News
American official spotted in Bicol
US Army Maj. Jeffrey D. Antonio was spotted making the rounds of guerrilla zones in Bicol as part of preparations to turn the region into an experimental area for counter-guerrilla concepts and tactics that the US wants to try out in the Philippines.
Forces from the 203rd, 901st and 902nd Brigades provided security for Major Antonio as he went around areas in the region where he plans to implement a "US-RP humanitarian assistance" program. In this regard, massive clearing operations were launched by the concerned AFP troops.
Two days after Antonio's "visit" came the launching of the first Regional Area Coordinating Center of KALAHI (Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan or "Linking Arms Against Poverty"). Contrary to its name, the program's main objective and overall content involves coordinating the military, police and bureaucratic machinery as well as propaganda and diplomatic initiatives for a comprehensuve "counter-insurgency" program. It forms part of the National Internal Security Plan forged by Malaca�ang's Cabinet Oversight Committee on Internal Security. The "diplomatic" initiatives include the "US-RP humanitarian assistance" project being set up in Bicol.
Central Azucarera de Tarlac strikers win
Six-hundred sixty-one (661) workers won most of their demands presented to the owners of Hacienda Luisita and the Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT) on February 27, after staging a six-day strike.
Foremost among the demands won by the workers were the restoration of medical benefits for members of the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Labor Union (CATLU); the immediate assignment of regular workers to vacant positions; and the regularization of seasonal workers who had already worked for six months.
CATLU was supported by members of Kilusang Mayo Uno-Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Tarlac.
Hacienda Luisita and CAT are owned by the Cojuangco siblings, including former President Corazon Aquino and former Cong. Jose Cojuangco Jr., who is now one of Macapagal-Arroyo's advisers.
Struggle at Lepanto mines victorious
Striking workers of the Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (LCMC) won their struggle on March 2 when management agreed to reinstate 24 out of 42 union leaders laid off by the LCMC (the 18 others opted to leave the LCMC after receiving their separation pay and other benefits).
Policemen previously attacked their picket lines several times in an attempt to break the strike. Twenty-six strikers were arrested. A worker died from a heart attack because of clashes at the picket line, while many others were beaten up when policemen attacked the strikers' ranks on February 8, 18 and 19.
The workers struck on February 1 to demand a stop to forced work even during Christmas, longer working days and the hiring of more contractual workers. The strike was supported by the Cordillera Peoples Alliance, Kilusang Mayo Uno and Dinteg-Cordillera Human Rights Organization.
The LCMC is one of the country's biggest producers of gold and copper, and has a 2,586-strong workforce. It earns $47 million (more than P2.54 billion) annually from its mineral exports.
Strikes paralyze transportation in Pampanga, Bulacan, Negros
Massive strikes launched by thousands of jeepney and tricycle drivers paralyzed public transportation in Pampanga on March 4 and in Bulacan on February 24. The drivers struck to oppose excessive fees charged for testing their vehicles under the Clean Air Act as well as continued oil price hikes.
In Pampanga, the strikes paralyzed 90% of transportation within Angeles City as well as routes going to Mabalacat and Tarlac. Seventy percent (70%) of transportation was also paralyzed in San Fernando.
In Bulacan, drivers set up barricades in Malolos City, Meycauayan, Baliuag, Plaridel, Pulilan and Sta. Maria.
Almost 95% of transportation in Negros Occidental and parts of Negros Oriental was also paralyzed on February 20-21 when members of the United Drivers- Operators Center (UNDOC) struck in Bacolod City to oppose the Clean Air Act.
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