Alliance Philippines (AJLPP-USA) September 21-23 US –Wide Commemorative and Solidarity Actions - A Success

Los Angeles-- The Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace In the Philippines (AJLPP)-USA commemorative activities for the 34th year of martial law and solidarity against political killings in the Philippines that was held in four cities of the United States from Septmeber 21-23, 2006 was a tremendous success.

On September 21,a community remembrance was held at the Behtlehem Lutheran Church, 757 12th St. Oakland California. The service was presided by Rev. Richard R. Bowley. A candle lighting ceremony and testimonials from the some of the victims and survivors of martial law highlighted the commemorative event.

September 22,the AJLPP Southern California Community Forum: PHILIPPINE UPDATE AND THE EVILS OF MARTIAL LAW was held at Remy’s On Temple in Historic Filipinotown was also well attended by youth, students,professionals and community activists and solidarity organizations.

On Sept. 22 Friday 6:00 PM in Seattle. “Remembering Philippine Martial Law-Then and Now”,by the AJLPP-Seattle was held at ANSWER office, 1423 10th Ave. (Close to Pike St) Seattle, WA. Testimonials from martial law victims via phone patch was conducted the organizers of the forum.

On Sept. 23, a Cultural Event, RECLAIM II-Re-affirming our Culture of Resistance by UGNAYAN youth was held at St. Marks Parish hall, 131 E. 10th St. New York. Poetry, spoken words, songs, photo-exhibits, multi-media presentations were featured in the cultural undertaking.

In all events, victims and survivors of martial law remembered the martyrs and also paid tribute to all the latest victims of political killings under the US- Arroyo -Regime. Candle lighting ceremonies were also made as tribute to remember the martyrs.

"We should not let martial law happen again. We witnessed the barbarity and brutality of martial law, to let it happen again is absurd." one victim of torture explained in the forum. " This is the reason why we condemn the political killings now in the Arroyo regime.".

AJLPP organizations like the Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA, Filipino Workers Association of San Francisco (FWA-SF), Kabataang maka-Bayan (KmB), Ecumenical Fellowship (EF), Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) from Los Angeles; Filipino Workers Association, First Quarter Storm Network (FQSN), the KmB-Bay Area from the Bay Area; Human Rights Committee and AJLPP-Seattle and Ugnayan ng mga Anak ng Bayan and DAMAYAN Migrants Association (DAMAYAN) all from New York mobilized to protest the resurgence of fascism and political –extra judicial killings.

The Philippine military and police “death squads” have claimed more than 752 lives with 184 people missing since Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo assumed power in 2001.International groups like the Amnesty International (AI), the World Council of Churches,the US Methodist Church to name a few have condemned the US-Arroyo regime for the killings.

For more information call Al or Christine@ (213)241-0906