, Aquino’s campaign promise of “tuwid na daan” has remained that – a promise. Over and over again, Aquino proved that he is no different – and in fact much worse – than past presidents that he so lambasted. His annual budgets turned out to be trillion-peso slush funds for the kaibigan, kaklase, and kabarilan. Through quick strokes of the pen, he was able to raid public funds for his pet projects under the Disbursement Acceleration Program. Instead of providing relief and rehabilitation, his government’s disaster response became a bigger catastrophe than Typhoon Yolanda. His policies has left the people poorer and hungrier, while the rich got richer and greedier.

And now: the Mamasapano clash. Even if it is apparent that he directed and greenlighted the whole operation under the behest of the US government, Aquino denied any responsibility for the bloody operation. Instead of bringing out the truth, he orchestrated a massive cover-up scheme that involved both chambers of Congress to escape any liability. Almost two months after the clash, questions on his direct involvement and the US military’s actual role in the operation remain unanswered.

Worse, as part of the Mamasapano cover-up, Aquino authorized an “all-out offensive” in Mindanao to supposedly go after Basit Usman, who reportedly survived and escaped from Operation Exodus. Aquino engaged in doublespeak: while he called for peace and sobriety in front of TV cameras, he nonetheless ordered the carpet-bombing of towns in central Mindanao, resulting into massive internal displacement of civilians. To date, almost 100,000 individuals have been forced to flee from their hometowns to escape from the conflict which is nothing but an all-out war.

It can now be said: Aquino will go to any length – even to the point of authorizing an all-out war – just to escape accountability and deflect the people’s attention away from his and the US government’s role in the Mamasapano clash. The Filipino people have had enough. The botched Mamasapano operation, and the grand cover-up that followed, is the last straw.

As more lies issue from Aquino’s lips, and as more lives are put in danger for his vanity, it is incumbent upon the Filipino people – led by no less than the Filipino youth – to stand up and fight. For the great Filipino nation does not deserve to have Aquino remain in power even for another day. The Aquino administration has reached a point of no return. From this point on, there is no way but out.

It is in this light that we call on the youth to not only join the swelling ranks calling for Aquino’s resignation, but to actively lead the struggle. Together, let us make history – let us topple this ruthless regime and install a transition council that will pave the way for genuine and deep-reaching reforms and moral regeneration.

 

Signed:

1.    Bedan Advocacy for Consciousness Enhancement Society (BACES), San Beda College Manila
2.    UP Solidaridad Systemwide Alliance of Student Publications and Writers’ Organizations
3.    The Angelite,  Official Student Publication of Holy Angel University
4.    The Pioneer, Official Student Publication of Palawan State University
5.    The Pillars, Official Student Publication of Ateneo de Naga University
6.    The Lourdenian, Official School Paper Publication of the Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation.
7.    Himati, Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Mindanao
8.    National University Supreme Student Council, National University
9.    Student Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy – University of San Carlos
10.  Student Power Party – University of San Carlos
11.  Student Alliance for the Advancement Right in UST
12.  Katipunan mga  Sanguniang Mag-aaral sa UP (KASAMA sa UP)
13.  Partido Demokratiko ng Mag-aaral – Bulacan State University
14.  Tinig ng Silangan Party Alliance – University of the East Caloocan
15.  Warriors Unite – University of the East – Manila
16.  Merlions Unite – Unibersidad de Manila
17.  UE Caloocan Central Student Council, University of the East – Caloocan
18.  University Student Council, Philippine Women’s University
19.  UPM College of Arts and Sciences Student Council, University of the Philippines- Manila
20.  PNU Supreme Student Government, Philippine Normal University – Manila
21.  Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila
22.  Office of the Student Regent, University of the Philippines
23.  Office of the Student Regent, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
24.  Office of the Student Regent, Philippine Normal University
25.  National Union of Students of the Philippines National Office
26.  College Editors Guild of the Philippines National Office
27.  Kabataan Party-list National Office
28.  Anakbayan National Office
29.  League of Filipino Students National Office
30.  Kabataang Artista Para sa Tunay na Kalayaan National Office
31.  Student Christian Movement of the Philippines National Office
32.  Tulong Kabataan Volunteer Network
33.  Rise for Education Alliance National Office
34.  Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights in UP (STAND UP), Largest Political Party in the University of the Philippines  Diliman
35.  College of Fine Arts Student Council, University of the Philippines Diliman
36.  College of Social Works and Community Development Student Council
37.  STAND UP – Asian Institute of Tourism
38.  STAND UP – College of Arts and Letters
39.  STAND UP – College of Mass Communication
40.  ALAB UP College of Home Economics
41.  Engineers for Genuine Change (ENGAGE) in UP
42.  Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan (SAMASA), Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila
43.  Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights in DLSAU (STAND DLSAU) De La Salle University Araneta
44.  Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights in PNU (STAND PNU), Philippine Normal University Manila
45.  Wisely Political Party, National University
46.  ASAP – KATIPUNAN, Largest Political Party in the University of the Philippines Manila
47.  Kapit – Bisi Party Alliance, University of the East Manila
48.  Alay Sining, University of the Philippines Diliman
49.  Katipunan Kontra Korupsyon
50.  Guni-Guri Artsit Collective Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Chapter
51.  The Luzonian | Official Publication ng Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
52.  League of Filipino Students – Quezon
53.  Gabriela Youth Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Chapter
54.  Student Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy – Enverga (STAND Enverga)
55.  EU Bahaghari | Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF)
56.  Center for Nationalist Studies (CNS), University of the Philippines Diliman
57.  Institute of Nationalist Studies National Office
58.  UP Sining at Lipunan
59.  ACT – Philippine  Normal University
60.  ANAK UPMin, Largest Political Party in the University of the Philippines Mindanao
61.  Nagkahiusang Kusog sa Estudyante (NKE), Largest Political Party in the University of the Philippines Cebu
62.  College of Mass Communication Student Council, University of the Philippines Diliman, College of Mass Communication
63.  Saligan sa CSSP, College of Social Sciences and Philosoph, University of the Philippines Diliman
64.  Katipunan ng mga Mag-aaral at Organisasyon (KAMAO), Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology
65.  Katipunan ng mga Mag-aaral at Organisasyon (KAMAO), Adamson University
66.  Alyansa ng mga Nagkakaisang Konseho ng PUP (ANAK – PUP), Federation of Student Councils in Polytechnic University of the Philippines
67.  PUP College of Sciences and Development Student Council, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
68.  PUP College of Science Student Council, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
69.  PUP College of Arts and Letters Student Council, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
70.  PUP College of Business Administration Student Council, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
71.  PUP College of Computer and Information Sciences Student Council, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
72.  PUP College of Accountancy and Finance Student Council, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
73.  PUP College of Education Student Council, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
74.  PUP College of Human Kinetics Student Council, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
75.  PUP College Political Science and Public Administration Student Council, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
76.  PUP College of Engineering Student Council, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
77.  PUP College of Architecture and Fine Arts Student Council, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
78.  PUP Institute of Technology Student Council, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
79.  PUP College of Tourism, Hospitality and Transportation Management
80.  Alyansa ng Kabataang Mamamahayag ng PUP (AKM), Polytechnic University of the Philippines
81.  Philippine Collegian, Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Diliman
82.  Manila Collegian, Official Student Publication of University of the Philippines Manila
83.  The National, Official Student Publication of National University
84.  Ang Pambansa, Official Student Publication of National University Supreme Student Council
85.  The Weekly Dawn, Official Student Publication of University of the East
86.  The Torch Publications, Official Student Publication of Philippine Normal University Manila
87.  The Catalyst, Official Student Publication of Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
88.  The Paradigm, Official Student Publication of Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Accountancy and Finance
89.  The Communicator, Official Student Publication of Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Communication
90.  EARIST Technozette, Official Student Publication of Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology
91.  The Chronicler, Official Student Publication of Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Taguig
92.  Ang Lampara, Limay Polytechnic College (Bataan)
93.  The Warden, Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa
94.  Outcrop, Official Student Publication of University of the Philippines Baguio
95.  Kawasa, Official Student Publication of Mindanao State University-Tawi-tawi College of Technology and Oceanography
96.  SAMASA College of Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
97.  SAMASA College of Arts and Letters, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
98.  SAMASA College of Education, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
99.  SAMASA College of Social Sciences and Development, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
100. SAMASA College of Communications, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
101. Kalipunan ng Kristianong Kabataan
102. Union of Journalists of the Philippines (UJP) – UP Diliman
103. University Student Council, Central Luzon State University
104. University Student Council, University of the Philippines – Visayas
105. College of Arts and Sciences Student Council, University of the Philippines – Visayas
106. PINATUD- Anakbayan
107. Salidummay-Benguet State University
108. Progressive Igorots for Social Action
109. Tanghalang Bayan ng Kabataan sa Baguio
110. Alliance of Concerned Students
111. Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera
112. Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network
113. Puliwes-Apugan Youth Organization for Heritage (PAYOH)
114. PAKID Cultural Group
115. League of Progressive Students- MPSPC
116. Mt. Province Youth Alliance
117. Samahan ng Mag-aaral sa Kalinga (SAMAKA)
118. Youth Arm, Save Apayao Peoples Organization
119. Alpha Pi Omega – Bicol University
120. Aquinas Anduyog Youth Volunteers – Aquinas University of Legazpi
121. Beta Sigma – Bicol University
122. Sigma Beta – Bicol University
123. Pi Sigma – Bicol University
124. College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Student Council, Bicol University
125. College of Business and Management Student Council, Bicol University
126. Magenta LGBT Organization, Bicol University
127. Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation Student Council, Bicol University
128. Bicol Universitarian, Official Student Publication of Bicol University
129. The Olympians, Official Student Publication of  Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation, Bicol University
130. Viewpoint, Official Student Publication of Araullo  University – PHINMA
131. SAMASA Party Alliance, University of the Philippines – Visayas
132. The Concierge, College of Hospitality, Tourism and Management – Holy Angel University
133. The Lifeline, College of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences – Holy Angel University

Thousands of students from various schools across PH walk out of classes, call for Aquino’s resignation

Thousands of students from various colleges and universities not only in Metro Manila but also in key cities of the Philippines walked out of their classes on Friday, February 27, in a massive show of nationwide outrage against President Aquino’s attempt to cover up his involvement in the Mamasapano operation.

In Metro Manila, students from the University of the Philippines (Manila and Diliman campuses), the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and the Philippine Normal University led the opening salvo of the day-long protests, with UP, PUP, and PNU students staging simultaneous class walkouts, snake rallies, and flash dances at around 12 noon today.

“Today, we march out of our classrooms to protest against a shameful presidency that even has the gall to talk about peace, even as it orchestrates a massive cover-up to escape accountability from the Mamasapano operation,” UP student leader and YOUTH ACT NOW Spokesman Mico Pangalangan said.

Students of private universities also joined in the protests, voicing out their concern not only about the Mamasapano operation but also with the Aquino government’s “lackadaisical” approach to impending tuition hikes. Noise barrages and class walkouts were held in the University of Sto. Tomas, De La Salle University-Manila, University of the East, University of Manila, National University, and the National Teachers’ College.

 

“Students are joining in today’s nationwide walkout for two reasons: first, to call on the president to resign from his post as he no longer has the moral ascendancy to rule the nation.Second, to protest against the Aquino administration’s continued policy of education deregulation, which is the root of incessant tuition and other fee increases that students face every year,” said Sarah Elago, national president of the National Union of Students of the Philippines and convenor of the RISE FOR EDUCATION (R4E) Alliance.

R4E has earlier reported that about 400 colleges and universities are set to increase school rates for the incoming school year.

By 2 p.m., student protesters joined ranks with other sectors of society in three mass-up points in Manila: Nagtahan Bridge, Taft Avenue corner Finance Road, and UST España Boulevard. From these points, rallyists marched and converged at Mendiola Bridge, in effect literally encircling the Malacañan Palace.

“Today, we shall let the thunder of a thousand steps echo to the Palace’s gates. The youth and people want truth, justice, accountability and change. The movement for Aquino’s resignation is growing and the people’s call is getting louder,” Anakbayan Chair Vencer Crisostomo said.

“We no longer want a government ruled by a corrupt, liar, US puppet, haciendero brat. Game over na, Noynoy. It’s time to step down,” he added.

Youth and students also held protests in key cities and provinces, including Baguio, Pampanga, Laguna, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

“This nationwide class walkout is only the beginning of the end. Aquino’s days in Malacañang are numbered. In the coming weeks, we urge more Filipino youth to join the protests, and together, let us kick out of office this incompetent, callous, and murderous president,” Pangalangan said, adding that a transition council should replace Aquino and pave the way for justice and reforms.

In the coming weeks, groups are gearing for camp-out protests and vigils. A large mobilization is again set on March 8, International Women’s Day and March 13.###

Students light candles to call for end of hostilities in Mindanao

Student groups led by YOUTH ACT NOW held simultaneous candle-lighting activities today to call on the Aquino administration to put an end to the “all-out offensive” being conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in several provinces in Mindanao.

At around 5:30 p.m., students of UP Diliman lighted candles in front of Palma Hall to call for “justice and peace” in Mindanao. Similar candle-lighting activities were held by students of UP Manila along Padre Faura Street, and by youth groups in Kalaw corner Finance Road and in Mendiola Bridge.

“As we light candles tonight, we think about the people of Mindanao who have become victims of forced displacement due to the all-out offensive of the AFP. We condemn the Aquino administration for again putting the lives of our Muslim brothers and sisters in the line of fire to pursue selfish means,” said YOUTH ACT NOW Spokesman Mico Pangalangan.

Pangalangan stressed that the ongoing military operation in several towns of Maguindanao and neighboring provinces is primarily targeting civilians.

“Almost 6,000 families or more than 30,000 individuals have already been displaced due to the aerial bombing and ground attacks of the AFP supposedly against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. Has President Aquino truly yanked his conscience out of the window? The president has not even apologized, much less claim responsibility, for the botched Mamasapano operation, but now he’s at it again – carpet-bombing towns and displacing entire communities,” Pangalangan said.

YOUTH ACT NOW stated that the “all-out offensive” is actually a thinly-veiled “all-out war.” “Let’s call what’s happening in Mindanao for what it is – an all-out war. Mr. President, how can you continue talking about peace while bombs are falling in the skies of Mindanao? Where are our grandstanding senators right now? Why is no one in the ruling party condemning these atrocities?” Pangalangan asked.

The youth leader expressed fear that the human cost of the offensive will even be greater than that of the Mamasapano operation.

“Mr. President, it is clear that you authorized this all-out war to cover up your own responsibility in the Mamasapano clash. People are losing homes and lives, whole communities are being displaced, families are being torn apart, all just because you want your own liability to be forgotten by the media and the public. But instead of forgetting – you just made the public even more enraged. If you have even a milligram of compassion left, order your troops to stop the ongoing offensive immediately,” Pangalangan said.

YOUTH ACT NOW also called on youth and students to join upcoming protests for Aquino’s resignation slated this March 8, 13, and 24.

“President Aquino thinks that he can get away with the botched Mamasapano operation by sacrificing our Moro brothers and sisters. What he isn’t aware is that this drastic action is fomenting greater discontent for his administration. With this all-out war, you just sealed your resignation Mr. President,” Pangalangan said.###

Panayanon youth call for justice and accountability over Mamasapano incident

ILOILO CITY-Youth and students in Panay declared ‘Game Over, Noynoy’ in a Regional Day of Action for Truth and Accountability in solidarity with the rest of the nation who continues to mourn and seek for justice for the fallen individuals a day before the first month of the Mamasapano incident.

“Clearly, the Filipino nation can no longer entrust the reins of government to BS Aquino and beyond these calls for truth and accountability, we call on each and every Filipino youth to join the ranks of the rising number of disgruntled Filipinos calling for BS Aquino’s Resignation,” Bryan Bosque, Anakbayan-Panay Spokesperson said.

Aklan

“Aquino’s obsession to desperately hold the support of his US imperialist master on him plus the $7 million bounty, has placed 69 individuals into their untimely death, was a dangerous character that speaks of his willingness to stake security and welfare of the people to feed his selfish polico-militar caprices,” said ANAKBAYAN-Aklan Provincial Chairperson, Jason D. Estrada

Young seekers for truth and justice under the militant organization, ANAKBAYAN-Aklan, hold a picket rally at the crossing Banga-New Washington today in response to the nationwide movement of the people calling for the ouster of President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III for his crime against the people. 

 

Roxas City

Capiz State University- main campus students lighted candles and picketed at Freedom Park to denounce President Aquino and the US, as culprits of the 44 SAF deaths and call for the ouster of Aquino.

Joshua Perion of Kabataan partylist said that CAPSU students and the youth of Capiz are angered by Aquino’s admission that he knew about the operation and that it is coordinated by suspended PNP chief Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima.

“The 44 candles not only represent the fallen SAF members but serve as sparks that will start a prairie fire for Aquino’s ouster. Oust Aquino!” Jon Villareal, ANAKBAYAN-Capiz spokesperson, said.

Meanwhile, students and teachers in Filamer Christian University pinned in their uniforms the black ribbons that symbolize the death of sovereignty.

“Oplan Wolverine- hatched by the US as part of its program of assassinating persons branded as terrorists, implemented by President Aquino who turned a blind-eye to the trampling of Philippine sovereignty- has resulted in massive casualties,” John Ituralde, a 2nd year student and a member of KAPAWA (Kabataan para sa Buwas Damlag sang Banwa or Youth for the Nation’s Future), said.

Ms. Darlene Blando-Surriga of Filamer Center for Extension and Development Office said the slain PNP-SAF elements were sacrificed by Aquino on the altar of his imperialist master’s terrorist war.

Iloilo

Anakbayan, Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan (SAMASA), Kabataan Partylist, Oikos Ecological Movement and Youth for Truth and Accountability Now! together with other students of West Visayas State University held a picket and candle lighting calling for justice for the victims of the Mamasapano operation and the ouster of BS Aquino.

Students from University of the Philippines – Visayas

 

“BS Aquino failure to monitor and direct the whole operation on Mamasapano, worst denying any involvement, is treason to the Filipino people,”said Claudine Villa, SAMASA-WVSU Chairperson.

Meanwhile, students of University of the Philippines Visayas Miagao campus gathered in the New Administration building calling for justice for the victims of BS Aquino’s criminal negligence.

Led by the University Student Council, College of Arts and Sciences Student Council, SAMASA Party Alliance and various organizations, together they call for peace in Mindanao, respect for sovereignty and to junk the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the US and GPH.

In Central Philippine University various student organizations led by Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP), Oikos Ecological Movement and Youth for Truth and Accountability Now!  gathered in a prayer and candle lighting in solidarity to the call for truth and accountability on the Mamasapano incident.

Youth for truth and Accountability Now! challenged their fellow youth and students to be the agents of change in the Philippine society that is dimmed by countless issues that affect the well-being of the people.

Charmane Chin, Spokesperson of Kabataan Partylist-Iloilo said that the Mamasapano incident was a clear manifestation of BS Aquino’s failure of leadership and yet another incompetence throughout his years in office thus, it is only just and right that the Filipino youth unite in calling for his resignation. ###

Youth groups march to EDSA, call for People Power vs. Aquino

Youth groups unfurl “GAME OVER NOYNOY” banner in front of EDSA Shrine while Pres. Aquino is delivering his speech.

Youth groups led by YOUTH ACT NOW held various protest activities during the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power on Wednesday to call for President Benigno Aquino III’s resignation.

At around 12 noon, the groups unfurled a banner saying “Game Over Noynoy” at a footbridge fronting the EDSA Shrine in Ortigas. The youth groups also tied “bloodied” yellow ribbons along the railings of EDSA Shrine, signifying their outrage over Aquino’s continued attempt to deflect accountability for the botched Mamasapano operation.

By 3 p.m., the youth groups marched to Camp Crame and joined various sectors in forming a “human chain for justice and accountability.”

“There is nothing more ironic than President Aquino heading the commemoration of the People Power anniversary. Mr. President, the essence of People Power is not hereditary. Not just because you’re an Aquino, you can already claim People Power as your clan’s heritage. The essence of People Power lies in the collective strength of the Filipino people to resist an anti-people regime,” YOUTH ACT NOW Spokesman Mico Pangalangan said.

“The legacy of People Power should not be relegated to the dust bins of history, and treated as an annual affair of yellowtards and Aquino fanatics. People Power is alive today, and its target is no other than Mr. Aquino, who is subverting the very spirit of EDSA 1 to legitimate his desperate hold on government” Pangalangan added.

The youth leader called on the Filipino youth to lead the nation in mounting a “new People Power” to remove Aquino.

“We’ve had enough of the lies, the cover-ups, and the incompetence. It is clear that Aquino, with the direct ministration of the US, masterminded the bloody Mamasapano operation. It is now also clear that a cover-up campaign is being undertaken to save Aquino from accountability. Yet the youth should see through all the lies and join in fomenting a new movement that will unseat the president,” he said.

“Let this day mark the beginning of Aquino’s last days in power. Let a new People Power spring out. Let us take back the power from the clutches of this corrupt, incompetent, and murderous government and install a transitory government that will instigate much needed social change,” Pangalangan said.

On Friday, February 27, youth groups will again stage a massive walkout protest to call for Aquino’s resignation.###

Youth group: Senate should invite SAF widows, let them ask questions in probe

The Senate should not conclude the Senate probe without inviting the widows of the “fallen 44,” a youth group said Tuesday.

“The Senate should invite the SAF widows and let them participate in the probe. Believing that the SAF widows still have urgent questions that need to be answered, we appeal to the Senate to let the widows ask questions themselves in the Senate investigation. The probe will not be complete without them,” YOUTH ACT NOW Spokesperson Mico Pangalangan said.

“It is apparent in news reports that the kin of the fallen 44 have compelling questions that even the president failed to answer. The kin of the fallen 44 might even ask more hard-hitting questions than some of our senators,” Pangalangan explained, adding that the kin of the SAF members may also give details not yet explored during the probe.

The youth leader said that the senators should also ask the SAF widows what really transpired during their controversial meeting with President Aquino.

“The Palace is denying reports of President Aquino’s callous conversation with the SAF widows. But there is more to this story, and only the SAF widows can expound on this,” Pangalangan said.

YOUTH ACT NOW also called on senators to “stop lawyering for Aquino and the US.”

“In the recent public hearings, our senators acted like highly-paid lawyers of government – with their line of questioning directed not to expound on the truth but to save President Aquino and the US government from scorn. It is disdainful that the Senate is packed with self-serving politicians who are now beginning to be revealed as nothing but attack pawns of those in the seat of power,” Pangalangan said.

Members of YOUTH ACT NOW are set to participate in the “human chain for justice and accountability” tomorrow in EDSA. A nationwide walkout is also set on Friday, February 27, to continue demanding accountability from the Aquino administration over the Mamasapano operation.###

 

#GameOverNoynoy: Weeklong protests for Aquino’s resignation loom

Student leaders from National University, University of the Philippines – Manila, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippine Normal University – Manila and national youth and student organizations during a press conference calling for Aquino’s resignation.

 

It’s game over for President Aquino.

This is according to youth groups led by Youth Act Now, as they announce a weeklong protest for Aquino’s resignation during a press conference on Saturday.

On February 23, youth and students will hold a “flash dance” in several campuses. Youth groups will also participate in the “human chain” from EDSA Shrine to Camp Crame on February 25, the anniversary of the People Power. On February 27, nationwide campus walkouts will be held, which will culminate in a large gathering at Mendiola in the afternoon.

“President Aquino’s limited range of understanding might not comprehend our resignation call. So today, we call on him in a language that a video game addict like him will surely understand: It’s game over, Mr. President,” Youth Act Now Spokesperson Mico Pangalangan said.

“Mr. Aquino has treated his whole presidency as a video game. ‘Yung Mamasapano operation nga, akala ata niya Clash of Clans. President Aquino, you already failed over and over again in your attempt to salvage your presidency. Game over na, Noynoy,” said Anakbayan Chair Vencer Crisostomo.

Student leaders called on fellow students to join the protests this week.

“We call on each and every Iskolar ng Bayan to walk out from their classes on Friday, February 27. Together, let us show the Aquino administration our collective rage over the Mamasapano operation and its continued attempts to escape liability,” said UP Student Regent Neill Macuha

“On this day, the lesson we have to learn is not inside the four corners of our classrooms but out on the streets. This February 27, let us learn the value of collective action: the more voices that speak out against this regime, the stronger the voice of dissent would become,” PUP Student Regent Alexis Tiotangco said.

On February 27, students from several schools in Metro Manila and key cities in the Philippines will participate in the nationwide campus walkout.

“Let February 27 be a day of reckoning for President Aquino. On this day, the youth will express their collective outrage for its manifold failures, including masterminding the Mamasapano clash,” said Pangalangan.###

Youth walkout for accountability and justice

We, members of different youth organizations and institutions nationwide, enjoin every youth and student to walkout from our classes to seek justices for the victims of the botched-United States-Aquino instigated Mamasapano ooperation and to call for the immediate resignation of President Benigno Aquino.

We enjoin the Filipino people to collectively call for justice and accountability as we rise on February 27 from our universities and march to the Mendiola Peace Arch. Let us go out and express our indignation against a president that kowtows to US dictates and is inutile and insensitive to the outcry of the people.

The Mamasapano clash, the outrageous criminal neglect to the victims of typhoon Yolanda and other disasters, the rise of poverty and inequality in the country, and the corruption scandals related to the illegal Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), the pork barrel system – these are all results of a failed and inhumane leadership. This is a showcase of the President’s outright incompetence at the expense of the people’s welfare. These, among many issues, are the reasons why Aquino’s only alternative is to step down.

Our outrage, as future of the nation, can no longer be contained in our four-walled classrooms. We must rise, shout out our calls and march to the streets. It is now clear, more than ever, that Aquino has lost even the minutes of ascendancy, and that we cannot and can no longer entrust our nation to Noynoy Aquino.

 

JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS OF MAMASAPANO OPERATIONS!
HOLD PRES. AQUINO ACCOUNTABLE!
JUSTICE AND PEACE IN MINDANAO!

Campus walkouts in UP, PUP set on 27th

Students of two leading state universities in the Philippines announced their participation to the February 27 nationwide campus walk-out for Aquino’s resignation.

In separate protest activities on Friday, student leaders of the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) said that they are gearing for “massive class walkouts” on Friday next week, in time for the multi-sectoral protest rally in Mendiola slated in the afternoon of the same day.

“We call on each and every Iskolar ng Bayan to walk out from their classes on Friday, February 27. Together, let us show the Aquino administration our collective rage over the Mamasapano operation and its continued attempts to escape liability,” said UP Student Regent Neill Macuha.

“On this day, the lesson we have to learn is not inside the four corners of our classrooms but out on the streets. This February 27, let us learn the value of collective action: the more voices that speak out against this regime, the stronger the voice of dissent would become,” PUP Student Regent Alexis Tiotangco said.

UP and PUP students held simultaneous protest actions today as part of the “Black Friday Protest for Aquino’s resignation.”

On February 27, students from UP and PUP are set to walk out from their morning classes and march to mass-up points in Manila and Quezon City. From there, they will converge with other protesters in Mendiola for a large multi-sectoral rally by 2 pm.

Students from several schools in Metro Manila and key cities in the Philippines will also participate in the nationwide campus walkout.

“Let February 27 be a day of reckoning for President Aquino. On this day, the youth will express their collective outrage for its manifold failures, including masterminding the Mamasapano clash,” said YOUTH ACT NOW Spokesperson Mico Pangalangan.###

We enjoin the Filipino people to collectively call for justice and accountability as we rise on February 27 from our universities and march to the Mendiola Peace Arch.

Life Interrupted: Civilian communities terrorized by commando assault in Mamasapano

Initial Report of the People’s Fact-Finding Mission
Mamasapano, Maguindanao
February 9-11, 2015

The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are participating in ongoing peace talks. Prior to the signing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) last year, signed agreements between both parties were already in effect, one of which was the Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities signed on July 1997. This agreement established the mechanisms to prevent hostilities between the armed forces of both parties, in order to prevent danger to civilian populations.

Despite these agreements, the encounter between the PNP-SAF and the MILF forces in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25 suggests the agreement on the cessation of hostilities was violated. The loss of civilian life during the incident raises serious questions regarding violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, which are investigated in this report. The reports and testimonies gathered regarding the presence of US personnel in the area during the encounter attests to the continuing ‘War on Terror’ campaign of the US and Philippine governments, which have undermined the peace talks and the rights of innocent civilians.

There is more to the Mamasapano incident than meets the eye.

While the media coverage have so far mainly focused on the death of the 44 police commandos after the botched operation on January 25, little has been publicly said about the Moro communities in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. But on the ground, reports of human rights abuses, violations of the International Humanitarian Law during combat, and involvement of US military personnel were persistent. Spurred by these reports from the commnunities, Suara Bangsamoro, Kalinaw Mindanao and Kawagib initiated a People’s Fact-Finding Mission in affected barangays of Mamasapano, Maguindanao on February 9 to 11, 2015.

About 100 individuals participated in the mission, which included Moro leaders, human rights advocates, children’s rights advocates, church leaders, youth leaders, labor leaders, women leaders, and alternative journalists. Two progressive parliamentarians from Makabayan bloc – Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate and Gabriela Women’s Partylist Rep. Luz Ilagan – also spearheaded the
mission.
The People’s Fact-Finding Mission covered four affected barangays in Mamasapano, Maguindanao where initial reports of abuses came from: Tukanalipao, Pidsandawan, Pimbalkan and Tuka. These covered about 5,000 individuals in the said barangays. The mission was able to collect 11 sworn affidavits, as well as recorded testimonies, photographs and videos of the interviews with witnesses and affected individuals, as well as photographs of the affected areas.
Among the cases of human rights violations, as well as violations of the International Humanitarian Law, that the Mission was able to document are the following:

 Extra-judicial Killings
 Frustrated Extra-judicial Killings
 Forced Evacuation
 Destruction of Properties
 Divestment of Properties
 Child Rights Violations

The Mission was also able to gather sworn affidavits from residents of the affected barangays who testified to the use of drones before and during the botched police operation on Jan. 25. In addition to these, it was also able to gather testimonies of various witnesses in Brgy. Tukanalipao who said they saw the body of at least one (1) US personnel (purportedly military) among the other remains of SAF commandos in the aftermath of the bloody encounters. Undoubtedly, this direct US involvment in a military/police operation in the Philippines amounts to a clear violation of the country’s national sovereignty.

Highlight Cases:

Extra-judicial Killings & Frustrated Extra-judicial Killings

At around four in the morning of January 25, farmer Badrudin Langalan, 18, just came from his farm and was on his way to charge his cellphone at the Tukanalipao proper when he was ostensibly chanced upon the position of the blocking force of SAF members before he was able to cross the wooden bridge. Later in the day, after the encounters and when residents started to bring the bodies of fallen SAF members to the barangay proper, Badrudin’s lifeless body was found among the fallen SAF members, his hands and feet were bound.
Meanwhile, around the same time that Badrudin chanced upon SAF members, Sarah Pananggulon, 8 years old, was sleeping with her parents and younger brother in their house in Sitio Inugog, Brgy. Tukanalipao in Mamasapano town when they were awaken by loud explosions and gunshots outside their house. They realized armed individuals whom they later identified as members of the Special Action Force (SAF) were shooting in their direction. Sarah was shot on her side, while her parents, Samrah Sampulna and Pananggulon Mamasalaga, were wounded as they tried to evacuate from
their houses.

Forced Evacuation & Indiscriminate Firing

Farmers Iskak Salao, 48, and Saada Teb, 25, were residents of Sitio Inugog, Brgy. Tukanalipao. They were sleeping in their respective houses when they and their neighbors heard gunshots. Iskak, Saada and many others were compelled to evacuate from their houses, as members of SAF fired upon their location. Saada, a mute and a student of the Mahad (one of 330 Arabic students in nearby madrasah in Brgy. Inugog), was hit by a bullet. Since then, the students and the Arabic teachers have not resumed classes and residents remain evacuees because of fear that their community will be again assaulted.
Meanwhile, Amina Kamiron, 40, lives in Tukanalipao proper, which is a few kilometers away from the site of encounters. She was taking her bath when she heard loud gunshots. She was shocked and fell on the floor. Amina was brought to hospital and is still recuperating, as of this writing. At around nine in the morning of Jan. 25, residents of Tukanalipao proper who live along the main road were forced to evacuate from their homes when SAF tanks stationed along the main road began indiscriminately firing on their houses. They showed to the Mission members the holes in their concrete houses which were supposedly caused by gunshots from the tanks.
An estimated 1,500 residents of different barangays also hastily evacuated to nearby communities where they had relatives, according to the ARMM HEART program of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Divestment of Properties

Several residents who live along the highway in Brgy. Tuka complained that SAF members, who were stationed along the highway during the entire time of the encounters, had divested them of their properties. At four in the morning, Saneah Solaiman, 25, complained that SAF members allegedly divested Saneah of her belongings—among others, three pots, cups, kettle and goods from her sari-sari store.
ARMM HEART data revealed that P300,000 worth of farm crops were destroyed during the encounters, while more than a million pesos worth of properties were partially or fully damaged. Six (6) houses were partially damaged.

Other faces of grief

The women shared the ordeals they and their children had to go through to escape the fighting. There was indiscriminate firing and they had to either crawl or dash to safer grounds, some with a baby or toddler in hand. The women who lost their husbands told the FFM of the grief and the economic uncertainty they now face.

The wives of the saheed (martyrs), four elements of the MILF who were fired upon and killed upon by an unidentified SAF element while they were sleeping in a pangguiamanan (mosque-hut) near the tulay na kahoy (wooden bridge) at two in the afternoon of January 25 in Brgy. Tukanalipao, also told their worries to the fact-finding team through a discussion group with the women’s team. Their husbands who were killed are Omar Dagadas, 24; Ali Ismael, 25; Mosif Hassim, 22; and a certain Rasul, 21, were members of the 105th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Child Rights Violations

Classes in elementary and high school students of different public schools in the various barangays were disrupted by the heavy fighting on January 25. School officials of Linantangan Elementary School in Tukanalipao proper told the Mission that the said school was forced to cancel classes for two weeks after the incident.

According to ARMM HEART, 13 schools with 5,963 students and 124 teachers were affected by the bloody encounters. Aside from this, classes for the 300 Mahad/Arabic students were also disrupted. During the psychosocial intervention to the children affected, the team found out that children are traumatized due to the incident and their consequent evacuation. According to the children, the encounter occurred because the PNP SAF did not inform the community and the MILF regarding their operation. They also narrated some of their experiences. They also recalled the deafening sounds of gunfire and how they evacuated. Most of the children were among those families who were temporarily displaced due to the incident. According to them, they stayed in several houses and barangay centers that served as the temporary evacuation center for two days and were only able to attend class a week after the incident. Many of them are still afraid, especially during night time. According to them, they fear nightfall as the incident might happen again. Their daily routines disrupted specially on education and economic aspect and they have the feeling of insecurity. Up to this time, many pupils have not reported back to school.

Deep US involvement

The Mission was able to interview, on condition of anonymity, some witnesses who said they saw one Caucasian (“white-skinned, long, blue-eyed, and had narrow, long noses”) who died among the SAF members in Brgy. Tukanalipao. Meanwhile, several residents from Tukanalipao, Pidsandawan, Lusay and Tuka submitted sworn affidavits that state that they saw drones fly above their communities for at least seven (7) days before the bloody encounters on Jan. 25. One witness said that the drone would hover above their houses, sometimes waking them up at night. Meanwhile, residents of Brgy. Tuka and Brgy. Pidsandawan called the drones “airplanes” that twinkled at night time. However, the night before the clash the sound of the drones was exceptionally noisy and busy. The drones, they said, were gone after Jan. 25.

Preliminary Findings:

 The PNP-SAF police operation undermined the civilian community and GPH-MILF peace process;
 There was a violation of the ceasefire agreement or the Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities that resulted in a breach in the peace negotiations and human rights violations;
 The lives of the residents have yet to return to normal, the farmers cannot easily go back to their
farms for fear of possible clashes, and unexploded bombs continue to reside in local fields;
 There is no normalcy in the lives of child residents, as evidenced by the significant decline in the attendance of students in elementary schools;
 Further investigation should be undertaken into the role of the US government in the Mamasapano
incident, based on the following reports: that US troops were seen during retrieval operations; that
drones were heard and seen flying before and during the police operation; and that possible
Caucasians were sighted with the PNP-SAF during operations, including the body of an alleged
Caucasian among the slain PNP-SAF;

Recommendations:
– The government must indemnify, give justice to the victims of human rights violations and be
held accountable for the Mamasapano encounter;
– Violations in the ceasefire agreement should be seriously looked into;
– US participation in the Mamasapano incident must be investigated;
– Call for an independent body, such as a truth commission or a people’s movement for truth and
accountability, to probe deeper into the Mamasapano incident.
Aside from initiators Suara Bangsamoro, Kalinaw Mindanao and Kawagib, other groups from various
provinces in Mindanao as well as national organizations joined the mission, namely: KARAPATAN-Southern Mindanao Region
KARAPATAN-Socksargens
KARAPATAN-West Mindanao
Gabriela Women’s Partylist
Children’s Rehabilitation Center
Union of People’s Lawyers in Mindanao
Kilusang Mayo Uno
Nonoy Librado Development Foundation
Sisters Association in Mindanao
Oblates of Notre Dame
Social Ministry Episcopal Diocese for Southern Philipppines
Cotabato Annual Conference – United Church of Christ in the Philippines
United Methodist Church in the Philippines
Liga ng Kabataang Moro
League of Filipino Students
Anakbayan
CLANS
DIRECT
Panalipdan-Southern Mindanao
Community-Based Health Services Association
Anakpawis Partylist
Bayan Muna Partylist
Alternative media outfits Pinoy Weekly, Radyo Ni Juan Network and Kilab Multimedia