AJLPP JOINS U.S.-WIDE VIGIL FOR GABNET 3, NOW FROM RETURNING HOME

AJLPP Update No. 1401

August 14, 2001

AJLPP JOINS U.S.-WIDE VIGIL FOR GABNET 3, BARRED FROM RETURNING HOME

San Francisco—The Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) forces joined the women's group GABRIELA Network USA (GABNet) last night that held a US-wide vigil to demand the immediate release of the GABNet 3--Dr. Annalisa Enrile (Chairperson), Ninotchka Rosca (Founding Chair, writer) and Judith Mirkinson (International Relations Officer, founding member)--who've been placed by the Philippine Department of Justice in a "watch" list and barred from returning home to the US.

As of the press time ( 12;00 PM PST) the GABNet 3 was allowed to board their plane are on their way back to the United States. Report stated that the watch list was lifer due to international pressure.

The mass actions in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco were held in front of four Philippine Consular offices in the United States on August 13, 2007.

More than thirty organizations joined the vigil in four cities of the U.S., including the ANSWER coalition, AJLPP, Ecumenical Fellowship for Justice and Peace (EFJP), Women in Black, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Women for Genuine Security, Jericho Movement for Political Prisoners, DAMAYAN, Ugnayan, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Fil-Am Arts,Pilipino Workers Center, Kabataan maka-Bayan Justice for Filipino American Veterans(JFAV) and other groups.

SOLIDARITY IS NOT A CRIME

In Los Angeles, over 100 people joined the interactive picket –rally that lasted for four hours and a half. GABNet Chapter Coordinator Ivy Quicho was joined by the family of Dr. Enrile in two meetings with Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Aragon early afternoon and late evening.

Rallyist were chanting, “Free, Free, Free The GABNet 3, Stop, Stop, Stop Intimidation!” and “GABNet 3, Set Them Free!”. The Consul General pledged to inquire with her colleagues in the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs as to the status of the GABNet 3.

Later in the evening, the Consul General returned to inform them that her colleague at the Office of American Affairs said that “they are looking into the matter” and that they are “on top of it” in terms of the GABNet 3 boarding the flight tonight.

Over two dozen of Dr. Enrile’s former university students also joined the vigil. Over 300 protesters across the US carried placards and banners that said “GABNet 3 Off The Philippine Watchlist”, “Solidarity is Not a Crime”, and “Respect Human Rights”.

East Coast Mass Actions

In New York, more than 50 protestors conducted mass action infornt of the New York Consulate. GABRIELA Network San Diego co-coordinator Thea Quiray Tagle, NYNJ member Alex Ruhland and Linda Abad of DAMAYAN/AJLPP met with NY Consul General Cecilia Rebong.

In San Francisco’s Consular office saw a mass of over 70 people led by Gabnet-USA in front of their Philippine Center Building. The family of Judith Mirkinson requested a formal appointment with the Consul General but its staff was unable to assist them.

Regardless, the Mirkinsons proceeded to the consulate and demanded an audience with the Consul General. They were able to meet with the Consul General who informed them that he was already aware of the situation and he would contact the office of Philippines Ambassador to the United States Gaa in Washington DC.

Meanwhile, the crowd outside of the consulate continued to grow and the protestors were able to put letters together which said, “FREE THE GABNET 3!” ANSWER Bay Area's Gloria La RIva and AJLPP leader Mario Santos who spoke during the rally.

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer also interceded ion behalf of Dr. Enrile and the other two barred Gabriela Network-USA leaders. Re;igipus and laity people also worked for the immediate release from a hold-over order of the three GABRIELA activists.

For more information on AJLPP plase call (213)241-0906 or email at ajlpp_socal@yahoo.com