KAMAYAN sa JOLLIBEE

Flyer by Yancy Gandionco

Filipino Youth in US Denounce Brutal Dispersal in Anti-VFA Protest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
26 February 2009


Reference: Jonna Baldres, Secretary General, Anakbayan New York/New Jersey, anakbayan_ny@yahoo.com


Filipino Youth in US Denounce Brutal Dispersal in Anti-VFA Protest

Anakbayan New York/New Jersey strongly condemns the violent dispersal of members of Anakbayan Philippines by the Philippine National Police at the rally in front of the US embassy last February 25, a blatant attack on the people's right to assemble and march on the streets.

About 400 rallyists from member organizations of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), including the youth mass organization, Anakbayan, trooped to the US embassy in Roxas Boulevard in Manila to protest against the intensive military operations and grenade firing by the Philippine military's 901st Brigade last February 18 in Ligao City, Bicol killing a 1-year and 4-month old girl, Rafaela Polborido, and leaving 9 more civilians wounded, 6 of whom were children.

The military offensive was believed to be a part of the preparations for the Balikatan exercises which will resume in April 2009. Around 6,000 US troops are expected to join 2,500 Philippine troops to carry out the implementation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), a 10-year-standing treaty between the US and Philippine governments said to be "mutual" but which proved to be favorable only to the US.

This one-sidedness can be seen in the case of Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, the US marine deployed in the Philippines who was the first to be convicted of raping a young Filipina in 2005 but was granted immunity from being held in Philippine jail as stipulated in the "right to jurisdiction" that US military personnel who committed crimes in Philippine soil will be held in US custody. Thus, Smith was kept in the US embassy since the conviction. This does not follow with any personnel of the Philippine Republic, who, once convicted in US territory by a US federal or state court, will be held in any US prison. This, among other stipulations, definitely does not show "mutual" respect between two nation's sovereignty and judicial systems. One clearly has more advantages than the other.

The Arroyo government must have understood the mutuality of the treaty in terms of allowing the US to bring in more troops and state-of-the-art military equipment into the country, however, not serving the purpose of strengthening the nation's defenses, but instead advancing their own interests. This unilateral agreement seeks only to interfere with the Philippines' civil, economic, political and military affairs and collaborate with the fascist Arroyo regime to intimidate, repress and murder the innocents.

In efforts of the Philippine government to track down rebels, residents of communities across the Bicol region -- for decades of being the hotbed of the New People's Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines -- in turn, are in danger of being forcefully displaced, harassed and stripped of their properties if they are believed to be sympathizers of the NPA. This, clearly, is not a sign of development, or of being beneficial to the Philippines' military field. It is, we perceive, as desperate.

Following the recent events in the Philippines in which total disregard for the Filipino people's rights has been non-stop, we, the Filipino youth here in the US will not remain silent. It is only fitting to remind the US government that the "help" it plans and continues to extend to the Philippine government in extinguishing its own people comes from our pockets -- the taxpayers' pockets. We, neither our parents, did not come to this country to work and witness our hard-earned money turn into truncheons and bullets only to be fired at our fellow Filipinos back home -- helpless, young and innocent -- ending up in ashes, raped or beaten. Sadly, the dream of books, classrooms and basic social services for the Filipino youth, now more than ever, seemed too far-fetched with the current US-Arroyo regime still in place.

These atrocities inflicted upon our people shall remain so long as VFA is in effect. And the only step we must take to end this nonsense is to be one with the Filipino people in pushing for its repeal. ###


JUNK VFA!
STOP CRIMINALIZING THE FILIPINO YOUTH!
BOOKS NOT BULLETS FOR FILIPINO YOUTH!
WITHDRAW US MILITARY AID TO THE PHILIPPINES!
CONFINE DANIEL SMITH IN PHILIPPINE PRISON NOW!
JUSTICE FOR RAFAELA POLBORIDO & ALL VICTIMS OF
US-RP MILITARIZATION IN THE PHILIPPINES!


Links to videos:
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/37282/Violence-mars-rally-at-US-Embassy
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/37280/QTV-Violent-dispersal-mars-anti-VFA-rally-at-US-Embassy

Filipinos-Young and Old-Gather in New York City to Commemorate People Power of 1986 and Anti-Martial Law Movement

Photos by Jonna Baldres & John Paul Miranda

News Release
February 26, 2009

Reference: Gary Labao, NY Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, email: nychrp@gmail.com

Filipinos-Young and Old-Gather in New York City to Commemorate People Power of 1986 and Anti-Martial Law Movement

New York-- Days before the 23rd anniversary of the so-called "People Power Revolution" of 1986, that saw the unseating of the 21-year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines, Filipinos in New York City gathered to pay tribute to the legacy of the anti-Martial Law and anti-Marcos movement both in the Philippines and in New York City. PAGPUPUGAY, as the gathering was called, featured a lineup of song, poetry, video, and theatrical performances that united both older and younger Filipinos in tribute to a shared history.

The event was organized by the New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (NYCHRP), and Anakbayan New York/New Jersey. It took place at Gallery 1199, or the Bread and Roses Cultural Project Gallery, at the headquarters of Local 1199 United Healthworkers East at the Martin Luther King Labor Center in Times Square.

The event opened with a prayer-reflection offered by Bea Sabino, a 17-year old member of Anakabayan NY/NJ, who also served as co-emcee for the program with Rico Foz of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON).

University of the Philippines Professor Bienvenido Lumbera, National Artist for Literature and a former political prisoner under Marcos, delivered the keynote message via video.

“The First Quarter Storm [FQS] dealt a stunning blow to the US Marcos regime in 1970. It was also a wake up call to all patriotic Filipinos.” Lumbrera said in his message.

The FQS was three straight months starting on January 1970 of daily protests of Filipino youth and students mainly against the Vietnam War and intensifying US intervention in the Asia-Pacific region. It defied the subservient stand of the Marcos regime to US government dictates.

With the student protest movement at the forefront, the FQS proved so successful in stirring up the fighting spirit of Filipinos across the country that Marcos had to declare martial law on September 21, 1972, forcing student organizations such as the Kabataang Makabayan (KM), or Patriotic Youth, to go underground. Community organizing in the Philippines was outlawed and the country entered a very dark period in its history.

“Today the struggle continues” Lumbrera said as he urged for Filipinos in the US to remain steadfast and critical of the current Arroyo regime. He closed his message with a the famous battlecry of the FQS--- “Makibaka, Huwag Matakot!”

A Vibrant Movement Continues Underground

"But fascism did not stop us from organizing a vibrant movement nonetheless," stated Ramon Mappala of the NYCHRP, in a testimony to the FQS.

Mappala, then a member of KM, spoke of how the movement for social and economic justice in the country adjusted to the conditions by going underground, and how many paid the price under a US-backed fascist dictatorship. Mappala, like many of his contemporaries who continued on with their activism at that time, was captured and jailed.

Another big highlight of the evening was the testimony of Balthazar Pinguel, the last open national spokesperson of KM before the organization went underground.

True to form, Pinguel roused the audience with his brand of fiery agitation and tribute to KM that easily moved hundreds of thousands of Filipino students during the FQS in the late 60's thru early 70's to confidently take to the streets in protest.

"Marcos was shaking in fear of the strong and militant youth and students movement!" Pinguel said as he narrated his very own experience as a student leader in various rallies, protests and demonstrations. He also provided a glimpse of what was the U.P. Diliman Commune.

Pinguel was a victim of torture while in detention for almost a decade. He traveled with his wife Chato all the way from Philadelphia to speak at the event.

Youth of Yesterday Meet Youth of Today

Contemporary youth voices urging for the continuation of the FQS's legacy were also represented in performances by members of Anakbayan NY/NJ.

Members of Anakbayan performed a “Kilos-Awit” (interpretative movement) of a well-known FQS era song called "Martsa Ng Bayan" (The Peoples’ March). “Kilos-Awit" is an artform developed and made popular by KM activists back in the 60’s that continues to be a staple among rallies and protests today. The performance spoke of the broad alliance-building among the various social sectors of Filipino society during the Marcos dictatorship.

Another classic, "Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa", a poem by Andres Bonifacio and that was made into a song by political prisoners in the 70s was sung by Taospuso of SANDIWA National Filipino Youth Alliance and Tutz Saulon of Kabalikat Domestic Workers Group. Peewee Recaido of the Kappa Pi Fraternity played the guitar accompaniment.

The active role of Filipino women against the anti-dictatorship movement such as the MAKIBAKA was also acknowledged. A witty but meaningful poem by Gabriela-USA member Melanie Dulfo of Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment was delivered. Donnie Manuel, singer and songwriter, offered an acoustic performance of “Kababaihan”, one of his compositions.

Martial Law Under Arroyo

After an emotional video documenting the EDSA Uprising of 1986 that brought some audience members to tears, Anakbayan member Yves Nibungco and NYCHRP members Gary Labao and Lolan Sevilla each spoke of the need to continue the legacy of the FQS and EDSA 1 because martial law is still present under the current regime of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

"The Philippine movement still needs you, and younger generation of activists need your wisdom and lessons learned from that time, because there is still martial law in the Philippines today under Arroyo," stated Labao.

Community members were given the opportunity to share their own experiences. Bebot Galvan of KABALIKAT Filipino Domestic Workers Support Group delivered a testimony of her experiences as a teenager during the martial law era. A Maranao, Potri Ranka Manis, spoke of her experiences and treatment by the Philippine military while in detention. Clemencia Wong, Vice-Chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) also spoke of her experiences during the 1986 EDSA uprising even though she was already in the US. NY cardiologist Dr. Orlando Apiado of the Movement for a Free Philippines (MFP) spoke of vibrant active anti-Marcos movement amongst Filipinos in New York City, particularly when the late Senators Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Raul Manglapuz and human rights lawyer Romeo Capulong all lived here. Another MFP member New Jersey based Atty. Emerito Salud closed the event with another poem. ###


Pics attached:

1. PAGPUPUGAY group shot
2. Bienvenido Lumbera video keynote message
3. Balthazar Pinguel of Kabataang Makabayan
4. Balthazar Pinguel speaks about the FQS
5. Anakbayan NY/NJ Kilos-Awit rendition of "Martsa ng Bayan"

To view more pictures from this event, visit: http://photobucket.com/pagpupugay_21feb2009

FILIPINO YOUTH TIE YELLOW RIBBONS 'ROUND JERSEY CITY

Photos by Jonna Baldres

Press Release
18 February 2009

Reference: Jonna Baldres, Secretary General, Anakbayan New York/New Jersey, anakbayan_ny@yahoo.com


FILIPINO YOUTH TIE YELLOW RIBBONS 'ROUND JERSEY CITY


JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY - Contrary to the popular notion in the United States on yellow ribbons as symbols of support for American troops and desire to bring them back home, members of the progressive Filipino youth group Anakbayan New York/New Jersey offered community members of Jersey City yellow ribbons in remembrance and celebration of the 1986 People Power. Yellow ribbons with the inscription, "People Power Lives!" were handed out to Filipinos on Westside and Newark Avenues last February 16, 2009.

"Yellow is the color of one of the most momentous events in Philippine history. It is the symbolic color of our united voice saying enough is enough, and of our collective action, which ended the 21-year rule of the Marcos Regime. It has been more than two decades and we are still very proud of it. We should be constantly reminded of this historic affair to draw lessons from and give us hope that change is possible." Yancy Gandionco, Anakbayan NY/NJ vice-president stated.

As in Marcos' reign, Anakbayan believes that during Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's eight unproductive years in office, Filipinos have remained poor, and that political repression and execution of those who oppose the administration's corrupt and inhumane practices have been perpetrated.

"The impoverished conditions in which Filipinos find themselves in for the past years have been testament that the Arroyo government has done nothing to lift up the economy of the nation, and instead, even widely opened its doors to neoliberal policies, exposing our country to worsening exploitation by the US imperialist and other foreign capitalist entities. To this, we say enough is enough!" Gandionco added.

To commemorate the 1986 People Power Revolution, Anakbayan encourages Filipinos in the US to wear yellow ribbons on February 25th as a sign of the Filipino people's resolve for genuine change in the system of the Philippine government.

In addition, Anakbayan NY/NJ, in cooperation with the New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (NYCHRP), will be holding "Pagpupugay" on February 21, 2009 as a tribute to the anti-Martial Law activists who tirelessly fought from the First Quarter Storm movement of January 1970, and who still continue to fight up to the present, for the realization of true national democracy in the Philippines. The event will be held in Gallery 1199 at 310 West 43rd street from 1PM to 5PM.

Anakbayan New York/New Jersey is one of the US chapters of Anakbayan Philippines, a comprehensive national democratic mass organization fighting for the rights, welfare and basic needs of the Filipino youth around the world. Other US chapters include Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Las Vegas and East Bay.

For more information on Anakbayan New York/New Jersey, please visit http://anakbayan-ny.blogspot.com or email us at anakbayan_ny@yahoo.com.

On 110th anniversary of Phil-Am War, US-Arroyo moves for intervention intensify with charter change

On 110th anniversary of Phil-Am War, US-Arroyo moves for intervention intensify with charter change
February 4th, 2009

Contact: Berna Ellorin
Secretary-General, BAYAN USA
secgen@bayanusa.org

On this 110th anniversary of the Philippine-American War, the first US war of aggression for conquest overseas, Filipinos under the banner of BAYAN USA remain vigilant and defiant over US government maneuvers, in conjunction with the US puppet administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, to dominate and control Philippine economic and political affairs. In fact, moves for US government intervention in the Philippines are intensifying more than ever under the Arroyo administration. Two of the most recent forms of intervention are related to the US-Arroyo clique’s drive for Charter Change, or Cha-Cha– this week’s passing of House Resolution 737 by Philippine House Speaker Prospero Nograles and the Obama administration’s renewed commitment to the Balikatan exercises, this time in Bicol, for 2009.

Cha-Cha = Economic Liberalization

The recent passage of HR 737 as railroaded by Arroyo mouthpiece Prospero Nograles this week significantly indicates the first inclusion of the Arroyo clique’s ardent campaign to alter the 1987 Philippine Constitution. This not only indicates that the Cha-Cha campaign is alive and kicking, but is poised for the offensive.

Nograles, who was put in position after the Arroyo-maneuvered ouster of former House Speaker Jose De Venecia, filed House Resolution 737 this week. HR 737 specifically calls for the amendment of Sections 2 and 3 of Article 12 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution “to allow the acquisition by foreign corporations and associations and the transfer or conveyance thereto, of alienable public and private lands.” The resolution was approved by the House by a vote of 11-4. It’s next stop will be the Philippine Senate.

In these times of devastating economic crisis, further economic liberalization of the Philippine economy is the last thing the Filipino people need. The economic provisions proposed in Nograles’ resolution will ensure more landlessness for Filipino farmers, deepening poverty, and expand joblessness in the Philippines. Despite claims from the Arroyo clique that economic liberalization will bring in foreign investments and employment opportunities, the reality indicates quite the contrary. Studies have already shown that existent policies of economic liberalization, under the auspices of neoliberal globalization, are at the root cause of global economic crisis that is burdening the already-suffering Filipino people. More liberalization will only compound the Filipino people’s burdens even more.

Cha-Cha = More US Military Intervention

It is a given that US economic interests overseas are always protected by intensified US military presence and aggression. The Obama administration’s continued commitment to the invasive Balikatan exercises, this time in Bicol, is disappointing, because it will expand US military presence in the country. It is equally disappointing that the status quo of a regular US military aid package to the Philippines remains in tact, despite unanimous documentary evidence from international monitoring bodies that these US tax dollars are being funneled towards the Philippine military’s perpetration of extra-judicial killings and abductions of Filipino civilians, under the tutelage of US military advisers deployed to the Philippines. Since the Phil-Am War of 1899, US military presence has never left the Philippines. US military presence will surely expand and increase if Arroyo’s Cha-Cha passes in the Philippine Congress.

Section 25 Article XVIII in the Philippine Constitution clearly prohibits the presence of foreign military troops and facilities on Philippine soil, yet the US government has managed to keep a military stronghold in the Philippines and mock Philippine national sovereignty, even after the closing of Subic Naval and Clark Air Force Base in 1991. It has done so through a series of US-Philippine military agreements such as the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). These agreements have managed to ensure the continuing human rights violations committed by US troops ranging from sexual terrorism against Filipino women and children to direct combat of Philippine soil. Engagement in direct combat by foreign troops on Philippine soil is officially outlawed by the Philippine Constitution, and is one of the provisions the Arroyo administration is intent on changing as part of the Cha-Cha.

A Call for Patriotism

BAYAN USA, an alliance of 14 Filipino organizations across the United States, representing patriotic Filipinos forced to leave due to unsurvivable poverty in the Philippines, believes the struggle of the Philippine-American War of 1899 is not over, as current US government maneuvers in the Philippines are still in contrast to the collective interests of the Filipino people for genuine national sovereignty. It vehemently condemns the malicious and anti-patriotic character of the Arroyo administration for betraying the national interests of the Filipino people. Not only will Cha-Cha strip Filipinos of the right to determine the fate of their country and its natural resources, it will pave the way for the official resurrection of Martial Rule and return of fascist dictatorship to the Philippines. Cha-Cha continues the mission of the US government during the Phil-Am War in securing US government control over the Philippines. It is for this reason that our resistance as Filipinos must also step up.

On this day of memory of the Phil-Am War, let us pledge to heighten our patriotism and love of country by denouncing Cha-Cha and calling on the Philippine Senate to reject HR 737 and stop the Cha-Cha train dead on its tracks. Let us continue our demand to have all US troops withdrawn from the Philippines as well as all forms of US economic aid to the Philippines. Let us also continue to call for the impeachment, resignation, and/or ouster of the number one traitor of the Filipino people– Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

JUNK HR 737! NO TO CHA-CHA!
NO TO FOREIGN PLUNDER OF PHILIPPINE NATURAL RESOURCES!
US TROOPS OUT OF THE PHILIPPINES!
NO US TAX DOLLARS TO PHILIPPINE DEATH SQUADS!
OUST GMA!

Bowling and Burgers

Photos courtesy of Bea Bianca Maderazo

For the busy members of Anakbayan NY/NJ, a much needed R & R (Rest & Recreation) was in order. Last friday, January 30, 2009, AB NY/NJ members and friends indulged themselves in a night of bowling and burgers. None of them played bowling as a hobby, although some took cues from WiiSport and others relied solely in the strength of their upper bodies thus explaining the lack of accuracy. Every single one proudly wore neon green and pink bowling shoes and took turns in knocking down some pins, cheering for their team and jeering for those who were either too good or too lousy (kidding!).

Anakbayan members, as fierce as they are in marching for human rights and protesting against GMA, were lessened to non-life-threatening mortals when it came to bowling. Jules, their newest member , proved to be a worthwhile bowler as she had the most strikes during the game (go lefties!). Jacq brought her Wii skills from her home into the bowling lanes (may WiiSport be with you) while John was mastering his spinning ball technique triple time. Bea, Bianca and Kat pushed their luck and had to make up their lack of ability and brawns with enthusiasm and humor. Yves and Jonna were surprisingly good for beginners, it was as if they brought their political agitation to Hudson Lanes. Yancy, fabulous as he is, was not so popular with the bowling pins but he did score some mean strikes! Jose brought his A-game during those two hours and Mike’s upper body strength did not hold up to his lessened visual acuity although he did make some serious pin-knocking. In the same way that they scored and hit those otherwise immovable bowling pins, the members and friends of AB NY/NJ hope that the collective strength of the youth topple down the ratty Arroyo regime and the crimes it continues to burden the Filipino people to this day.

After bowling, everyone proceeded to Wendy’s for nutrional (junkfood) refueling and loud conversations. They shared french fries as well as hilarious jokes and experiences. The members of Anakbayan NY/NJ are almost always knee-deep in various meetings, campaigns and mobilizations that when an opportunity such as mediocre bowling comes knocking, they answer it with big grins on their faces. After friday night's bowling activity, let it be known that Anakbayan NY/NJ has no interest in playing bowling professionally. They will always stick to what they do best, which is organizing and mobilizing albeit a little R & R with real friends (like Jacq and Bianca) is always welcome so watch out for more of Anakbayan’s fun activities! ###

- Entry by Kathleen Dy

Anakbayan NY/NJ Reportback

Anakbayan NY/NJ Reportback
Presented last January 14, 2009
Center for Constitutional Rights
New York, USA

"Isulong ang Pakikibaka: Advance the Struggle"
Reportback on the Philippines

Sponsored by International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS), Bayan USA, Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE), New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (NYCHRP), Anakbayan NY/NJ, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Al-Awda: Palestinian Right to Return Coalition-NY, and International Action Center


Additional Music:

"Anak ng Bayan"
by Musikang Bayan

"Ang Masa"
mula sa album ng 'Kanta ng Rebolusyong Pilipino'

"Manggagawa Blues"
by Tambisan

"Tumindig Ka"
by Buklod

"Rage"
by The Jerks

"Tatsulok"
by Buklod