BY BULATLAT Students voiced out their opposition to the proposed random drug testing in schools. In a statement, the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), the largest alliance of student councils in the country criticized the proposal as ‘a mere knee-jerk and shortsighted reaction’ by the Arroyo government to the “Alabang boys” scandal.…
Category: Breaking News
Bikers, Residents Oppose Dumpsite Project in Rizal town
At least 500 cyclists, 200 residents and environmental activists gathered today in San Mateo, Rizal to voice out their opposition to the municipal government’s dumpsite project. Dubbed as “Padyakan Laban sa Tambakan,” bikers rode around town to raise the awareness of the local residents about the issue. Bikers in and outside San Mateo said they…
Activists slam US support for Israel
Activists from the multisectoral group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) held a protest near the US embassy in Manila to protest the US government’s continuing support for Israel. For almost three weeks now, Israel has been carrying out bombing raids followed by ground assault on Gaza. The death toll is estimated to have now passed 1,000…
Aklan Broadcaster Survives Slay Try
BY BULATLAT An Aklan broadcaster survived an assassination attempt by unknown gunmen last Jan. 2. Cherie “Katribung Che” Indelible, 35, news director of dyYM (Community Broadcasting Information System), a local government-run radio station and anchorman of 98.5 Hot FM was riding his motorcycle on his way home in Kalibo City at 11:45 p.m. when he…
Anti-Mining Activist Killed in Compostela Valley
BY BULATLAT An anti-mining activist was killed by unidentified men two days before Christmas, an environmentalist group in Compostela Valely said. Fernando Sarmiento, 39, secretary general of Panalipdan-Southern Mindanao Region (SMR), was killed by still unidentified men, December 23, around 7 p.m. at Purok 1, Barangay Cabinuangan, New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province. Francis Morales, spokesperson…
Peasant Group Says Akbayan’s Tirades Anti-Peasant
BY BULATLAT The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP, Peasant Movement of the Philippines) said Akbayan Partylist Rep. Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel’s accusations are anti-peasant and anti-people. Baraquel accused Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo and Anakpawis Representative Rafael Mariano, also the chairperson of KMP, of colluding with landlords in killing the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Danilo Ramos,…
Anti-imperialist Group Hails Iraqi Journalist for Hurling Shoes at Bush
BY BULATLAT An international anti-imperialist organization hailed the Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at US President George W. Bush. In a statement sent through email, Jose Maria Sison, chairman of the International Coordinating Committee of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) called journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi of Cairo-based Al-Bahgdadia as a hero for hurling…
Laid off OFWs in Taiwan Duped by Malacañang
Retrenched overseas Filipino workers from Taiwan went to Malacañang hoping to receive assistance from the government. Instead, they were used for Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s photo gimmicks, and went home empty handed. BY ANGIE DE LARA AND RONALYN OLEA MIGRANT WATCH Bulatlat On December 5, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration official Carmelita…
Asian Peasant Group Denounces Rights Violations
BY BULATLAT A coalition of Asian peasant organizations has called on its members to to be more vigilant in defending their human rights especially their rights to land, seeds, resources and livelihood. “At this point, governments in Asia cannot be trusted nor expected to uphold the human rights of its citizens,” said Danilo Ramos, secretary-general…
Militant Peasant Group Marches to Congress for GARB not CARP
BY JANESS ANN J. ELLAO Bulatlat Kilusang Mambubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP or Peasant Movement of the Philippines) Chair and Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Rep. Rafael Mariano welcomed the leaders and members of Kalipunan ng Samahang Mambubukid ng Kabite (Kamagsasa-Ka or Federation of Peasant Associations in Cavite), a chapter of KMP, at the House of Representatives this…
Another Bayan Muna Leader Killed, Three Lumads Tortured
A Bayan Muna (People First) leader who was shot and wounded by two unidentified men in Monkayo, Compostela Valley last November 30 died yesterday at the Davao Regional Hospital. Isabelo Celing, 47, barangay (village) coordinator of Bayan Muna Party List in Haguimitan was shot and wounded by armed men on board a red XRM motorcycle…