Opinion

Why is an organization representing student publications giving its highest commendation to someone whom the CPP itself identifies as part of its armed revolutionary movement?

But there is a difference between demanding that a development program be implemented properly and arguing that the communities themselves should no longer receive it.

Madalas ay kinakamusta ko na lang sa pinsan ko tuwing tumatawag ako sa kanila kung ano na ang kalagayan ng bukid doon. Pero sabi niya, “Wala nang bukid. Dagat na.”

I know what it means to be angry about poverty. As a former rebel, I also know how that anger can be used. The Filipino people are oppressed. The government has failed. The system is the problem. Therefore, revolution is the answer. I once believed that story and even fought for it. Now, I know Filipinos deserve better. The latest figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that poverty incidence fell from 15.5 percent in 2023 to 9.7 percent in 2025, equivalent t

Anakbayan Southern Mindanao’s latest statement against former member Jam Saguino once again avoids addressing the details of her experience in Anakbayan and the New People’s Army. Instead of directly refuting her claims, the group dismissed her as a red-tagger and attacked her credibility. On August 24, Anakbayan Southern Mindanao condemned Saguino after she spoke about her experience during an National Service Training Program orientation at the University of Southeastern

When the government does not engage international bodies, it is accused of avoiding scrutiny. When it presents its evidence to the same institutions, it is accused of exploiting them. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

The school shootings in Zamboanga and Leyte, sparked massive discourse on violence and gun safety. These incidents have rightly raised questions about firearm access, school security, bullying, mental health, and the influence of violent material online. But what happens before a young person decides that violence is an acceptable response? I know something about that process because I went through it myself.

I speak about this tragedy not only as an Atenean and a mother, but also as a former rebel who has seen where violence can lead.

It's amusing yet somewhat pitiable to see Rep. Rene Co of Kabataan Partylist's reaction to the 5th Infantry Division's post about their joint activity at Kalinga State University (KSU). I saw nothing wrong with the 5th ID's post; if anything, it was quite cordial in the way it mentioned the unity between them and KSU for the welfare of the students and youth of Kalinga. There was no trace of insult, no accusation, nothing malicious, just an acknowledgment of an occasion where

Pasion was arrested on July 30 in Cabuyao, Laguna, together with alleged NPA leader Binay Serrano, during a joint operation by government forces. Authorities said Serrano was wanted for murder and identified as an alleged medical and logistics officer of an NPA unit. Pasion, meanwhile, was identified by security officials as having links to the communist movement.

For a revolution is not sustained by the gun; it is sustained by belief, and belief cannot be extracted at gunpoint, at checkpoint, at the barrel pressed lightly against a sakada's ribs.

The Filipino youth have always stood at the forefront of social change. Their passion for justice, equality, and national dignity is a strength that should be nurtured and protected. But passion alone is not enough, it must be guided by wisdom and a careful understanding of history.

In his speech at the Katungod Conference on July 15 at the University of the Philippines at Diliman, he declared that the AFP is a "threat to democracy and national security." That conclusion is too sweeping. And his treatment of the Talaingod 13 is also too politically convenient, if not downright lazy.

Sixty-two. Say the number out loud. Sixty-two poor peasants of Negros Island have been shot dead by the CPP-NPA in 18 months.

Ngayon, nakabalik na ako sa lungsod at nakakabalita na sa mga nakilala ko at nakasama ko sa lungsod, at pakikibakang parlyamentaryo, hindi ko maiwasan mapansin ang agwat namin. Yung mga naging instruktor ko sa BKP* ay mga instruktor na ngayon sa iba’t ibang kulehiyo sa UP. May mga parangal, may mga posisyon, may mga katungkulan. Yung mga nakasama ko sa mga Cultural Night upang pataasin ang kapasyahang tumungo sa kanayunan ay nagpopost ng stories na nasa gym na may mamahali

For years, I believed that genuine change in the Philippines could only come through armed revolution. Like many idealistic young people, I was drawn to the promise of a nation free from injustice, inequality, and corruption. I sincerely believed that taking up arms was not merely an option; it was the only path. I was wrong.

One line from Atom Araullo's graduation speech at UP Baguio this week hit me harder than I expected. "You don't have to kill your dreams in the name of service. Just make sure your dreams don't require you to kill your conscience."

Sino nga ba talaga ang pinoprotektahan ng Karapatan? Ang mas nakararaming mamamayang nais maging ligtas laban sa terorismo, o ang mga indibidwal na nahaharap sa kasong may kaugnayan sa mga grupong iniuugnay sa armadong kilusan?

But not every father deserves celebration.

Very few of us former rebels knew Bobet before his tragic death. But when the news came, we grieved because his life represented the same ordinary dream we once shared before ideology taught us to look down on ordinary dreams as too small, too reformist, too insufficient.