By ALLIANCE OF CONCERNED TEACHERS
www.nordis.net

September 21, 2009
From the State’s terror machine, the following figures are quantifications of the doctrine of national security: Extra-judicial killings: 1, 013; enforced disappearance: 202; torture: 1,036; political prisoners: 223. The figures, however, only cover the state of tyranny under the U.S.-Macapagal- Arroyo regime from 2001 to 2009. Fourteen years of Martial Rule under the U.S.-Marcos regime, an estimated figure of 70,000 accounts for the victims of extra-judicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearance. In particular, 3,257 were executed and 769 were disappeared.

Those of us who keep track of human rights violations know that we did not begin counting with Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law 37 years ago. Nor did we stop counting after. Our colonial past and the persistence of colonial structures in their obscured and most violent forms today demand more than accurate figures. It is the barbaric acts of state functionaries and owners of big business with their associates from schools, churches, mass media and so-called multi-lateral institutions and their NGO partners that make up this crises-ridden civilization. These formations are bent on imposing fascist attacks on the people in various forms, from physical violence to doctrinaire economic policies that foster perverse notions of charity, voluntarism and efficiency. 

The fight against fascism has its roots in the mass oppositional political movement that upholds national sovereignty and genuine democracy. The terror machine of the State continues in the current regime’s complicity with America’s imperialist retooling through its worldwide “war on terror” which translates to the systematic killing, torture and harassment of activists in the country; the exponential increase of internal refugees in Mindanao and the state of siege created by the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) with all its permanent structures that house hundreds of American soldiers in different territories in the country. The terror machine of the State persists in churning out policies that deprive Filipinos of jobs, education, health care, access to potable water and decent housing—basic social services that lend reason to governance.  

Today as we honor the workers, peasants, students, professionals and church people who stood up against the Marcos dictatorship, we carry on the great struggle for freedom and social justice. We condemn the vicious cycle of violence perpetrated by the State in the name of national security. The U.S. ruling class and its allied forces in different neocolonies aggressively promote and implement their program for national security to contain mass disaffection with the undeniable global capitalist collapse. Together with all sectors of society, we continue to stand by our organized and disciplined militancy—our most powerful weapon—against the persistence of fascism.

Struggle against fascism and tyranny. Struggle against US imperialism and all forms of reaction!  Oust Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo!   Fight for national sovereignty and genuine democracy! # nordis.net