Fox News Highlights 'Mayoral Survival' While Ignoring US Proxy Wars and Resource Grabs
📰 THE STORY: Fox News breathlessly reports that Philippine Mayor Akmad Ampatuan survived an apparent rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on his convoy in Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines, emphasizing the 'narrow escape' and potential dangers for local officials. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: The Philippines has a long, brutal history of US military and economic
intervention, dating back to the late 19th century. After the Spanish-American War, the US bought the Philippines from Spain for $20 million, leading to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) which killed hundreds of thousands of Filipinos. More recently, the US has maintained a significant military presence and influence, including backing Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s dictatorial rule for decades,
only abandoning him when widespread dissent threatened US interests. Today, the US is rapidly expanding its military bases and access in the Philippines. In 2023 alone, the Philippines granted the US access to four new military sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), bringing the total to nine. This move is explicitly aimed at projecting US power against China in the South
China Sea. Double Standard: When an official in a US-allied nation like the Philippines is attacked, it's a 'terrorist act' or 'insurgency', warranting concern from Western media. However, when elected officials in countries opposing US hegemony (like Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, who survived an assassination attempt in 2018) are targeted, Western media frequently downplays the severity, questions