Expose and Oppose Oplan RAFAEL

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today said the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has been misinformed in its claim that the permit-to-campaign policy of the revolutionary movement violates human rights. The CPP challenged the CHR to engage in principled discussion and not allow itself to simply echo the propaganda spins and diatribes of the military, warlord-politicos and other anti-communist forces.

The CPP said that it is actually the warlord politicos and their armed instruments, together with their allied fascist military, police and paramilitary forces who have been perpetrating violence against the people and gross violations of human rights.

"It is unfortunate that the CHR has failed to respond to an earlier statement by the CPP on a principled plane and has resorted to wild and sweeping statements. Had the CHR seriously considered the CPP's statement, it would have understood that the PTC is principally about respecting the authority of the People's Democratic Government and protecting the rights of the people."

"By securing their permits to campaign, candidates and their campaign personnel are expected to act in accordance with prevailing policies that protect the democratic and human rights of the people," the CPP explained. "This policy has in fact succeeded in protecting the rights of the masses in revolutionary areas against violence, coercion and abuse by warlords and armed politicos."

The CPP elaborated that "The policy requires candidates to coordinate their activities with local organs of the People's Democratic Government. Candidates are also prohibited from being escorted by armed contingents in revolutionary areas. These policies have been instrumental in reducing the political violence and abuse of human rights by politico-warlords in the past months." added the CPP.

The CPP added that the New People's Army (NPA) has actually thwarted potential abuse and violent incidents by prohibiting the entry of warlords and armed politicians into revolutionary areas. In enforcing this policy, the NPA has confiscated firearms from armed goons and military-police escorts of politico-warlords in Rizal, Quezon, Iloilo, Capiz, Davao Oriental, Davao City, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and other provinces.

Last Wednesday, the NPA seized at least ten high-powered rifles and other firearms from the military escorts and armed goons of congressional candidate Philip Pichay in Tago, Surigao del Sur, thus stopping him from employing his armed escorts to intimidate and coerce the people of Surigao del Sur to vote for him.

"On the other hand, units of the AFP have escalated their operations and have engaged in coercion and intimidation against the people and progressive parties who have been actively campaigning against military abuses and violations of human rights."

Photos courtesy of Koalisyong Makabayan, Bayan-SMR and Karlos Manlupig (as indicated by the filenames)

DAVAO CITY
Stop Oplan RAFAEL (Retain Arroyo through Failure of Elections)! PCOS glitches part of plot? In the light of the PCOS machines failure just 4 days away from the first ever automated national elections, Bayan Muna Partylist is raising the alarm bells for the near completion of a sinister plot to retain Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as president through a failure or postponement of elections. “Everything is falling into place. As much as we want the elections to push through smoothly, five out of at least eight conditions have already been met for President Arroyo to be retained through failure of elections. Oplan RAFAEL (Retain Arroyo through Failure of Elections) must be stopped now by a united citizenry,” exclaimed Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño. The militant legislator revealed eight stages of what he termed Oplan RAFAEL. “First, Arroyo appointed the Hello Garci generals as in key positions as her loyal praetorian guards. Second, she increased the AFP's role in the electoral process. Third, we now have 'technical glitches' in the AES,” Casiño bared. “Fourth, Arroyo's own lawyers have now floated the idea of postponing the elections as an option. Fifth, no sitting Senate president will succeed GMA since Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile has refused to vacate his post. The sixth condition will be Arroyo's midnight appointment of the Supreme Court Chief Justice to ensure a pro-Arroyo Court,” Casiño added. “The seventh stage would be the failure of elections itself due to systemic failures, massive fraud, chaos or violence, which then completes stage eight of Oplan RAFAEL, wherein Arroyo remains as president in a holdover capacity." "After nine years in Malacanang, Mrs. Arroyo is still hell-bent in stealing the presidency for the third time!” Casiño said. "She became president in 2001 after Joseph Estrada was ousted. She stayed in power through massive electoral fraud in 2004 with the help of the likes of 'Garci' and nationwide political operators including military officials. And now this." “Given the configuration problems of the PCOS machines, we in Bayan Muna demand two things from the Comelec: 1) Turn on the feature that shows the voter, through the machine's LCD screen, how his ballot was counted; and 2) Conduct a parallel manual verification count,” Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said. “In the face of poll automation failure, various groups and Bayan Muna will hold a Mass for HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) at the Baclaran Church today at 4:30 p.m. A candle lighting ceremony follows at 6 p.m. The public, known personalities and leaders are invited,” concluded. Colmenares.###

			Members of Bayan held picket at Centennial Park to call for unity versus failure of election scenario, fraud and violence. The group lighted candles to signify unity versus fraud and violence on the upcoming election. Press Release May 6, 2010 Bayan calls for unity versus failure of election, fraud and violence Davao City- In a candle lighting and prayer vigil today held at Centennial Park, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Southern Mindanao Region calls for unity among various opposition parties against the plot to fail the upcoming May 2010 election. Bayan expressed disgust over the COMELEC’s failure to patch up possible technical problems exactly four days before the election. Bayan also hit the COMELEC's lack of contingency measures that will ensure clean and truthful election results. For the group, such failure of the COMELEC will lead to massive fraud like what happened in the 2004 election. According to John Birondo, Spokesperson of BAYAN-SMR, “we have been saying that the US-Arroyo regime will cling to power and this attempt to sabotage the election is her way to stay in power. The Malacañang is behind all of these delaying tactics of the COMELEC because GMA really doesn’t want to leave her post.” Birondo said “ We are aware of DND Secretary Norberto Gonzales’ ploy to initiate a military junta just to make sure that Arroyo will still be in control. We are warning the people of the post election military junta which is being groomed by the likes of Norberto Gonzales and other close military allies of the Malacañang.” Birondo stressed that the highly questionable appointments of new Chief Justice and Lt.Gen. Delfin Bangit as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are all part of the scheme to sabotage this election. Bangit, a member of Philippine Military Academy batch 78 and a mistah of Arroyo was appointed as AFP's chief of staff last March 10 in replacement of Gen. Ibrado last March 10. The appointments, according to Birondo, were unconstitutional as such is prohibited under Section 15, Article VII of the Constitution. Bayan called for the people to exercise their right to suffrage as it would be easier for the Arroyo camp to declare the failure of election if people will not cast their votes. Birondo also expressed the possibility of another people power come the time the elections will fail or the people's votes will be rigged. The candle lighting dubbed "The People's Prayers for Vigilance and Genuine Democracy" was attended by various militant leaders and groups from the academe, youth, church, lawyers and urban poor. They lighted a candle to signify their unity versus electoral fraud and violence. For reference: John Birondo 0939-656-8925

Satur calls on all opposition parties to unite versus election failure Submitted by Satur4Senator on Wed, 05/05/2010 - 22:48 Bayan Muna senatorial bet and Nacionalista Party guest candidate Satur Ocampo and the two other representatives of Bayan Muna, Rep. Teddy Casino and Rep. Neri Colmenares, today called on all opposition parties and candidates to unite against election failure and to push for a parallel manual count as a way to prevent massive fraud in next week's polls. "There is no longer denying the signs that the Macapagal-Arroyo is orchestrating moves to ensure that the May 10 polls will fail. First there's Norberto Gonzales who continues to spout warnings on failure of elections, then there's the Comelec and the unresolved problems connected to automation. With the polls just around the corner, it's imperative that all opposition forces cross party-lines and unite behind the common goal of thwarting the Arroyo government's plans to sabotage the polls," Ocampo said. "The last two months have seen the standard bearers and candidates of the major opposition parties flinging mud at each other and discrediting each others' records. It's about time that the mudslinging stop and for everyone unite against a common enemy: the Macapagal-Arroyo administration and its schemes to throw a monkey wrench in the polls and if possible extend its stay in power indefinitely. For all of Pres. Arroyo's declarations that she will step down in June, signs are rife that she isn't going to leave the presidency so easily," he said. Ocampo said that it was time for the opposing parties outside the camp of the ruling party to link arms and coordinate efforts against all attempts to sabotage the polls. "We owe this to the Filipino people, and it is our duty as members of the opposition. We cannot have a repeat of the 2004 elections that was rigged to the hilt, and we cannot allow Macapagal-Arroyo to remain president by default," he said.


			Bayan Muna warns vs. electronic cheating, calls on public to be vigilant in protecting their votes Garbage in, garbage out Witnessing the installation of the CCS machine at the House of Representatives which would receive electronic returns for the national canvass for president and vice president on election day, Bayan Muna representatives Teddy Casiño and Neri Colmenares today reiterated their call for the Comelec to implement new safeguards, "otherwise, the CCS machines will be susceptible to that basic rule in computer technology - garbage in, garbage out." Bayan Muna is opposing proposals to postpone the May 10 elections and wants Comelec to implement remedial measures to all technical problems to ensure credible polls. "While we agree that some form of parallel and expanded random manual count is warranted given the defects of the PCOS, we also warn against a return to full manual counting since there will be higher risks of cheating to be done by experts and veterans of the rigged 2004 elections." Bayan Muna is opposing proposals to postpone the May 10 elections and wants Comelec to implement remedial measures to all technical problems to ensure credible polls. "While we agree that some form of parallel and expanded random manual count is warranted given the defects of the PCOS, we also warn against a return to full manual counting since there will be higher risks of cheating to be done by experts and veterans of the rigged 2004 elections." "But whether there will be full automation, partial, parallel, or random manual counting, the people will now have to take it upon themselves to prevent cheating. Comelec and Smartmatic are part of the problem. The solution is the people's vigilance," he said. "At this point, automation can not guarantee clean, credible elections. We call on our people to be ready to be sleepless for two or three days just to guard the votes. Let us be involved in the checking and sealing process. We must be involved in the counting process. Let people power be alive on May 10," stressed Casiño. "We must stop Oplan RAFAEL (the scheme to retain Arroyo through failure of elections). Bayan Muna appeals to the public not to be deceived into thinking everything's okay. We are raising our voices to alert the citizenry, to foil the plans of those who wish to control every democratic institution for their own selfish interests. Let's be vigilant in protecting the sanctity of the ballot as our means for instituting reforms beneficial to the people," Casiño urged. Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Neri Colmenares illustrated how problematic the situation could be if "defective" CF memory cards are replaced by another batch of defective cards. "There will be delays, a failure or postponement where the machine or program malfunctions. Some will be forced to do manual counting. This is where expert cheaters can manipulate the results through dagdag-bawas. Or it could be a high-tech, electronic cheating like card switching or transmission of fake results," Colmenares said. "Generals Bangit, Mapagu and Sec. Gonzales, with their vast network of spies, know some things they are not telling us. They know exactly who stands to benefit from an Arroyo term extension. Instead, they have been lying and deflecting the issue of military involvement in cheating! If these three are not involved in electoral fraud, they should have immediately investigated their subordinates whom we have complained for conducting threats and harassment against progressive candidates and members," Colmenares added. A protest action is also being held simultaneously at the Comelec central office in Manila.### BACK Posted on May 05 by Administrator

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Pagbabago calls for vigilance, action vs poll failure, massive fraud * News Release * On the 2010 Elections Reference: Bibeth Orteza, Pagbabago Spokesperson Pagbabago! People’s Movement for Change called for vigilance in light of the failure of the PCOS machines to work properly in the final testing and sealing conducted in various municipalities and cities. The final testing and sealing in various precincts not only in Metro Manila but also in several provincial cities and municipalities showed PCOS machines failing to read the votes for local candidates. The results of machine counts failed to tally with manual counts. “This is a big problem brought about by the lack of readiness and sheer incompetence of the Comelec and Smartmatic. An ill-prepared automated election is a well-prepared failure of elections,” said Pagbabago Spokesperson Bibeth Orteza. The Comelec, at this point, has very low credibility that they can make automation work full scale. They have not conducted any end-to-end test of the machines and the field tests and mock elections that were held only showed problems with the machine and the voting process, according to Pagbabago. “Even if Comelec can show that the machines work properly during the tests, the people’s trust in Comelec is greatly diminished. We should be vigilant and be prepared to spring into action in the likely event of massive fraud and even widespread failure of elections,” Orteza said. “Comelec officials, Smartmatic and Mrs. Arroyo herself are accountable for the failure to conduct a truly credible automated elections,” Orteza added. Pagbabago warned of the specter of a hold-over Arroyo government. Mrs. Gloria Arroyo stands to benefit from a problematic automation, or even a full reversal to manual elections at this point. ##








MANILA
		News Release May 6, 2010 Bayan assails no-election/postponement/holdover scenarios The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) today warned that election postponement or election failure will benefit no one but Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The group kicked off protest actions in front of the Comelec today against any “no-election and holdover scenario” that it fears could arise from the problems in poll automation. “The upcoming polls will be conducted under a cloud of doubt and suspicion because of recent events that are the doing of Comelec and Smartmatic. What happened were not just glitches but a potentially fatal nationwide malfunction. Even if these are resolved as Smartmatic says they will, the damage to the poll’s credibility has been done,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr. “The people demand that the Comelec deliver on its mandate to provide credible elections on May 10, but the recent events are a setback in terms of credibility. This is the one thing that can be exploited by those who are pushing for a no-election scenario or postponement. This is what the Arroyo regime can use to justify a holdover,” Reyes added. The group said that a long chain of events has led to the current election debacle. These include the absence of rigorous tests, limited field tests, limited mock elections, the non-certification of crucial election equipment and software and problems in the source code review. “Many of the problems are avoidable but what boggles the mind is why Comelec and Smartmatic did not take the necessary steps to avoid these problems, despite calls from various sectors. That is why people tend to be suspicious that this can be linked to moves to keep Mrs. Arroyo in power,” Reyes said. Bayan said that the massive troop deployment in at least 10 cities in Metro Manila is not just aimed at so-called election hotspots, but also aimed to quell protests that may erupt when the elections fail. “What is certain during these uncertain times is that the people will surely act should there be election fraud and failure,” Reyes said. Bayan said the optimistic assurances from the Comelec and Smartmatic should be backed-up by actual end-to-end tests at the precinct levels and canvassing boards. “We ask the people to be vigilant and monitor the PCOS tests that will happen from now until Monday, because that is one indicator of how the poll automation will be carried out,” Reyes said. Bayan said that the fact that the testing of PCOS machines will be carried out until Monday, Election Day and that the Comelec has admitted that there will be inevitable poll delays, are already causes of concern. ###







News Release May 4, 2010 Bayan calls for vigilance amid widespread PCOS malfunction The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today called on the people to exercise extra-vigilance amid reports that Precinct Count Optical Scan machines have been malfunctioning and that the PCOS memory cards are being recalled by Smartmatic. “They key question here is time. With less than a week to go, there are serious concerns about the ability of Smartmatic and Comelec to address the emerging problem of faulty PCOS machines. We call on the people to be extra-vigilant during this period of uncertainty,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr. “We hope this will not be a prelude to worse things to come on Election Day. The public must be on the look-out for any concerted and deliberate effort that may result in election failure. We must not simply accept that scenario as the only outcome,” Reyes said. Kontra Daya has previously questioned the vulnerabilities of the automated polls during the field tests and mock elections conducted before the elections. The poll watchdog has complained that there were not enough tests conducted to test the integrity of the machines and the system. Kontra Daya speculates that there may be problems in the compact flash inside the PCOS machines. “The extent of the problem is not isolated. Many cities and provinces are encountering similar problems. The next few days will be critical for the nation if these problems are not resolved in a manner satisfactory to all stakeholders,” Reyes said. “When the signs are clear that the elections will fail, we must be prepared to collectively act,” he added. Bayan also called on the Arroyo government to hold accountable the Smartmatic officials should it be proven that the widespread failure of the PCOS machines was preventable. “The Smartmatic officials must not be allowed to leave the country until this problem is solved. They should be held accountable if the glitches are proven to be their wrongdoing,” Reyes said.





		News Release 06 May 2010 Reference: Rep. Luz Ilagan, Gabriela Women's Party First Nominee, Gabriela Women's Party Slams COMELEC for Election Sabotage, Gears for massive protest vs fraud “AES stands for Automated Elections Sabotage,” declared Gabriela Women's Party Representative Luzviminda Ilagan, referring to the resulting technical foul-ups during COMELEC tests of the PCOS machines a mere four days before elections. “It is beyond incompetence. It can not even be described as simple failure of technology. After COMELEC’s super-confident proclamation that it was all systems go for the first automated election system, the shocking discovery that the machines were not working as expected, has left the public aghast and suspicious that there is more to this development than mere mechanical aberrations. “The COMELEC is clearly committing an unforgivable crime against the Filipino people with the imminent failure of the automated election system. Smartmatic is in collusion with COMELEC and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to pave the way for a massive failure of elections,” said Ilagan. The militant lady legislator added that blocking the peaceful and credible holding of elections has always been part of Macapagal-Arroyo's grand schemes in her bid to stay in power after the president's term ends in June 30. Ilagan however warns that Filipinos will not take this disenfranchisement sitting down. “The people will have no more of the abomination in Malacañang. Filipino voters are convinced that this sabotage of a nation-wide democratic exercise will mobilize people to take to the streets should their right to vote be violated.” Ilagan, thus, calls on women and men voters to ensure that clean, honest and credible elections push through. “The people's vigilance is the only way to triumph over any evil machinations of the Arroyo regime. On May 10, we must cast and protect our votes and rise in protest should our will be undermined and flagrantly violated.” On May 8, Gabriela Women's Party and GABRIELA will lead a women's action in front of COMELEC to call for clean, honest and credible elections. The women's groups will also set up protest centers all over the country where disgruntled voters can mass up should the May 10 elections fail. ### Public Information Department GABRIELA National Office (+632) 3712302


May 6, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE White ribbons symbolize youth unity to ensure peaceful and transparent polls on May 10 No to postponement of polls, hold accountable Comelec-Smartmatic – youth solon Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino today expressed opposition to proposals to postpone the May 10, 2010 elections saying that “however which way you look at it, it would only serve to perpetuate the present administration into power”. Palatino said that the recent glitches in the Automated Electoral System a mere few days to go before Election Day may be perceived as either “miserable incompetence” on the part of the Commission on Elections or “part of a grander, sinister scheme in a system that is doomed to fail”. “At this point, we call on all youth to unite, regardless of parties, inclinations or preference. The main issue now is to hold accountable those responsible for this epic disaster and to build the broadest and strongest unity to uphold and fight for the youth and people’s will to install a new government on May 10,” he said. Members of the youth partylist and different youth organizations tied white ribbons in the vicinity of the Comelec and around Metro Manila today to symbolize the youth and the people’s commitment to fight for clean and honest elections. The youth solon said that there is an urgent and pressing need for the biggest number of youth to volunteer and work together as poll watchers and watchdogs on May 10 and beyond. “Restoring the credibility of the elections now resides on the people, not the Comelec or any single party,” he said. Palatino also said that the Comelec should seriously reconsider parallel manual counting along with the automation. “We have to be prepared for the most likely scenario of a failure of elections. Concrete and credible alternatives should be in place. We cannot just rely on empty assurances by the Comelec or Smartmatic.” A “White Ribbon Mass” for youth election watch dogs and all concerned youth is set on May 8, 8:00am at the San Agustin Church in Intramuros. Meanwhile, interested youth poll watch volunteers or election-related complaints may be forwarded to the Kabataan Partylist headquarters at #118-B Scout Rallos St., Brgy. Sacred Heart, QC; or contact telephone number 352-1054. ### Office of Rep. Raymond ‘Mong’ Palatino Temporary Office at 3rd Floor, Main Building House of Representatives, Batasan Complex, Quezon City Reference: Kabataan Party-list Rep. Mong Palatino Mobile: 09085927099 Email: cong.mongpalatino@gmail.com Gerg Anrol Cahiles, Media Officer Mobile: 09273670948




AES and Vulnerable Elections An evaluation by AGHAM www.agham.org



Vulnerable elections (1): Memory cards March 11, 2010 - 8:34am — webteam With the May 2010 presidetial elections coming in only two months, citizens groups have raised their concerns regarding the conduct of the first nationwide automation of our elections. Groups such as the anti-fraud and election monitoring group Kontra Daya have called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to “walk the talk” regarding its claim that all systems are in place for the Automated Election System (AES) and only an earthquake can stop the May 2010 elections. Author: Dr. Giovanni Tapang	Vulnerable elections (2): Cutting it close March 18, 2010 - 12:36am — webteam The upcoming May 2010 elections is an experiment of sorts. We will have the first automated national elections with more than 50.7 million registered voters. Voters from more than 329,000 precincts will troop to 76,000 clustered precincts (CP). Each CP will have at most one precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machine for around 1000 voters. Author: Dr. Giovanni Tapang		Vulnerable elections (3): Simulations and open source March 25, 2010 - 10:02am — webteam Last week’s column which tackled our time-motion simulations made a lot of people worry about one of the aspects of the upcoming automated election system (AES): the possibility of a long line of voters unlike what we used to have in the past elections. Author: Dr. Giovanni Tapang

Vulnerable elections (4): Ultraviolet misprints April 8, 2010 - 12:05am — webteam It might come as expected to a lot of us by now that the Comelec’s automated election system (AES) encounters one problem after another. Recently, news came out that the markings on the ballots for the May polls are unreadable by the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines that will be used in the upcoming national and local elections. According to the Comelec itself, errors in the ultraviolet (UV) markings printed on the ballots are due to the high-speed printing process used by Smartmatic. Author: Dr. Giovanni Tapang	Vulnerable elections (5): Lessons in humidity\| April 29, 2010 - 12:07am — webteam It might come as a surprise to local readers to know that actual voting for the May 2010 national elections have already started for many Filipinos abroad. In many of our embassies and consulates, overseas citizens have already cast their choices for president, vice president, senators and party-list. Some voting centers like Hong Kong and Singapore are using the same Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines that are to be deployed throughout the country for the automated election system (AES). Author: Dr. Giovanni Tapang		Vulnerable elections (6): Weakest link May 6, 2010 - 11:49pm — webteam The automated election system that will be used on Monday is a complex collection of several component subsystems that is expected to function as one during election day. These subsystems are expected to pass on verified tallies of the results at each stage of the polling process. If any one of them fail, there would be problems with regard to the veracity of the final count and tally that will be used as the basis for proclaiming winners of the electoral contest. Author: Dr. Giovanni Tapang

	AGHAM: WE SUPPORT BAYAN MUNA We are reissuing this statement for the 2010 elections. Bayan Muna is running under the Makabayan coalition who has Rep. Satur Ocampo and Lisa Maza running for Senate. AGHAM: WE SUPPORT BAYAN MUNA Scientists group say people has to be first in science and technology Since AGHAM’s founding in 1999, we have upheld that science and technology development cannot be divorced from the overall people’s development. In our long involvement in political affairs in both the national and international arenas, the partylist group Bayan Muna has proven firm and consistent with their support for the Science and Technology Agenda formulated in 2004 along with the agenda of other sectors of Philippine society.


BONUS TRACKS On private armies and permits to campaign


Congressman Pichay and his private army dis-armed Maria Malaya Spokesperson NDF-North-Eastern Mindanao Region April 28, 2010 Other versions: Bisaya A unit of the New People's Army dis-armed Congressman Pichay and Henrik Pimentel who were with a Regional Mobile Group (RMG) team and their private army at 2 pm today in Sitio Cadlum, Brgy. Kabangahan, Tago, Surigao del Sur. Confiscated from them were ten (10) firearms, which include four (4) AK-47, three (3) M16, two (2) Cal. 45, one (1) .40mm and one (1) .9mm. They were disarmed by the NPA because they failed to coordinate and seek the permission of the revolutionary government in the area, which violates the revolutionary movement's policy on election campaigns. Congressman Pichay, who was with his trusted mayoral candidate in Tago, Henrik Pimentel, is the henchman of Arroyo in Caraga who consistently refuse to recognize the revolutionary government in the countryside, where the policy of peaceful and democratic election campaign is being enforced, up until election day. It is the policy of the revolutionary movement to apprehend any politician who refuse to recognize the revolutionary government and disarm them if they bring along their private army in their campaign sorties in NPA areas. Pichay has also been known to be the foremost benefactor of large-scale military operations in Caraga, which resulted to the mass evacuation of peasants and the lumad people in the region. Within the month of April, NPA units under the Pulang Diwata Command were able to disarm politicians that violated the policy of the revolutionary movement seven times. Congressman Pichay's and Henrik Pimentel's group is the seventh. On April 10, Tagbina Vice Mayor Jessie Callano, currently gunning the mayoralty seat, was dis-armed in San Vicente, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur and confiscated from him and his armed escort were a number of firearms. On the same day, arms were also confiscated from Mayor Ike Pimentel in Brgy. Mabuhay, Tandag City. Mayor Caloy Egay, a known Romarate lapdog, was dis-armed by the NPA on April 15 in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, and confiscated from his goons were one (1) KG9 and one (1) Cal .45. This was followed on April 20 with the disarming of Mayor Thelma Lamanilao's goons in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, where the following were confiscated: 2 Cal.45, 1n KG9, 1 .9mm and 2 Cal .38. Mayor Polizon, together with four of his councilors, was also apprehended and disarmed last April 22 in Sta. Juana, Tagbina and again, Mayor Viola last April 26 in Hinatuan town, both in the province of Surigao del Sur. The aforementioned politicians and other political candidates may continue with their campaign under the condition that they formally ask the permission of representatives of the revolutionary movement, and promise to abide by the policy in order to guarantee the safe and peaceful conduct of their campaign activities within areas of the revolutionary movement. It is necessary for the people to know that Congressman Romarate of Surigao del Norte conducts his campaign with goons and numerous troops belonging to the 30th IB as armed escorts. He, despite being congressman, blatantly violates the COMELEC gun ban and maintains his own private army. We challenge the Presidential Commission Against Private Armies, whose members include Bishop Pueblos and the COMELEC, to dis-arm Romarate's goons and prevent him from bringing army troops in his campaign activities. We warn Cong. Romarate that he and his armed convoy could become a target of NPA ambush should he choose to continue perpetrating these violations. From: http://www.philippinerevolution.net/cgi-bin/statements/stmts.pl?author=ndfnm;date=100428;lang=eng		CPP rebuts CHR: PTC protects people's rightsMay 1, 2010 The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today said the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has been misinformed in its claim that the permit-to-campaign policy of the revolutionary movement violates human rights. The CPP challenged the CHR to engage in principled discussion and not allow itself to simply echo the propaganda spins and diatribes of the military, warlord-politicos and other anti-communist forces. The CPP said that it is actually the warlord politicos and their armed instruments, together with their allied fascist military, police and paramilitary forces who have been perpetrating violence against the people and gross violations of human rights. "It is unfortunate that the CHR has failed to respond to an earlier statement by the CPP on a principled plane and has resorted to wild and sweeping statements. Had the CHR seriously considered the CPP's statement, it would have understood that the PTC is principally about respecting the authority of the People's Democratic Government and protecting the rights of the people." "By securing their permits to campaign, candidates and their campaign personnel are expected to act in accordance with prevailing policies that protect the democratic and human rights of the people," the CPP explained. "This policy has in fact succeeded in protecting the rights of the masses in revolutionary areas against violence, coercion and abuse by warlords and armed politicos." The CPP elaborated that "The policy requires candidates to coordinate their activities with local organs of the People's Democratic Government. Candidates are also prohibited from being escorted by armed contingents in revolutionary areas. These policies have been instrumental in reducing the political violence and abuse of human rights by politico-warlords in the past months." added the CPP. The CPP added that the New People's Army (NPA) has actually thwarted potential abuse and violent incidents by prohibiting the entry of warlords and armed politicians into revolutionary areas. In enforcing this policy, the NPA has confiscated firearms from armed goons and military-police escorts of politico-warlords in Rizal, Quezon, Iloilo, Capiz, Davao Oriental, Davao City, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and other provinces. Last Wednesday, the NPA seized at least ten high-powered rifles and other firearms from the military escorts and armed goons of congressional candidate Philip Pichay in Tago, Surigao del Sur, thus stopping him from employing his armed escorts to intimidate and coerce the people of Surigao del Sur to vote for him. "On the other hand, units of the AFP have escalated their operations and have engaged in coercion and intimidation against the people and progressive parties who have been actively campaigning against military abuses and violations of human rights." Reference: Marco Valbuena Media Officer Cellphone Numbers: 09156596802 :: 09282242061 E-mail:cppmedia@gmail.com From: http://www.philippinerevolution.net/cgi-bin/statements/releases.pl?date=100501;refer=cpp;lang=eng


ELECTIONS 2010










		Makabayan Senatoriable Ka Satur Ocampo's Online Q&A



Songs and campaign jingles

■ Satur Ocampo - Liza Maza Campaign Jingle	■ Satur Ocampo Jingle		■ Liza Maza Jingle

■ JIngle in Cebuano	■ Jingle in Ilongo		■ JIngle in Tagalog

	Pagbabago sa Senado: A Song for Makabayan Senatoriable Ka Satur Ocampo		Be part of the fan club! Join Ka Satur's Social Network! satur4senator.ning.com Join the cause! Bring the people's interest to the Senate
	■ Sasaturn na tayo



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Vulnerable elections (1): Memory cards

Vulnerable elections (2): Cutting it close

Vulnerable elections (3): Simulations and open source

Vulnerable elections (4): Ultraviolet misprints

Vulnerable elections (5): Lessons in humidity|

Vulnerable elections (6): Weakest link

AGHAM: WE SUPPORT BAYAN MUNA

Congressman Pichay and his private army dis-armed

CPP rebuts CHR: PTC protects people's rightsMay 1, 2010

Reference:

Makabayan Senatoriable Ka Satur Ocampo's Online Q&A