SHOULD WE VOTE COMMUNISTS TO THE SENATE?

Juan dela Cruz Loses Fair Judgment

Are we really expecting for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to embrace the democratic process that easily? Is their cadre’s entry to mainstream politics a guarantee that they would hold back their attacks against men in uniform and other unarmed targets they have subjected under their extortion schemes, like the private mine firms they admittedly burned-down to ashes for unsuccessful pay-ups? It does not really matter if groups like Bayan Muna and Gabriela continue to hold their peace on their open secret linkages with the Communist Party. The public have had their fair share of political lies; and, Satur Ocampo yelling his innocence on his detested tie-up with the CPP-NPA is no different.

Ocampo has openly accepted Communist contributions for his campaigns through Makabayang Alyansa ng Mamamayan or (MAKABAYAN), an independent political pool that is fielding his senatorial bid. In fact, not later than MAKABAYAN’s formal launch in April of last year, the CPP-NPA has already allotted 1 billion pesos worth of campaign support for MAKABAYAN that included the 50 million shared on Ocampo. If we swallow Ocampo’s hypocrisy claiming that he has no allegiance with the CPP-NPA, why then would he accept the 50M from the renowned enemy of the state? It is common knowledge that no debt goes unpaid in Philippine politics. One way or another, these political donors would have their intentions clear and their favors presented on the table. Just what is it that the Communist Party wants in supporting Ocampo to the senateship when they are naturally against the current political process that included the powers of the Congress and the Senate?

The CPP-NPA has battled forty years to overthrow democracy and install Communist stewardship in the state. Would you really think they would dismiss their efforts that easily and give-up their ideals by embracing the political process they have tagged imperialistic and oppressive? If they have that much faith with peaceful reforms such as the inception of their democratic participation through Communist adherents being elected in government, why else would they continue arming militias in the provinces? If this could be done peacefully, the CPP should have long ditched the New People’s Army (NPA) who would become immaterial as they embrace legit means of airing their grievances. Ocampo on one hand is as guilty of this deceit. Ocampo’s so-called “unlikely” friendship with the CPP-NPA hierarchy, particularly Jose Maria Sison who has been speaking highly of his political career, should have been one good reason for the voters to rule him out in the nearing senatorial elections.

Ocampo is a confidante of the Godless and enslaving Communist –Sison. Try and imagine just what Sison would ask of him as a “return of investment” for the 1 billion pesos that the CPP-NPA had entrusted to his political machinery. Whose interests will Ocampo try to serve? The man that practically funded his dreams and made his senateship possible or Juan dela Cruz of whom he knows nothing about? Besides, common “tao” never rang a bell on Ocampo’s consciousness as he squandered his nine years in Congress without a single law written for the welfare of the marginalized sector he claims to represent. In fact, he helped promulgate 5 bills all natured to tie AFP’s hand in their operations against the NPA. If he was in Congress to serve as Sison’s legitimate alter ego, what else do you expect from him in the Senate?

BM SILENCED ON C5 CONTROVERSY

There is no question that Bayan Muna Rep. Saturnino Ocampo will reserve his silence regarding the C5 Double insertion. His “no comment” stance is already a done deal after signing a so-called merger with Nacionalista Party in exchange that he be invited on the senatorial slate. Imagine the 2 million command vote of BM and Gabriela being collectively sold to buyers like Sen. Villar. These votes being marketed on Villar’s lap is the same exact reason why Ocampo would not move a muscle against the C5 hullabaloo. Ocampo could not simply bite his client’s head-off.

Rights groups colluding with TRAPOs for the sake of higher office best describes how loose morals pollute politics. What is even more alarming is the part where voters simply do not give a damn on whether flip flops continue to enjoy influence or not. Juan dela Cruzes who buy these political gimmicks are the ones to blame. Even the activists inside BM and Gabriela who all claim they are pushing for the people’s will and fighting against political tyranny are not immune to such thievery of ethics. BM members who let Ocampo vend of their votes to the next best political financier are no better than those vote buying enthusiasts in the province. In fact, they are a shameful emblem among the so-called People’s associations.

What sort of change do we expect from these activists turned politicians? They are no different from the TRAPOs they hated before. Who can now tell whether their protests against the administration was not a matter of playing it smart to help the opposition they now align themselves to? What if those anti-Gloria stances were just a “salvo” in preparation for Villar’s presidency? Bayan Muna keeping their distance on the C5 Double insertion on the basis that they are now under Villar’s payroll proves them as “activists for hire”. They are selling their protests for the right amount of cash or position.

Of course Villar’s Php 500,000 worth of doled-out money to Maza and Ocampo’s candidacies was just the tip of iceberg. Negotiations between these parties could not end at such cheap price. The 2 million command vote of BM and Gabriela supersedes that mediocre “paycheck”. In fact other than being adopted inside NP, the two hopeful activists are also promised of cabinet positions if they fail the senateship while Villar becomes the duly elected president. These post-election positions serve as good leverage that would assure Ocampo and Maza’s positions in mainstream government beyond 2010. Quite frankly, this is what Liberal Party bet- Sen. Mar Roxas declined boasting that his Party could swim across victory solely on Cory’s charm; an insult to the capacity of BM and Gabriela who believe they gather a stronghold of the public’s interests minding their Leftist identity.

Juan dela Cruz is not questioning BM and Gabriela’s no-show with regard to the issue of the C5 Double insertion. Reasons behind this “boycott” are nonetheless obvious as Ocampo and Maza brush shoulders on newspaper headlines. Juan dela Cruz is never that dumb. Soon these flip-flops and TRAPO suck-ups will be dealt with; most certainly, “sa kangkungan din sila pupulutin”.

ARRESTED HEALTHWORKERS IN POSSESSION OF IEDs

Forty-three (43) Red leaders arrested in Morong, Rizal last February 06 were also caught in possession of 3 hand grenades, 1 canister of Improvised landmine, 5 IEDs, 37 pieces of explosive sticks and around 2 kilos of Ammonium Nitrate. All (43) claimed to have been subjected to undue arrest and detention as they continue to deny their connection with the CPP-NPA.

KARAPATAN or the Alliance for the Advancement of Peoples’ Rights claimed that the Police arrested health workers and medical practitioners participating on a training sponsored by the Community Medicine Foundation, Inc. (COMMED) and Council for Health and Development (CHD) headed by Dr. Melecia Velmonte who also housed the said training in her farmhouse in Rizal. The secluded “training” facility and the improvised explosives would contradict the group’s claim else it displays a foiled rebel teach-in. What exactly were a bunch of medical staffs doing with improvised explosives and live ammunitions?

Six of the 43 were identified suspects of the San Narciso MPS raid in Quezon last 201600 December of last year. They were known cadres under KOMPROB Quezon namely, Reynaldo T. Macabenta; Mark E. Escartin; Antonio C De Dios; Aldrin S. Garcia; Renz M. Capillo; and Racel R Ontañes alias Aileen “Lira or Mira” Monasterio. During the said raid, the rebels fronted as media professionals that gained them “immunity pass”. Nearly six days after the raid, the same rebel group burned down school buildings inside Doongan High School in Catanauan, Quezon that grossed to over 3.5 million pesos worth of damages.

So whose rights are facing conflict with the law? KARAPATAN is obviously engaging exclusively on arrests of identified NPA personalities other than unsuspecting civilians. In fact, KARAPATAN’s involvements in pursuing the release of these personalities prove them part of the Communist Party, as the case of their formerly claimed student activist Kemberly “Kimay” de Luna. Kimay who died during the encounter against the elements of the 8th IB in Brgy Concepcion, Valencia City, Bukidnon was among those previously supported by KARAPATAN. In fact, before the NPA admitted Kimay’s membership in the armed militia, KARAPATAN claimed the young girl was an “innocent” student leader illegally detained in a military camp somewhere in Bukidnon. That is, to their dismay blew up as a controversial case of activist turned full-pledge Red cadre.

Not long from now, these 43 supposed “health workers” would shed their true skin.

COMMUNIST BOYCOTTS C5 CONTROVERSY

The line-up of Nacionalista Party (NP) is said to be closing their eyes and ears on the Senate’s call to censure NP bet Sen. Manuel Villar over his hand in the C5 Double insertion controversy. These 2010 hopefuls, who are early Villar suck-ups, that include Communist supportive senatoriables like Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza are obviously boycotting the Senate inquest in exchange of continued political favors. The well-financed NP and its “able” machinery that could boost the campaigns of Maza and Ocampo are too valuable that the graft case on Villar is deemed irrelevant.

This is the same mantra of Villar’s minions in the Senate that include Senators Allan Cayetano, Edgardo Angara, Joker Arroyo and Lito Lapid. All five of said senators made a no-show stint last Janury 19th as the Senate opened its quorum on the inquest regarding the C5 funds. Sadly, this is how Villar’s charm reigns among its co-senators. Villar is apparently already enjoying immunity even before getting duly elected. The supposed demigod image of Villar is the very reason why Ocampo and Maza gambled their “names” under his picket despite the sounding disfavor of the public. Absolution in the Philippine politics is made possible by “money”, influence and “charm”; Villar is enjoying this fairly early.

Ocampo and Maza claimed to have been on the streets for the pursuit of people’s interest. They were there during the EDSA Uno revolt that seated former Pres. Cory Aquino in the promise that reform and change of leadership would resolve the sickening extent of political exploitation. But it is no secret that EDSA I remained ineffective, otherwise EDSA Dos and Tres would not have taken place. Something definitely went wrong despite people’s eagerness for reform. And surely, it is because people like Maza and Ocampo continue to exist. Both of them ride on different issues from TRAPO to the next but easily reconciles with those claimed grafters in exchange for favors.

The 2010 elections will serve as the breaking point politics wise. This will bring a new Communist breed inside the state government spearheaded by Maza or Ocampo who have already transformed themselves as TRAPO lapdogs. Quite frankly, their “rights groups” would now swear to protect the best interests of Villar and Nacionalista’s, turning them altogether into “Villar’s rights groups. Inevitably, Bayan Muna (BM) will transform to “Villar Muna”. This newly-formed “VM” would gladly help in sidetracking the investigations on NP’s presidential bet. In time, there will surely be a VM-led picket protests pressuring the government to junk the C5 controversy.

It is disturbing how politics is “fashioned” to fit the interest of every hopeful here in the country; like how TRAPOs laundry their names clean and prey on the vulnerable public. In this array, Maza and Ocampo are the best lab rats and satisfy their long quench for much power. Both of them are a disgrace to the victors of Edsa revolts.

KIMAY’S DEATH SAD TRUTH OF REDS’ YOUTH EXPLOITATION

Walang pinagkaiba ang kamatayan ni Kemberly “Kimay” Jul Luna sa porsyento ng mga kabataan na nilulumpo ng nakakahibang na druga o di kaya’y walang kabuluhang hazing. Kung iisipin mas kahindik-hindik pa. Buhay ng isang promising youth ang nalagas para sa pulang bandila na hinaharian ni Jose Maria Sison. Nakikibaka ang tulad niyang mga kabataan hindi para sa demokrasya, kung hindi para palitan ito ng Komunistang diktadorya kung saan maghahari lang ang iilan. Ang nakakalungkot pa, isa si Kimay sa mga kabataang nabulag sa kapangyarihan ng armas.

Ang bulok na pananaw ng kaliwa ang tanging dahilan ng pagkamatay ng promising youth na si Kimay. Walang dapat ipagbunyi sa nasayang na buhay ng dalaga. Naaatim ng NPA na mag-recruit ng menor de edad o di kaya’y kabataan sa kanilang grupo habang patabaing-baboy ang mga lider nito sa labas ng bansa tulad nina Sison. Ang taong nagpasimuno sa Komunistang pagkilos, nagsasaya sa immunity nito sa labas ng bansa.
Anong ehemplo ang naisabuhay ni Ka Kimay? Rebeldeng tinalikuran ng taong pinaglalaban niya? Ang maging isa sa mga armadong nanloloob sa mga kawawang sibilyan kapalit ng bigas o pera? Ano ang ikinaiba ng buhay ni Kimay sa mga pusakal na nagtatago sa bundok, may armas at pumapatay. Anong demokrasya ba ang pinaglaban niya?

Kung nailagay sana sa tama ang husay ni Kimay hindi lang kapiranggot na mensahe sa dyaryo ang naging deskripsiyon ng buhay niya. Ito ang ehemplo ng exploytasyon sa NPA. Sa ganitong paraan nakakalikom ang NPA ng mga kabataang gagamitin nitong buhay na bulletvest sa mga bakbakan. Sa kasamaang palad nag-eendorso pa ang NPA na pamarisan ng iba pang kabataan si Kimay. Ang mamatay sa madugong pakikidigma para sa kapakanan ng ibang nakahilata ay hindi kailanman magiging tama.

KIMAY, GINAMIT NG NPA SA KANILANG PROPAGANDA

Ayon sa pambansang bayani na si Jose Rizal, ang kabataan ay pag-asa ng bayan. Ang mga katagang ito ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa karamihan lalo na sa mga kabataan dahil tumatatak sa kanilang isipan na sila ang magsisilbing gabay upang magkaroon ng malawakang pagbabago sa pamamalakad sa bansa. Kung kaya, malimit na nakikita ang mga kabataan at estudayante na nagtitipon-tipon sa kalsada upang marinig ng gobyerno ang mga hinaing nila sa isyung kinahaharap ng bansa ngayon. Ngunit alam ba nila talaga kung ano ang kanilang pinaglalaban? O nauto na lamang sila ng mga tao o grupong sadyang sumasalungat sa gobyerno?

Ang pagkamatay ni Kemberly “Kimay” Jul Luna na isa sa mga kabaatang miyembro ng New People’s Army (NPA) ay binigyang parangal ng Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) dahil sa kanyang pakikibaka sa murang edad. Bago pa man masali sa NPA, si Kimay ay kabilang sa “iskolar ng bayan” at nag-aaral sa Mindano State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). Ngunit nasayang ang ibinigay sa kanyang pagkakataon na makatapos sana ng pag-aaral dahil sa kanyang pagtalikod sa pag-aaral at pag-anib sa Partidong Komunista. Marahil, sa tamis ng pananalita at mga huwad na pangako ng mga taong nagrekruta ay nabulag si Kimay sa ideolohiya ng partido kung kaya hindi na niya kinailangan ang edukasyon.

Ang pangyayaring ito ay lubusang inabuso ng CPP dahil nagbigay daan ito upang makahikayat ng mga kabataan na umanib sa kanilang samahan. Ang pagkawala ni Kimay ay walang nagawang mabuti sa kanyang sarili at pamilya niya mismo. Ang NPA lamang ang nakinabang sa pagkamatay ni Kimay dahil ginamit nila ito bilang isang propaganda upang madagdagan ang kanilang puwersa sa pamamagitan ng paghihikayat sa iba pang kabataan para umanib sa kanilang kilusan.

Tama ba ang isinusulong na ideya ng CPP at NPA? Inaatasan nila ang mga kabataan, estudyante at propesyunal na sumali sa kanila upang mabigyan ng hustisya ang nangyari kay Kimay. Humihina na nga ba ang kanilang puwersa kung kaya ginagamit pa nila ang kamatayan ni Kimay para sa kanilang pansariling interes? Wala naman sanang masama sa kanilang pinaglalaban ngunit patuloy naman ang kanilang armadong pakikibaka na nagdudulot ng kapahamakan hindi lamang sa buhay ng mga rebelde at sundalo kundi pati na rin sa mga inosenteng mamamayan nakapaligid sa kanila. Ito ba talaga ang gusto nating kahinatnan ng mga kabataang pag-asa ng ating bayan?

KIMAY, ANOTHER VICTIM OF DECEPTION

This much was proven by the death of a young beauteous 21 year old student from Mindanao State University (MSU) called Kemberly Jul Luna or Kimay to her closest friends on that fateful day of December 15, 2009 in Barangay Concepcion in Valencia City, Bukidnon. No one apparently forewarned her of such danger when she was enticed to turn her back on her family and her future by going AWOL from her classes and thereafter joined the local New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon. Just like any idealistic youngster, Kimay was lured by the rebels to supposedly serve the poor but failed to tell her that she would have to yield a gun and clash with much battle-experienced soldiers.

The recent death of a very young student only proves the debauchery behind the ideology espoused by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) since they quite literally snuffed Kimay’s future from her hands and even cruelly left her dead body to rot deep in the forest where the encounter took place. They led her to believe that what she was doing was for the people and after taking advantage of her idealism, her so-called comrades only left her to rot, not even minding to return her body to her family to be grieved upon. Is this how NPA rebels repay her “sacrifice”?

Even former NPA members have confirmed that the only way out for most of those who were persuaded to join the movement is through a bloody bullet, such as that experienced by Kimay and which most of their young members will most positively and eventually face in countryside battlefields. Even renowned columnist Herman Tiu Laurel of The Daily Tribune has questioned the validity of the CPP dogma and has condemned how the movement has caused a long line of fallen young warriors during its 50 years of failed existence. According to Laurel, “is this still the right way to fight for national liberation?” A good question that we - whether you have a high school or college son/daughter or not - should ponder lest our children also fall prey to the slick tongue and charms of the NPA rebels who usually hound schools and universities to specifically seek out able-bodied, bright and highly idealistic students.

No words of honor to Kimay from the CPP or even from militant organizations under which she previously belonged will make a difference to her parents who are now grieving the death of their daughter. Sadly, they never realized that the very place they thought their child would be safe and educated has now been infiltrated by unscrupulous rebels pretending to be protectors of the people.