Press Release

Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)

April 8, 2007

Contact Person: Arturo P. Garcia

(23)241-0995

email: jfav_causa@yahoo.com

Bataan Day Protest April 9-10, 2008 in Los Angeles

Los Angeles-- “Remember Bataan!”

This was the battle cry of American soldiers during the Second World War. The battle cry was a call to avenge the American defeat and the Death March that the Japanese Imperial Army perpetrated against American and Filipino Forces that surrendered in Bataan on April 9, 1942.

Today, after 66 years, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of Filipino veterans, student, youth and community advocates announced that they will commemorate the 65th Bataan Day with a protest rally at the Westwood Federal building 11000 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles on April 10, 2008 at 5:00 P.M..

“Money for the Filipino Veterans, Not for the War” will be the slogan of JFAV, AJLPP and Samahang Pilipino at UCLA who were spearheading the rally.

Nationwide Commemoration leads to Senate Hearings on Equity Bataan Day April 9 In Los Angeles

In a related development, the 66th anniversary marks a week of activity around the country which will be highlighted by hearings in Washington DC with the ACFV leading the commemorative rites.?The ACFV is hopeful that the lobbying efforts will lead to the Senate floor vote to the much delayed equity billin the US Congress.



Meanwhile, different veterans organizations will join the Philippine Consulate General in a flag ceremony at the Consulate Community Hall at 3600 Wishire Blvd, Los Angeles to be led by Consul general May Jo Aragon at 8: 45 in the morning of April 9.

Veterans organizations like the Society of Guerillas and Scouts (SGSI) led by Commander Jack Vergara, Faustino Baclig, Arcadio Basat and Nick Gadia, the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) led by Commander Eugenio Mondok, the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC); People’s CORE and Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) led by Arturo P, Garcia The Search to Involve for Filipino American Veterans (SIPA,) led by Mike Nailat and Ernest Tamayo will attended the affair.

On April 9, 1942 the province of Bataan, the bastion of the US forces in the Far East was forced to surrender to the Japanese after more than four month of fighting. More than 70,000 American and Filipino forces surrendered and were forced to march to the prisoner of war camp in Capas, Tarlac.

During the death march, more than 12,000 American and Filipino soldiers died of Japanese brutality, hunger and disease during the 65-kilometer death march from Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga. Bataan Day is commemorated both in the Philippines and the Filipino American Community since then.

For more information please contact Al P. Garcia at People’s CORE (213) 241-0995 or email@jfav_causa@yahoo.com