In commemoration of the 75th International Human Rights Day, Kabataang Makabayan-South Central Negros stands in solidarity with Palestine and all the oppressed people of the world. The international landscape has reached a state of heightened alarm, with the US war machine being the mastermind of the genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza, just as the imperialist US meddled with the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. As Filipinos whose history is brimming with colonization, displacement, and relentless trampling of human rights, the Filipino youth recognize the significance of the struggle for self-determination and liberation.

Similarly, the illegitimate Marcos II regime continues its counterrevolutionary violence against the revolutionary movement, even going so far as to target civilians. Negrosanons, particularly farmers and farm workers, are maliciously red-tagged, all in an attempt to justify the trumped-up charges against them, abductions and the extrajudicial killings committed by the current regime.

Negros Island witnessed the tragic toll of 55 victims of extrajudicial killings under Marcos Jr. Among them are NDFP peace consultants Rogelio Posadas and Ericson Acosta, whose unwavering commitment to the cause knew no bounds; the Red fighters of the Mt. Cansermon Command-NPA, namely Arjen “Ka Nonong” Mahinay and Junjun “Ka Ruben” Callet, and the Fausto family who were massacred by the notorious 94th IB, under the command of Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte. Moreover, the whereabouts of Lyn Grace Marturillas, Deah Lopez, Renel delos Santos and Denald Mialen, among others, remain unknown after the state forces abducted them.

Accordingly, the revolutionary youth condemn the rampant human rights violations committed by the state in south central Negros and the entire country. Focused military operations, Retooled Community Support Programs (RCSP), and the imposition of Anti-Terror Law (ATL) are utilized by the state to show just cause for militarization. Along with this is our demand to scrap the ATL and abolish the NTF-Elcac, a state apparatus packed with idiots and evils, that only serves to perpetuate a vicious cycle of human rights violations and big-time corruptions. Instead of wasting taxpayers’ money on band-aid solutions, the reactionary government should adapt the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) to address the societal issues generated by the rotten semi-colonial and semi-feudal system.

Furthermore, we call on our fellow revolutionary youth to maintain vigilance and militancy as we fearlessly carry out our responsibilities in our respective chapters, contributing to the advancement of the national democratic revolution with a socialist perspective. Ultimately, we strongly urge them to elevate the struggle to its highest form; embrace the call to take up arms, and join the ranks of the New People’s Army. It is only through the resolute path of armed struggle can social justice and genuine freedom be achieved. In this time of crisis, all the more that we need to be militant and decisive to increase and strengthen the ranks of revolutionary forces.###