Local Autonomous Network in ACTION

LAN is a network of autonomous activists and anarchists active in various areas of concerns. There 13 collectives and individuals affiliated to it operate in Makati, Taguig, Baliwag Bulacan, Sapang-Palay Bulacan, Cavite, Muntinlupa and Pasig.

Volunteers of Onsite Info Shop and indokumentado Productions are active and witnessed the processes of establishment of LAN can be summarized as follows:

Since the turn of the 21^st century, activist groups and collectives who identify themselves as anarchists are sprouting like wild mushrooms in the Philippines. Though, their historical background didn’t take root from the late 19^th century anarchism but rather from the 80’s punk phenomena (Pairez, 2010).

During the late 1990s, autonomous activists, anarchist networks and other similar groups were formed and have campaigned against trade liberalization and environmental destruction (e.g. Local Anarchist Network or LAN, Anti-Capitalist Convergence or ACC).

The State violently reacted to the militant actions of some groups in the anti-globalization protests in Seattle during the ministerial meeting of the WTO in 1999. Non-violent protesters were violently dispersed, and the Black Bloc which was said to be instigated by cops became one of the symbols of the anti-globalization movement.

Circles and groups of autonomous activists and anarchists during early and up to mid 2000 dramatically increased; workshops, film screenings, gigs, art events, and discussions were organized, and myriad of zines were independently published in areas of Makati, Manila, Quezon City, Cainta, Pasig, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Lucena, Pagbilao and in various provinces in Mindanao.

Prior to the establishment of Local Autonomous Network, there were campaigns and activities which autonomous activists gathered in “large formation”:

• Sagada Campaign

• Anti-Sona Protests

• Anti-G8 Protests

• Autonomous/Anarchy Festivals

• Occupy Luneta Event

• Series of Gatherings Organized by LAN

• Food Not Bombs initiated by LAN

During 2006–2008, collectives decreased operations except for a few who managed to maintain info shops or sustain publications. Regular meetings were sustained by few collectives and individuals and pushed small-scale activities.

Until 2010, a gathering happened in Etnikobandido Infoshop participated by people from Cubao, Taguig, Cavite, Muntinlupa, Davao, Samar and Bulacan. They agreed to set up a network that will facilitate sharing of information and skills among affiliated groups/individuals.

This Network provided venue for people and collectives to freely interact on a regular basis through different activities like those mentioned above.

It organized Anarchist Gatherings with specific topics being tackled every meet-up. First was “Organic Evolution to Revolution”; it was followed by Gender Discussion; then a discussion led by an anarchist speaker from Australia, followed by a discussion in Davao about security culture.

Eventually, these groups and collectives agreed to adopt Local Autonomous Network or LAN as a name. Many of the affiliated groups and individuals that are part of the new Local Autonomous Network are new and not part of the “old” LAN (Local Anarchist Network).

Last December, 2012, was the latest assembly of LAN held in Sapang-Palay Bulacan, which was attended by 13 collectives.

Climate Change Action

November 2012, contingent of LAN gathered around the vicinity of Luneta Park waiting for their proper timing to join the mobilisation of NGOs and peftist political blocs. The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice staged rally in front of U.S. embassy in relation to U.S.’s commitment to reduce carbon emission.

GMO Discussion

As part of sharing information and skills activities of LAN, it organised discussions attended by collectives affiliated to the network and people around the community of Pasig where Etniko Bandido Infoshop.

A resource speaker from SEARICE was invited to facilitate sharing of information with regard to the Topic. A related topic was published in this site discussing the health risk and serious medical conditions connected to GMO products consumption.