By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com MANILA — Urban poor communities in Bacoor and Dasmariñas in Cavite are stepping up protests against demolition plans of the local and national governments. On November 29, the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) in Cavite put up protest camps in Kadiwa Market in Dasmariñas and in Talaba 6 in…
Makabayan bloc hits Aquino’s updated list of ‘wanted rebels’

By INA ALLECO SILVERIO
“This list is essentially telling state security forces that the policy of neutralizing and eliminating activists and communists remain.” – Bayan Muna
Soldiers kill couple in Isabela
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com MANILA – Soldiers of the 86th Infantry Battalion are being accused of killing two farmers in Echague Isabela. The soldiers are led by a Philippine Army Lt. Bernardino, a Sgt. Balansa, and soldiers Robert Bagni and Alfred Liclican On November 27, a fact-finding team went to Sitio Calabaggin, San…
International migrants tribunal declares 37 states guilty of violating migrants’ rights

By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
“Governments look at remittances as a tool for development and a means to repay global debt. They have actually put a positive spin on massive forced migration and commodification of workers. They have the gall to call it a ‘tool for development’ when it fact it results in the decimation and break-up of families, the exploitation of millions of workers and the uneven distribution of wealth and power in the world.” – Irene Fernandez, migrants’ rights activist
Women’s groups slam government’s role in increasing cases of violence against women

By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
“As wars and development aggression ravage our world, rape as a tool of war and imperialist expansion is used as a tactic of submission against women who resist.” – International Women’s Alliance
Remove fiscals aiding military in filing harassment cases vs activists – Bayan Muna
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com MANILA — Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares is calling for the removal of fiscals and judges who help elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines file “fake charges” against leaders of progressive party-lists and human rights advocates. Colmenares also hailed the move of Makabayan Coalition leader in…
OFW jumps from building in Taiwan to escape rape, murder attempt

By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Eden Abarientos is not the first OFW who chose to risk falling to her death rather than suffer rape or physical abuse.
Aquino urged to cancel Pagcor ‘Sin City’ license over corruption charges
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com MANILA — The plans of the Aquino government to turn the Philippines into a gambling and gaming capital in Asia are laden with corruption, a progressive lawmaker and a multisectoral alliance said. Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño and the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) are calling for the immediate suspension…
Coconut farmers reject solons’ proposals on coco levy fund

By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
A coconut farmers’ group said the proposals of Representatives Emil Ong and Ben Evardone, Sen. Ralph Recto and the National Anti-Poverty Commission regarding the use of the coco levy funds will benefit traders and corrupt bureaucrats, not the small coconut farmers.
International writers group calls for release of poet Ericson Acosta
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com MANILA — The worldwide association of writers PEN International marked the 31st Annual Day of the Imprisoned Writer last November 15. It was a day to recognize and support writers at risk, and for the last 31 years, the group has commemorated the day to raise awareness on the…
Migrant groups slam Aquino government for simply accepting OFW’s fault in truck explosion

By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Migrante International received an independent report on the explosion written by an investigating team consisting of Saudi engineers, experts and consultants, which revealed that the extent of the damage and the high number of casualties were caused mainly by the volatility of the area and not solely by the accident per se.
See also: International Migrants Tribunal to try Aquino’s accountability to OFWs