NEW YORK R.A.T.s HIT ARROYO WITH A 'MOUSETRAP' DESPITE FAILED DIVERSIONARY TACTICS

News Release
June 26, 2008

Reference: Christina Hilo, Northeast Coordinator, BAYAN USA, email: ny@bayanusa.org

NEW YORK R.A.T.s HIT ARROYO WITH A 'MOUSETRAP' DESPITE FAILED DIVERSIONARY TACTICS

NEW YORK--While scheduled to dine with Filipino-American leaders at the posh Hotel Hilton in Midtown Manhattan, a Rapid Action Team or R.A.T. of about 100 individuals convened at the front of the hotel, waiting for Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to appear in her limousine along the Avenue of the Americas. Arroyo is in New York on the final leg of her national US tour, her main agenda of which was to meet with President Bush and secure more US military aid and other forms of funding.

BAYAN USA, a national alliance of Filipino organizations in the US, together with several other allied groups, coordinated R.A.T.s in several cities in protest of Arroyo's visit, claiming the President will funnel any foreign aid, especially US aid, towards the proliferation of human rights violations, including militarization, counter-insurgency, politically-motivated killings, and abductions in the Philippines. Ironically, the Philippine government was recently elected a vice-presidential post in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), a major point of controversy for the families of over 1000 victims of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances in the Philippines.

Protesters also condemned Arroyo's refusal to cut her extravagant US tour short when a major typhoon (Typhoon Frank) hit several provinces in the Philippines last week, killings hundreds and devastating thousands of impoverished families. The country has also been hit hard with the rising price of oil and an overall long-term food crisis. Weekly protest actions throughout the country and rising social unrest peaked when it was exposed Arroyo would be taking along in her US tour 10 members from her Cabinet and several Congresspeople, in perhaps what is one of the most lavish travel expenditures in Philippine diplomatic history.

Even before arriving in New York City, following her stay in Washington DC, the Arroyo camp employed diversionary tactics to evade protesters, changing meeting locations last minute. Luckily, friends close to Arroyo's critics in New York were able to feed accurate and up-to-date information to the R.A.T.s looking out for her.

Speakers and rallyists outside the Hilton Hotel took turns slamming the President's lack of decent governance and rampant corruption schemes. "To all the Filipino-Americans meeting with Arroyo inside the hotel, do you know that you are meeting with a murderer, terrorist, and plunderer?" shouted Yves Nibungco of Anakbayan NY/NJ, also a member organization of BAYAN USA, into the large entryway of the hotel.

Protesters screamed and raised their banners when Arroyo's black limousine dashed by around the hotel to a heavily-guarded, private entryway. New York police were also intent on harassing the protest contingent and prevent them from assembling on the sidewalk.

The theme of "RATS" was first employed back in September 2005, when protesters in New York played on the fact that New York is the rat capital of the world. At the time, Arroyo was in New York to attend an assembly of the United Nations. She was met with protesters donning rat paraphernalia in front of the Philippine Consulate along Fifth Avenue.

"Rats come out when they smell garbage, which is what the Arroyo government is becoming more and more of, a large smelly heap of garbage that rots the Philippine nation," states Gary Labao of the NY Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (NYCHRP), another member organization of BAYAN USA. Labao helped to design and produce a large paper-mache rat used during the protest action.

Participating organizations in the R.A.T. action include the NY Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (NYCHRP), Anakbayan NY/NJ, Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE)-Gabriela USA, Kapatirang Pilipino or Kappa Pi, Kabalikat Domestic Workers Support Network, Philippine Forum, National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), Pakistan-USA Freedom Forum, and the International Action Center (IAC).

Aside from New York, anti-Arroyo actions took place in Washington DC and Los Angeles. A protest action is scheduled in Seattle this Sunday. ###

R.A.T.s hound Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the HIlton Hotel in NYC


An NYC R.A.T. comes out when rotten puppets like GMA come to town

R.A.T.s at the entrance of Hilton Hotel in NYC

Danielle Galan of Anakbayan New York/New Jersey

Yves Nibungco of Anakbayan New York/New Jersey



Members of Anakbayan NY/NJ are R.A.T.s ousting GMA!


R.A.T.s in NYC say "OUST GMA!"

(Photos courtesy of BAYAN USA)

http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2008/06/98341.html

http://arkibongbayan.org/2008-06June26-vsGMAinUSA/vsGMAinUSA.htm

Press Communique on the Third International Assembly of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS)

Press Communique on the Third International Assembly of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS)

By the ILPS International Coordinating Committee
June 21, 2008


The International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) successfully held its Third International Assembly (TIA) from June 18 to 20, 2008 in Hong Kong. The assembly carried the theme, “Strengthen the peoples’ struggle, unite to build a new world against imperialist aggression, state terrorism, plunder and social destruction!”

Two hundred sixty-five (265) participants representing 165 peoples’ organizations attended the assembly. They came from 30 countries namely: Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Burma, Canada, China (including Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan province), Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, The Netherlands, Turkey, Korea, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.

The assembly commenced with the singing of the ILPS hymn. Manolis Arkolakis, ILPS Deputy Chairperson then welcomed the delegates.

GN Saibaba, deputy General Secretary of the Revolutionary Democratic Front (RDF) of India read the keynote address of the designated keynote speaker distinguished poet Varavara Rao who could not join the assembly in person because he was denied permission to travel by the Indian authorities. In his speech Varavara Rao underscored the theme of the TIA as “most relevant and urgent in the context of growing imperialist military attacks and unbridled plunder of the resources, labor and markets of oppressed countries.” He further said, “ILPS has grown into a massive league of anti-imperialist, revolutionary democratic forces the world over. It has emerged as the centre of oppressed nations and people by bringing together the struggles of all continents on the globe.”

Prof. Jose Maria Sison, chairperson of the International Coordinating Committee (ICC), gave his report by internet video. He cited the most significant achievements and shortcomings of the ILPS since the SIA, the favorable conditions for further strengthening the ILPS, the challenges and urgent tasks. General Secretary Arman Riazi also gave his report giving further details of ILPS achievements and underlining the bright prospects in further strengthening and building the ILPS. Discussions followed the reports.

A number of amendments to the charter were proposed and approved to reflect the current realities and future prospects in further strengthening the ILPS as a political center of the peoples’ anti-imperialist and democratic struggles.

A fitting tribute was given to Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran, the founding chairperson of the ILPS, who passed away on May 20, 2008 with a short speech from ILPS Chairperson Jose Maria Sison and the showing of a short video of “Ka Bel”.

A panel of distinguished speakers spoke before the plenary session of the assembly. The speech on “Neoliberal Globalization and Labor” which was to be delivered by “Ka Bel” was read by ICC member Elmer C. Labog. Manolis Arkolakis spoke on “US Militarism and War”. Haluk Gerger spoke on “Anti-terror Laws and Human Rights”. Irene Fernandez spoke on “Labor and Migration”. GN Saibaba spoke on “Forced Displacement and Rural Communities in India”. And Wahu Kaara spoke on “African People’s Resistance to Imperialist Globalization.” Arundhati Roy who could not be personally present sent a contribution entitled “Attacks on Rural Communities and Displacement.” A lively open forum followed.

Workshops were held on the 18 concerns. They featured prominent resource persons and produced comprehensive and specific resolutions with highly important information and analysis as well as urgent calls to action.

The General Declaration of the TIA included as main text the aforesaid comprehensive resolutions and was approved by the plenary session after principled and vigorous discussions.
The Declaration said: “Today, the world monopoly capitalist system is caught up in one of its biggest crises since the Great Depression. This is principally due to the unraveling of the imperialist policies of ‘neoliberal globalization’ and ‘global war on terror’. The US, which is the core of the system, is afflicted by a grave economic and financial crisis and is generating waves of economic and social ruin in all imperialist countries, in the largest so-called emerging markets and worse than ever before in the general run of semi-colonies and dependent countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America…In the face of the intensified exploitation and oppression by the imperialists and their reactionary puppets, the people have intensified their resistance…The daily worsening conditions of oppression and exploitation require the ILPS to intensify its efforts to arouse, organize and mobilize the people in their millions in building a new and better world of greater freedom, development, social justice and global peace.”

A new ICC was elected composed of 27 regular members and 8 alternate members. In its very first meeting, on 21 June 2008, the newly-elected ICC elected its officers to compose the International Coordinating Group (ICG) and made several important decisions for the ICG and the General Secretariat to implement for the reinvigoration of the ILPS as well as in preparation for the next ICC meeting later this year or early next year.

The ICC elected the following:

As ICC chairperson, Prof. Jose Maria Sison, chairperson of International Network of Philippine Studies, Netherlands; as Deputy Chairperson, GN Saibaba from the Revolutionary Democratic Front of India; as Deputy Chairperson for Internal Affairs, Dr. Carol P. Araullo, chairperson of BAYAN, Philippines; as Deputy Chairperson for External Affairs, Manolis Arkolakis from the Committee Against Military Bases and Dependency of Greece; as General Secretary, Arman Riazi from the Democratic Antiimperialist Organization of Iranians in Great Britain; as First Deputy General Secretary, Elmer Labog, chairman of Kilusang Mayo Uno of the Philippines; as Second Deputy General Secretary, Aliyah Brunner of Umut Publications of Austria; as Treasurer, Theo Droog from Nederlands-Filippijnse Solidariteitsbeweging of The Netherlands; and as Auditor, Malcolm Guy, founding member of the Immigrant Workers Centre from Canada.###

ILPS Third International Assembly in Hong Kong, China

Jonna Baldres of Anakbayan NY/NJ in an interpretation of a Turkish poem on human rights during the ILPS solidarity night

Workshop on concern # 8: Rights of the youth to education & employment
(with youth delegates from the Philippines, Turkey, Europe, Japan,
Greece, Hongkong, Australia, Indonesia, Canada & US)

ILPS Delegates from the Philippines, Kenya & US

Communiqué of the International Migrants Alliance Founding Assembly

Communiqué of the International Migrants Alliance Founding Assembly

“For a long time, others spoke on our behalf. Now we speak for ourselves.”

The message was clear: the time for the voice of the grassroots migrants has come with the resounding success of the International Migrants Alliance (IMA) founding assembly.

They came from all corners of the world. One hundred and sixty seven delegates representing 118 organizations from 25 countries participated in the founding assembly of the first international formation of grassroots migrants on June 15 and 16 in Hong Kong. Among these, 102 were present as founding members (regular and associate members) while 16 have come as observers. The assemblies also noted six organizations who have signified to become founding members but were unable to attend due to visa and financial issues.

In the spirit of international solidarity, the participants shared each other’s experiences, learned from each other’s actions, debated and reached unities that shall propel the IMA in its future programs.

Inputs from a battery of speakers who were mainly from grassroots organizations of migrants were helpful for the participants to arrive at common understanding of major issues that migrants face. After a painstaking process of finding common grounds, the basic principles of the IMA were firmed up.

With the approval of the IMA Constitution, the election of its leadership and first set of officers and the approval of the General Program of Action (GPOA), the IMA was finally born.

United we shall break the chains of globalization

The first day of the assembly featured presentations on the different themes relevant to migrants.

Held at the City University of Hong Kong and co-organized by the Women Empowerment in Moslem Context of the Southeast Asia Research Center (WEMC-SEARC), the program was attended by more than 350 migrants including about 200 foreign workers – mostly domestic workers – from Hong Kong.

A well-applauded video that showed the situation that migrants face and why building the IMA is imperative opened the program. The crowd was moved, agitated and was put in high spirits to make the assembly a success.

As the names of the organizations attending the IMA were then called, it even heightened the atmosphere of the success of the assembly.

The Very Revd Andrew Chan, dean of the St. John’s Cathedral and board member of the Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW) and the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM) that are both based in Hong Kong, welcomed all the delegates and bid the conference to achieve its aims.

Afterwards, renowned advocate for migrants, Dr. Irene Fernandez of Tenaganita (Women’s Force) delivered the keynote address to the assembly. She expounded on the global context of the current migration process, how these processes have changed and were shaped by the developments of the global capitalist system, as well as the increased forced migration, especially of women.

She also took note of the apparent debate between the right to migrate against the right of people against displacement. She said that such was a false debate, imposed by people with a superficial understanding of what it means to be a migrant. “Free movement and the right not to be displaced, are two essential elements to the assertion of collective and individual self-determination,” Fernandez explained.

Finally, Dr. Fernandez congratulated all the delegates of the IMA as she also called for revolutionary changes “to break these chains of global exploitation and oppression.”

Dr. Fernandez’s address was then followed by a battery of panel speakers.

The first panel consisted of noted anti-globalization activists who elaborated on the theme of Wages, Job Security, Remittances and GATS Mode-4. These topics were elaborated on by Mr. Aziz Choudry of the GATT watchdog and MR. Sonny Africa of the respected research think-tank Ibon Philippines. The presentation of Mr. Jose Gonzales of Frente Indígena de Organizaciones Binacionales gave a concrete face to the ill-effects of globalization as he expounded on the situation of migrant agricultural workers coming from Mexico.


In the second panel that focused on the War on Terror, Immigration and Refugees and the Criminalization of Undocumented Migrants, speakers that included Ms. Sarwat Viqar of the Center for Philippine Concerns in Canada, Mr. Ufuk Berdan of the Federation of of Turkish Workers in Europe and Mr. Terence Valen of the Filipino Community Center in the United States discussed how the US-led war on terror has eroded the rights of migrants especially with many anti-migrant policies. Mr. Ramon Bultron of the APMM meanwhile expounded on the general situation that faces the undocumented migrants and their different concerns.

Afterwards, Filipino migrants in Hong Kong from the Cordillera region in the Philippines presented a short play that depicted, in a “Torch Relay” the history of the struggle of Filipino migrants in Hong Kong.

The third panel was composed of regional and national women leaders who talked about violence against women, trafficking and globalization. Speakers were Ms. Emmi de Jesus of the militant women’s group Gabriela in the Philippines, Ms. Asfinawati of Asia Pacific forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) and Hsiao-Chuan Hsia of the Trans Asia Sisters Association of Taiwan (TASAT) which is an organization of immigrant brides in Taiwan.

The last panel of the day tackled the issue of Health, Family and the Social Costs of Forced Migration. Speakers for the panel were Ms. Valentina Soe of the regional group CARAM-Asia, activists from Australia Ms. Vivi Germanos-Koutsounadis of the Greek Orthodox Community of the New South Wales and Ms. Jane Brock-Corpus of the Immigrant Women Speakout Association, Prof. Robyn Rodriquez of Philippine Forum and the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns in the US, and Mr. Syamsul of SEKBER-BMI which is an organization of returned migrants and families of migrant workers in Indonesia.

In the evening, the IMA delegates discussed and approved the IMA’s Basis of Unity that shall serve as the Alliance’s guiding principles in its work and activities in the future.

United in one stand, firm and resolute

On the second day, the panel that tackled Organizing, Building of Alliances and Campaign Strategies was held. Panel speakers were all grassroots migrant leaders from different countries – Ms. Connie Bragas-Regalado of Migrante International in the Philippines, Ms. Teresa Gutierrez of the May 1^st Coalition for Immgirant and Worker Rights in the US, Ms. Wol San Liem of the Migrants’ Trade Union (MTU) in Korea and Ms. Eni Lestari of the Asian Migrant’s Coordinating Body (AMCB).

The panel presentations became very important inputs in the finalization of the Alliance’s Constitution and General Program of Action.

Plans included in the GPOA included activities and programs for education and information, campaign and mobilization that will pick up from the IMA concerns expressed in the panel topics, international advocacy including challenging the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in the Philippines this October, and expansion of the Alliance including the formation of country chapters and recruitment of more members from the regions of Africa and Latin America.

The finalization of the IMA’s GPOA elated the delegates as it provided the roadmap of what the IMA wishes to to achieve for the next three years.

To lead the IMA, members of the International Coordinating Body (ICB) were chosen by the different global regions as well as elected at-large.

To ensure that global regions are represented in the IMA leadership, regional caucuses were held to elect their representatives to the ICB. Among them were Jose Gonzales of FIOB for Latin America, Teresa Gutierrez of May 1^st Coalition for Immigrant and Worker Rights for the USA, Sol Pajadura of Migrante-Ontario for Canada, Mr. Ramesh Pandit of Nepalese Labour Organization for South Asia, Mr. Ufuk Berdan of ATIK for Europe, Mr. Nhel Morona for Middle East and Africa and Dr. Irene Fernandez for East Asia and Oceania.

Among those ICB members elected at-large were: Ms. Tess Tesalona of Immigrant Workers Center, Canada; Prof. Robyn Rodriquez of Philippine Forum, USA; Ms. Rumana Sheikh of BOMSA, Bangladesh; Ms. Grace Punongbayan of MIGRANTE-Europe; Ms. Eni Lestari of AMCB,HK; Mr. Ali of Federation of Workers from Turkey in Switzerland; Hsiao-Chuan Hsia of Taiwan; Ms. Connie Bragas-Regalado of Migrante-International, Philippines.

Associate members that comprised NGOs and migrant-serving institutions also selected among themselves two members who will sit as ex officio members to the ICB – Ms. Wahu Kaara of Kenya Debt Relief Network and Mr. Ramon Bultron of the Asia-Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM). Ms. Kaara vowed to assist the IMA in its priority of expanding membership in the African region.

These seventeen members comprised the newly-constituted ICB of the IMA.

The ICB then elected among themselves officers of the executive committee.

Elected members of the executive committee were: Eni Lestari of AMCB-HK, chairperson; Ufuk Berdan of ATIK-Europe, vice chairperson; Connie Bragas-Regalado of Migrante-Philippines, secretary-general; Teresa Gutierrez of the May 1^st Coalition for Immigrant and Worker Rights in USA, deputy secretary-general, and; Tess Tesalona of Immigrant Workers Center in Canada, Treasurer.


Migrants on the march, onward we shall move

The establishment of the IMA marked a historic chapter in the movement of migrants and immigrants for rights and welfare and for comprehensive social change.

It was a timely effort of the migrants of the world to forge a stronger and higher unity in the face of daunting problems and issues that worsen the exploitation and oppression of the migrants.

Indeed it is now time to “speak for ourselves.”

For we are the migrants forced to leave our countries and families. We are the ones displaced by poverty, political persecution, war on terror, economic hardships and other social ills perpetuated by imperialist globalization.

We are the grassroots migrants. With our solidarity, we shall speak and we shall fight to gain more victories. #

IMA Founding Assembly Participating Organizations

Regular Members (70)*

Australia(6): Gabriela Australia, Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales, Immigrant Women's Speak Out Association-Australia, Migrante Perth, Migrante Sydney Neighborhood – Inner West of Sydney, Migrante-Melbourne. Austria (1): AYIGF-Federation of Workers from Turkey in Austria. Bangladesh (2): Bangladeshi Ovibashi Mohila Sramik Association, IMA Research Foundation. Canada (6): Migrante Ontario, Pilipinong Migrante sa Canada, Pinay, South Asian Women's Community Center, Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada, Immigrant Workers Centre. Denmark (1): Ugnayan sa Radyo Pinoy. Germany (3): ATIK-Confederation of Workers from Turkey in Europe, ATIK-Yeni Kadin Woman Commission Germany, ATIF-Federation of Workers from Turkey in Germany. Hong Kong (16): Abra Tinguian Ilocano Society, Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, Asosiasi Tenaga Kerja Indonesia, Association of Concerned Filipinos, Association of Sri Lankans, Cordillera Alliance, Filipino Migrant Workers Union, Filipino Women Migrant Workers Association, Friends of Bethune House, Mission Volunteers (MOVERS), PILAR, Pinatud A Saleng Ti Umili, Thai Regional Alliance, United Filipinos in Hong Kong, LIKHA, PIC Choir. Indonesia (1): SEKBER - Family of Migrants. Italy (1): UMANGAT. Japan (4): Filipina Circle for Advancement and Progress (FICAP), KAFIN, KAFIN-Tokyo Akishima, Philippine Women’s League of Japan. Korea (2): KASAMMAKO, New Era Foundation. Macau (2): ATKI Macau, Migrante Macau. Malaysia (2): Nepalese Labor Organization, TENAGANITA. The Netherlands (2): HITIF-Federation of Workers from Turkey in Holland, Migrante Europe. New Zealand (1): MIGRANTE-New Zealand. Philippines (2): Migrante International, Coalition of Agricultural Workers Internonational. Switzerland (1): ITIF-Federation of Workers from Turkey in Switzerland. Taiwan (3): Migrante – Taiwan, Trans-Asia Sisters Association of Taiwan, Taiwan International Workers Association. United Kingdom (3): Migrante UK, Tohum Cultural Center, YDG-Europe. United Arab Emirates (1): Migrante UAE. United States of America (10): Anakbayan Los Angeles, Anakbayan New York New Jersey, BAYAN-USA, Frente Indígena de Organizaciones Binacionales, Habi Arts, Bayan USA, May 1st Coalition for Immigrant and Workers Rights, Movement of Action, Inspiring Service (MAIZ), Philippine Forum, Migrante New York, Chelsea Uniting Against the War.

Associate Members (32)

Australia (3): Australia Asia Workers Link, Philippine Australia Solidarity Association, Work@Justice. Canada (5): CATTA, Centre for People’s Concerns (CAP-CPC), Movement Against Rape and Incest, Philippines-Canada Solidarity for Human Rights, Women of Diverse Origins for March 8. Hong Kong (6): Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants, Asian Students Association, Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, ENGENDER Hong Kong, Mission For Migrant Workers (HK) Society, St John's Cathedral HIV Education Centre. Indonesia (1): Indies. India (1): Sahanivasa. Japan (1): Filipino Migrants Center. Kenya (1): Kenya Debt Relief Network. Malaysia (2): CARAM – Asia, Pesticide Action Network – Asia Pacific. Pakistan (1): Roots for Equity. Philippines (7): Alliance of Health Workers, Center for Women’s Resources, GABRIELA, IBON, Institute of Political Economy (IPE), Solidarity and People's Advocacy Network, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines. Taiwan (2): Labor Rights Association, New Immigrants Labor Rights Association. Thailand (1): Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development. United States of America (1): Filipino Community Center-San Francisco

Observers (16)

Australia (2): Asian Women at Work, Researchers from the University of Sydney. Canada (1): Vancouver Bus Riders Association. Hong Kong (3): World Student Christian Federation Asia Pacific, Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, Asian Monitor Resource Centre. Indonesia (2): Partisan Foundation, Solidaritas Perempuan. Japan (3): Asia Wide Campaign (AWC-Japan), Global Collaboration Center, Japanese Filipino Children’s Network. Korea (1): Migrants Trade Union. New Zealand (1): GATT-Watchdog. Philippines (1): Gabriela Women’s Party. Thailand (1): Global Alliance Against Trafficking of Women. United States of America (1): Critical Filipino Studies Collective.



*Six organizations who were not present during the assembly but signified their intent to join the IMA as regular members are: Japan (3) – DUYAN, League of Filipino Seniors, Philippine Society in Japan. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2): Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan-Migrante Al Jouf, Migrante-Jeddah-KSA. Korea (1): Migrant Workers Television South Korea (MWTV).

================================
International Migrants Alliance
The first-ever global alliance of grassroots associations, organizations, unions, networks and alliances of migrant workers, immigrants, refugees and displaced peoples
Founding Assembly - June 2008

Email: ima.june2008@gmail.com
Contact the IMA Secretariat at ima.sect@gmail.com

================================

US Delegation at the International Migrants Alliance Founding Assembly
(Terrence Valen of Filipino Community Center-San Francisco, Terry Cervas of Habi Arts-LA, Cling Corotan of Migrante-New York, Bev Tang of Anakbayan LA, Bill Doares of May 1st Coalition, Adriana Garcia of MAIZ-Movement of Action Inspiring Service, Teresa Gutierrez of May 1st Coalition & Jonna Baldres of Anakbayan New York/New Jersey)

Jonna Baldres of Anakbayan NY/NJ reads a poem during the IMA Solidarity Night (Photo courtesy of IMA)

Justice for Paraders Harassed at PIDC! Protesters Storm Philippine Consulate Demanding Apology

News Release
June 11, 2008

Reference: Rico Foz, Executive Vice President, National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), email: nafconusa@yahoo.com, phone no. 718.565.8862

Justice for Paraders Harassed at PIDC! Protesters Storm Philippine Consulate Demanding Apology

NEW YORK-- In a show of solidarity, members of the Filipino community converged in indignation for two of its members, last Friday, June 6, 2008, outside of the Philippine Consulate in New York City.

Rallying behind Rusty Fabunan and Wilfred Recaido, members of Kapatirang Pilipino or Kappa Pi (Filipino Brotherhood), a community-based Filipino fraternity, the community protested outside of the Consulate, demanding an apology for the Philippine Consulate-PIDC-NYPD's treatment of the two at the Philippine Independence Day Celebration. Also being called for was the dismissal of all charges brought against the two.

The indignation rally was one of the biggest mobilizations staged in front of the Philippine Consulate in recent years. With representatives from FiRE, ANAKBAYAN NY/NJ, KABALIKAT Domestic Workers Support Network, NYCHRP, BAYAN USA, IAC, NAFCON and the Philippine Forum joining - it was the youth of Kappa Pi who made up the bulk of the protest. After being harassed by the NYPD while marching down the Madison Avenue parade route on June 1st, Fabunan and Recaido were detained by the NYPD for launching a drum circle at the fair. Protesters believe the NYPD acted on the Philippine Consulate-Philippine Independence Day Committee's (PIDC) orders.

"[PIDC President] Raul Estrellado claims we were 'out of place' at the parade and fair because we were using the event to protest," claims Matthew Cheirs of Kappa Pi, "but how can we be deemed out of place when the PIDC awarded the Philippine Forum-NAFCON contingent 'Most Meaningful Group that Best Depicts Our Theme 2008: Tribute to Filipino Excellence- Innate Knowledge, Capability and Talent'"?

"In honoring the theme of the celebration this year, we decided to question the decision to raise the price of a rental booth at the fair as high as $1700.00, a stark contrast from the days of $50-$70 during the 90's. The Filipino community, for the most part, was in support of our signs," Cheirs added. "Perhaps that is the real reason the PIDC called the cops on us--censorship?"

Protesters chanted loudly throughout but grew louder when Philippine Consul General Cecilia Rebong and Vice-Consul Leandro Lachica passed by them, entering the Consulate uncomfortably. Lachica later approached members of the rally, attempting to shift responsibility from the Consulate, claiming that the actions of the police were at the request of the PIDC alone.

"But the PIDC is heavily-influenced by the Philippine Consulate. In fact, all meetings of the PIDC are held in the Philippine Consulate. It is hard to swallow that the Consulate's interests aren't being upheld by the PIDC, and this Consulate has a clear history of censoring our group," Cheirs ended.

Among the demands of the community campaign are an official apology from the PIDC and Philippine Consulate, a dropping of all charges against Fabunan and Recaido, an investigation to who from the Philippine Consulate and/or PIDC ordered for the NYPD to harass the NAFCON/BAYAN parade contingent, and an audit of all funds collected from the PIDC.

To view actual video documentation of the incident, please go to the YouTube video link ###

No to Racial Profiling!


Stop criminalizing the youth!


Rusty Fabunan of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns


Peewee Recaido of Kappa Pi Fraternity

Jonna Baldres of Anakbayan New York/New Jersey


Katie Joaquin of Anakbayan East Bay

Anakbayan NY/NJ Joins the Music! What's wrong with that? (Criticizes video by guy calling Filipinos "p*ssy" and "stupid")

At the entrance of the fair grounds where NAFCON
& BAYAN USA contingents were held (Photos by Robert Roy)



At the make-shift booth of NAFCON & BAYAN USA with the Kappa Pi
members providing alternative cultural space (Photo by Jonna Baldres)



Philippine Forum Executive Director Robert Roy protecting Kappa Pi's
Pewee Recaido from the NYPD officer (Photo by Jonna Baldres)


NYPD Officer holding down Pewee Recaido's bag (Photo by Jonna Baldres)



NYPD Officer grabbing Kappa Pi's Pewee Recaido
by the neck (Photo still from video by Jackie Mariano)



NYPD Officers searching Rusty Fabunan
and Pewee Recaido for identification (Photo by Jonna Baldres)



NYPD officers barricading the street, separating the
Kappa Pi brothers from the crowd (Photo by Jonna Baldres)



NYPD officers taking the Kappa Pi brothers
farther down the street (Photo by Jonna Baldres)



Rusty Fabunan & Pewee Recaido released by the NYPD officers
(Photo by Jonna Baldres)


Kappa Pi brothers face summons for making music
at the Philippine Independence Day Celebration
(Photo by Jonna Baldres)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

04 June 2008

Reference: Yves Nibungco & Yancy Gandionco, Anakbayan New York/New Jersey
Contact Info: anakbayan_ny@yahoo.com, (646)5787390


Anakbayan NY/NJ Joins the Music! What's wrong with that?
Criticizes video by guy calling Filipinos "p*ssy" and "stupid"

Anakbayan NY/NJ condemns New York Police Department (NYPD)-Philippine Consulate-Philippine Independence Day Celebration (PIDC) Committee, Inc. for the recent harassment done towards members of Philippine Forum's Kappa Pi -- a Filipino community-based fraternity and fellow member organization of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) -- during the Independence day celebration on June 1st.

The NAFCON and BAYAN-USA contingent converged at 39th and 5th avenue and proceeded to march along Madison Ave. carrying signs about the Rice Crisis in the Philippines, commercialization of the whole PIDC event and ongoing campaign for justice of the Sentosa Nurses. All throughout the day, members of the contingent of NAFCON suffered several harassments from officers of NYPD and PIDC Inc.



"I think we were the only contingent accompanied and harassed by the NYPD as we marched down Madison Ave. They told us that we were not allowed to air our protests during the parade and they (the NYPD officers) constantly heckled us to hurry down Madison Avenue as if they wanted us out of the streets as fast as they can." Babz Manuel, a member of Anakbayan NY/ NJ commented. The whole contingent was even prevented from entering the fair grounds for reasons not yet clear to us.

The harassment did not end there. It escalated when an NYPD officer grabbed two members of the Kapatirang Pilipino Fraternity or Kappa Pi. Rusty Fabunan and Peewee Recaido were taken to the corner, by the Patrol car, after they played music with snare drums and a makeshift drum from paint buckets. Both men were released after a group of young Filipinos gathered around the scene chanting, "Just Music, What's wrong with that?" However, the two Kappa Pi brothers were given summons by the NYPD charging them with "failure to disperse".


"What is there to disperse? This is the celebration of Philippine Independence and we were there only to celebrate our so-called freedom and there they were preventing us from expressing it. We weren't doing anything to harm the public. We were even entertaining them," Pewee Recaido, who is also the Kappa Pi supremo, said.


"In the past, history shows that the PIDC Committee, while working with the Philippine Consulate on this celebration, has been hell-bent on preventing our contingents from voicing out and criticizing the Philippine government by employing all means to belittle our calls, from drowning out our chants by placing us in between contingents playing loud drum beats to the violent dispersal of our organized forces," Dani Galan, president of Anakbayan New York/New Jersey said, "We were even the only contingents escorted by NYPD officers. How's that for INDEPENDENCE?"


The Philippine Consulate and PIDC INC have been consistently criticized by members of NAFCON and BAYAN USA for making the independence day celebration a grand money-making scheme. The celebration was also lambasted by these contingents for promoting a culture of greed and corruption instead of a genuine culture of "bayanihan". This, and the showcasing of not-so Filipino performances, was what had driven our fellow NAFCON members, mostly youth, to come up with the alternative music and cultural space, which, unfortunately resulted in the harassment by the NYPD.


"With the recent happenings in the Philippine Independence Day Celebration, it only shows that even here in the United States, militant Filipinos fighting for their rights and who are critical of the Philippine government's wrongdoings are also being repressed. We are also met with an iron hand, revealing the true fascist nature of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration, with the help of, who else, but its office in New York and the local police department," Jonna Baldres, Anakbayan NY/NJ secretary-general said.

Undeniably, this unholy alliance of NYPD and Philippine Consulate-PIDC could not silence the brave voices of the people's indignation as their dirty deed was witnessed and opposed by bystanders and NAFCON and BAYAN USA's member organizations' chanting and inquisition: "IT'S JUST MUSIC! WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT?!?"

Jason, the guy who posted a video in YouTube

calling Filipinos "p*ssy" and "stupid"

Screen shots of the video in YouTube

MOCKERY OF THE FILIPINO STRUGGLE

Unfortunately though, hours after the stunted arrest, there was one video in YouTube released by a guy named Jason (which was already put down but a copy was saved by a member of one of NAFCON's member organizations), filmed from the high-rise building right beside the corner of 25th street where the NAFCON & BAYAN USA's contingents were stationed, making a mockery of the whole incident calling Filipinos "stupid" and "p*ssy" and accusing the mob of shouting "F*ck you, pigs!" The accompanying video will show that NAFCON and BAYAN USA were chanting otherwise.

This show of racist attack, coupled with the fascist and repressive culture being sown by the PIDC-Philippine Consulate-NYPD within the Filipino community, definitely undermines the struggles of the Filipinos fighting for their rights, and all the more, genuine INDEPENDENCE, which had been fought for by our forefathers.


We, in Anakbayan New York/New Jersey, will not allow this culture of fascism, repression and racism to grow amongst our ranks, more so, within the Filipino community that is supposedly breeding the roots of INDEPENDENCE. In light of these incidents, we join the people on Friday, June 6, in front of the Philippine Consulate at 5:30 pm, in a community action protesting against the NYPD and Philippine Consulate-PIDC's outright display of committing injustice.

An injustice to one (or two Pinoys in that case) is an injustice to all! ###

VIDEO: NAFCON/BAYAN USA Display the Power of Collective Action @ PIDC 2008