WE, PATRIOTIC leaders of student councils and publications, affirming the ideals that moved us to unite against the corrupt Estrada presidency, are one in opposing the Balikatan exercises between Philippine and American troops.

We stand indivisible in our principled position that the return of American soldiers in our land constitutes a grave affront to our dignity as a people and to the sovereignty of our country. We believe that the joint military exercises violate provisions in our Constitution which upholds the sovereignty and patrimony of our nation.

We abhor all forms of terrorism, including the vile acts of the Abu Sayyaf Group. But we disagree that American intervention is necessary to solve our internal problem. The entry of US troops in Mindanao would only complicate the issue by creating adverse impacts in our country.

We refuse to forget our traumatic experience with US troops during their basing in the country for almost a century. We still suffer from the dumping of toxic wastes in our fertile soils, the proliferation of flesh trade, the insensitivity of US soldiers to our culture and to their wanton disrespect of Philippine laws.

We denounce government officials, especially President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, for their approval and staunch defense of the return of American soldiers in the country. They made a mockery to our laws and to the brave and gallant opposition of the Filipino people to the presence of US bases in the country that spanned for half a century.

Mustering a ruffian attitude in a similar fashion to her predecessor, the President swiftly denied us of our civil and political rights by calling critics of the Balikatan as non-Filipinos and Abu Sayyaf lovers.

Indeed, the time calls for active involvement. Thus, we enter today into a solemn agreement that we will fight for the country's sovereignty and the people's dignity all through to the end. We are student leaders not necessarily of high intelligence like the President claims she has but we are teeming with nationalism and sense of history which the President lacks.

Continuing the tradition of the Filipino youth of resisting foreign intervention in our land, we are prepared to wage a patriotic crusade, however long and arduous the road ahead of us.

We have proven our unity and strength many times in our history. Carrying on this hallmark of bravery in our campaign to resist US entry in our country, we will link hands with the people in upholding peace and sovereignty in the land.

College Editors Guild of the Philippines
National Union of Students of the Philippines

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