Workers warn RP-U.S. Balikatan participants - keep out of election activities

The labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today expressed strong alarm over the conduct of this year's RP-US Balikatan Military Exercises in Mindanao. The group warned participating troops in the Balikatan not to interfere in local election activities in various areas covered by their exercises in Mindanao. "U.S. intervention extends even to supposedly sovereign activities including local elections."

"The danger of employing Balikatan troops in election activities was reinforced with the announcement of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. that the participants of the large-scale military exercises will be used as 'security forces.' In guise of the customary socio-civic and humanitarian projects, these 'security forces' can be used to further repress supporters of progressive party list groups like Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriela and Suara Bangsa Moro Party List," KMU Secretary General and Anakpawis Nominee third nominee Joel Maglunsod.

"We are concerned that Balikatan troops will be used to campaign against opponents of the administration and progressive party list groups as per instructed in the AFP's Special SOT – Counter Party List in the Barangay Council which is the main content of 2nd phase of the military's counter insurgency program, Oplan Bantay Laya II," Maglunsod said.

The labor leader said that the massive cheating during the 2004 presidential elections happened in Mindanao, particularly in Western and Southern Mindanao. Likewise, most of the election hotspots and areas of concern identified by the COMELEC are in far-flung towns in Mindanao.

AFP document supports Arroyo gov't stress on anti-party list campaign

The copy of the document of AFP's Special SOT focused against Party List groups stressed on counter organizing efforts in barangays to 'neutralize' supporters of 'Leftist Communist Movement or LCM. Their concept of counter organizing cited the following objectives:

· The destruction or neutralization of an existing organization to thwart it from achieving its original intentions.

· Counter organizing means the creation of another organization to destroy another organization.

· Sabotage an existing organization or one being organized so as prevent that organization from being created or established.

· "Party raiding"- winning over members of leftist influenced farmers organization to a newly created farmers group supported i.e. LAKAS-NUCD or present administration's political organization.

· Redirect such organization previously critical of government's undertakings through linkaging allowing a constructive partnership rather than a destructive partnership.

· Targets sectoral organizations aimed to thwart them from joining rallies or demonstrations that are disruptive or violent.

"Arroyo's focus on the partylist is stemming from her directive to win absolute majority in the Lower House and abort any possible impeachment attempt against her. Maglunsod said that Anakpawis Party List and its supporters nationwide will continue to expose this Oplan of the Arroyo government which prevents the progressive party lists from winning congressional seats.