[APWSLMembers 625] Nov 16 International Day of Action

[kmu id]

A call to participate in the:
International Day of Action against Trade Union Repression and
Political Killings in the Philippines
16 November 2007


Background

This coming November 16 marks the third-year anniversary of the
infamous Hacienda Luisita Massacre during which seven (7) striking
farm workers, mill workers and supporters were killed in a violent
dispersal by police, military and paid goons under the direct orders
of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's government through
the Department of Labor and Employment.

Until now, the Luisita farm workers and families of the victims
continue to seek justice as extrajudicial killings and state terror
continues to be used by the Arroyo regime against the Filipino
people's clamor for national and social liberation.

Since Arroyo came to power in 2001, KARAPATAN (a national alliance of
human rights organizations in the Philippines) has documented 886
cases of extrajudicial killings, and more than one million people who
have been forcibly displaced because of militarization and systematic
human rights violations.  Among these, 77 workers were victims of
trade union killings.

Aside from killings, other violations include assault on the picket
line, illegal arrest and detention, grave threats, intimidation,
abductions and harassment inflicted on leaders, members, and labour
advocates of trade unions who are actively pursuing the Filipino
people's legitimate demands.

The human rights violations are occurring with impunity under the
Arroyo government's counter-insurgency program Oplan Bantay Laya I and
II (Operation Freedom Watch) and as part of the US-led "war on
terror".  The recently implemented Human Security Act (HSA) to
crackdown on so-called "terrorists" and "destabilizers" only serves to
legitimize more human rights violations.

Climate of impunity in which union leaders and workers are targets of
extra-judicial killings abductions, threats, and harassment

Since 2001, there has been a steady rise in the threats to life and
security facing union members in the Philippines to the point where
the Philippines is considered the second most dangerous country in the
world for trade unionists.  When workers face constant threats to
their life and security, the strength of genuinely free and
independent trade unions suffers.

Trade unions associated with Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU or May First
Movement) and Anakpawis (Toiling Masses), a party-list political party
that represents workers and peasants in the Congress of the
Philippines, have been key targets of the counter-insurgency efforts.

In a speech given by Arroyo in 2002, she likened trade unionists to
terrorists stating: "Let us fight against criminals, gambling lords,
drug lords… and those who terrorize factories that create jobs…"
Union leaders are treated as enemies of the state and common
criminals.

In 2006, Philippine trade unionists and labor activists experienced
110 assaults on picket lines, 41 instances of torture, 33 killings, 40
abductions, 159 illegal arrests or detentions, and 1097 instances of
blocking, breaking up or violently dispersing demonstrations allegedly
by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine
National Police.  Criminal charges, including rebellion and sedition,
are used to quell dissent and end organizing efforts.

Up to now, the Philippine government has failed to investigate or
prosecute those responsible for the killings and abductions of union
leaders and members.
								
International day of action

The non-stop trade union and human rights violations in the
Philippines have gained international criticism.  However, the fascist
government of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo continues to ignore basic tenets
of democracy in committing human rights violations.

We therefore call on you again, as freedom-seeking workers and people
of the world, to join us this coming 16 November 2007, to raise high
our cries for justice on the International Day of Protest against
Trade Union Repression and Political Killings in the Philippines.  We
hope to commemorate the martyred workers of Hacienda Luisita and all
other worker victims of trade union repression and political killings
throughout the Philippines.  Let us declare in unison from all corners
of the world the strength of people-to-people solidarity in the
Filipino workers' and people's pursuit towards national and social
liberation.

What you can do

Join us in calling for:
Justice for all victims of human rights violations under Arroyo!
Stop trade union repression and political killings in the Philippines!
Stop supporting the militarist, repressive and corrupt U.S. – Arroyo regime!

1.	Hold a protest action in front of Philippine Embassy or Consulate
in your respective area or in any area which you deem possible. A
dialogue with the Philippine Ambassador in your country would be a
plus factor where you can directly bring your concern regarding the
widespread trade union and human rights violations in the Philippines.
2.	Send protest letter to the Arroyo government and concerned
agencies. You can address your letter to:

H.E. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
President of the Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace,
JP Laurel St., San Miguel
Manila, Philippines
Voice: (+632) 564 1451 to 80
Fax: (+632) 742-1641 / 929-3968
Cell#: (+ 63) 919 898 4622 / (+63) 917 839 8462
E-mail: corres at op.gov.ph / opnet at ops.gov.ph

Hon. Chairperson Dr. Purificacion Quisumbing
The Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Building, Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman, Quezon City
Fax: +632 929-0102, Email: drpvq at chr.gov.ph

Hon. Sec. Avelino Cruz
Department of National Defense
Camp Aguinaldo, EDSA, 1110 Quezon City
Email: snd at dnd.gov.ph
Fax: (+632) 911 6213

Sen. Manny Villar
Senate President
Rm. 602 GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 80 loc. 6507 - 09 / 6511
Direct Line: (632) 552-6715
Fax No.: (632) 552-6734
Email: mb_villar at yahoo.com
Website: www.mannyvillar.com.ph

Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr.
Speaker of the House
Rm. MB-2, House of Representatives, Quezon City
Phone: 931-5001 local 7446, 9315071 to 9315073

Hon. Arturo Brion
Secretary
Department of Labor and Employment
7th Floor, DOLE Building
Muralla Street, Intramuros, Manila, PHILIPPINES
Phone: (632) 527-300 loc. 701-704, 706-707
Fax: (632) 527-2121; (632) 527-2131; (632) 527-5523
Email: osec at dole.gov.ph

Please send KMU a copy of your letters at kmu.intl at gmail.com

3.	Send financial support to the victims of trade union and human
rights violations in the Philippines.  You can contact KMU on how to
do this.

4.	Ask your government to withdraw support and stop giving financial
aid to the Arroyo government because these aids are being used to
attack the Filipino workers and people under the guise of
anti-terrorism.