This is Jan Victor Ayson, a high school student and a writer-interviewer for Manila Today. I asked Satur Ocampo, prominent journalist and martial law victim (in fact, the longest-held political prisoner during that time), about his foresighted observations on the brutal death of NPA commander Leoncio “Ka Parago” Pitao, the present state of peace talks between the government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), and the increasing political repression.
Manila Today (MT): I heard from a military press release that NPA commander Leoncio “Ka Parago” Pitao died in an encounter last Sunday afternoon; however, it was learned that he was killed while being treated by a medical worker who was also killed. Is this a clear violation of human rights and international humanitarian law?
Satur Ocampo (SO): I have yet to ascertain from reliable sources how exactly Ka Parago was killed. But from available information thus far he was apparently not in a situation to do combat when attacked by government security forces: he was undergoing medical care. A case for violation of human rights and international humanitarian law may be developed once it’s shown that Ka Parago didn’t hold a firearm nor engaged in a firefight with the attacking state forces when he was slain, along with the paramedic, Vanessa Limpag.
One other significant point: the AFP told media the person who led the security forces to where Ka Parago was located — away from the main combat unit he had led — would get the P5.6-million bounty for his capture, dead or alive. This means that “tipster” was someone whom Ka Parago had trusted but who was lured by the military into betraying him in exchange for P5.6 miilion – a most foul means that traces back to Judas’ betrayal of Jesus Christ. By resorting to such practice, the AFP only demeans itself. As for the tipster, most likely he would soon realize he’s been duped (he may not get the full amount) and would live in constant fear and shame.
MT: The military brandished once again in their latest statement that Ka Parago’s death would create a deep leadership vacuum for the CPP-NPA. This statement is probably equal to the very old line that the NPA is weakened by the government’s anti-‘insurgency’ program which is tainted with state terrorism against progressive leaders and activists. Taking the example of other slain NPA members such as Arman Albarillo, Recca Monte, and AJ Jaramillo, would the latter be totally weakened after the military’s statement?
SO: There is no question that Ka Parago’s death is a big loss to the revolutionary movement and the people, given his exemplarily long and dedicated service to both; his leadership qualities, his acumen as military commander, and his sterling humanity. But the loss will be compensated by the inspiration infused by his exemplary service, leadership and highest sense of sacrifice among the younger current and future revolutionaries who are ready to take after him – gallantly to carry on the great fight. This has been the case in the different stages of this nearly five-decade revolutionary struggle, which explains its resiliency, its capacity to survive and overcome the sequential brutal and devious “Oplans” adopted by successive administrations, from Marcos to PNoy.
MT: In your experience as a victim of the notorious Marcos dictatorship, what factors pushed people, especially victims of state terrorism and injustice, to join the CPP-NPA?
SO: Injustice arising from exploitation and oppression of the people by the rich and powerful few who also have held the levers of state power have impelled individuals or entire families to take up arms, fight back and seek fundamental change. That has been the case from the centuries of our colonial domination and throughout the formation of Philippine society. (The CPP declares in its founding documents that the new or national democratic revolution is the logical continuation of the old-type democratic revolution begun by the Katipunan in the 1896 Revolution).
MT: Is it possible now for the resumption of peace talks when the government persists in the Orwellian mantra of double-speak – suppressing the communist rebels and talking peace with the MILF on the railroaded BBL? This is to answer the statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma that the government is open and interested in resuming open and formal peace talks with the NDFP.
SO: Secretary Coloma may be merely reiterating the bland rhetorical stance of the PNoy government that it is open to peace talks with the NDFP if the latter is sincere. But the question of sincerity goes both ways, and it’s been the PNoy government that has shown insincerity, even asinine disparagement of the major signed agreements perseveringly worked on and forged under the Ramos administration. Consider these: it has derided The Hague Joint Declaration as a “document of perpetual division,” arbitrarily declared the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) as “inoperative,” and called the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) as a “propaganda document” of the CPP, whereas it has been hailed by the European Parliament as a “landmark agreement.” If the GPH were to prove its sincere desire to resume formal peace talks with the NDFP, it has to repudiate these egregious statements and uphold all previously signed agreements.
MT: NDFP peace consultant Adel Silva, his wife and labor organizer Sharon Cabusao and driver Isidro de Lima were added to the list of political detainees under the Aquino administration. Is this another blow to the campaign for the resumption of the GPH-NDFP peace talks and the release of all poldets [political detainees]?
SO: Since Sharon Cabusao had joined protest rallies demanding justice for the treacherous assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., it seems that his son’s administration don’t pay gratitude to the likes of Cabusao. Is it a bad option for him (referring to President Aquino) to release her and all other political detainees as a goodwill measure for the resumption of peace talks)
Releasing political detainees, almost all facing trumped-up charges and those covered by the JASIG, is never a bad option. Simple justice calls for it.
MT: I notice a series of alleged military harassments against progressive leaders and activists, especially those from the trade unions and government employees. Are we right to say that these activities are under an obvious dry-run for curtailing the possible people’s protest against President Aquino’s forthcoming and final SONA (State of the Nation Address)?
SO: Essentially the harassments against progressive leaders and activists have been part of the sustained counterinsurgency campaign that makes no distinction between underground and aboveground personalities and organizations. Nonetheless, you are not amiss to assume that these have to do with wishing to curtail participation in the big protest action during P-Noy’s final SONA.
MT: I have this last question: Despite the sudden political polarization and pre-electoral mudslinging, is it right to say that there are pressing issues that should be addressed by first before the start of the campaign period?
SO:Pressing issues on human rights, lack of jobs, rising prices, housing shortage, livelihood for the poor, etc. should have been addressed whether or not there are periodic elections for public officials.
