AJLPP Update

Sept. 12, 2009

Wage all-out struggle against US forces in Mindanao--NDF/Ka Oris

September 12, 2009

Los Angeles-- The National Democratic Front-Mindanao (NDF-Mindanao) today issued a call urging all revolutionary forces in Mindanao "to wage an all-out struggle against the deployment and intervention of American soldiers in the internal armed conflict in the Philippines."

NDF-Mindanao spokesperson Jorge Madlos ("Ka Oris") issued the call in response to the statement by US Defense Secretary Robert Gates that the US will continue to involve itself in the "counter-insurgency" war in the Philippines which would include heightened support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The US position was echoed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro who arrived from a five-day visit to the US after meeting Gates and CIA Director Leon Panetta aimed at bringing "to a high gear" the defense and security cooperation between the US and Philippines.

"US imperialism has become ever more arrogant and overbearing in asserting its imperial power over the Philippines," said Madlos. "It is trampling on Philippine sovereignty with utter impunity emboldened by the outright puppetry and servility of the Arroyo government."

The US military has established its permanent presence in the country through the auspices of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). Under the VFA, it has succeeded in permanently stationing the 600-force Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) in several areas in Mindanao. Additionally, several thousand US soldiers have been allowed to enter the Philippines purportedly to participate in the annual Balikatan joint military exercises.

US military forces have been increasingly involved in counter-guerrilla operations. Its troops are engaged in electronic and sattelite surveilance as well as provide battlefield logistical support. Teams of US soldiers have been seen embedded in AFP units in combat field operations as well as in tactical command posts (TCPs).

"The patriotic people of Mindanao do not welcome the permanent presence and intervention of US troops in Mindanao and elsewhere in the Philippines," added Madlos. "They are not deceived by the so-called humanitarian operations being conducted by the US that aim to camouflage their military interventionism."

"The NDF-Mindanao calls on the people and all revolutionary forces in Mindanao to intensify their struggles against the interventionist troops of the US. Unite with the rest of the Filipino people in demanding an end to the permanent presence of US troops," added Madlos.

Madlos warned US soldiers against encroaching in guerrilla fronts where "there is a great possibility of armed encounters with the New People's Army (NPA)."

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