Chicago, IL – I just returned from eight days in Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, where the capital, Manila, is located. For many years, the movement for national democracy in the Philippines has asked for international solidarity, including human rights defenders to aid them in their struggle for economic and political rights. The presence of people from other countries can help diminish the violence of the Philippine military and national police against the movement. In addition, as national elections approach on May 9 there has been a rise in human rights abuses, and so the need for international solidarity is more pressing.
Manila, Philippines – Massive demonstrations took place in the Manila, Nov. 13, as thousands of workers, students, faith-based communities and others are taking to the streets to condemn U.S. President Trump and his lackey, Philippine President Duterte.
Manila – Palestinian icon Leila Khaled visited the Philippines for the first time this November to attend the Fifth General Assembly of the International League of Peoples' Struggle and the launch of the Philippines-Palestine Friendship Association. She was the keynote speaker of the International Women's Alliance and she spoke before the Filipino people in Manila during the protest actions against the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. She also visited the temporary encampment of lumads (indigenous peoples) at a church ground.
In a September 1 statement, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemned the Aquino regime for the series of violent demolitions of urban poor communities in Metro Manila and Cebu province.
