From the Frontlines: Report Back of Mission to Mindanao

Our report back is coming up on the 42th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines and we have much to share about the people’s determination to overcome both man-made and natural disasters. Please come and spread the word!

On August 2-9, 2014, over 30 people from the USA joined the National America-Philippines Solidarity Affair (NAPSA) and Rehabilitation Mission in Southern Mindanao, Philippines. The NAPSA 2014 was initiated by Panaghiusa (“Unity”) and joined on by the youth of the Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network (KBKN).

On September 21, 2014, we invite you to join us as the participants of the mission share their personal experiences, thoughts and aspirations of the people who have been devastated by a series of typhoons resulting from decades of unmitigated environmental plunder.

Sunday, September 21, 2014
Rosewood United Methodist Church
4101 Rosewood Ave (off N Vermont Ave)
Los Angeles, CA 90004

In the Fellowship Hall
Doors open at 5:30 PM
Program starts at 6:30 PM and ends at 8 PM

Free parking available on N Berendo St.
Light refreshments will be served

Hosted by Rosewood United Methodist Church Advocacy Ministry

Sponsored by: National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), KBKN, Panaghiusa, Rosewood UMC Task Force on the Philippines, Filipino-American Health Workers Association (FAHWA), BAYAN USA SoCal, International Action Center, Union of Progressive Iranians, International League of People’s Struggle, and Union del Barrio

National Day of Action Against the Cybercrime Law and Political Killings in the Philippines

Wednesday, November 7, 2012; 5:30PM

Philippine Consulate
3600 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90010

Sponsored by: Anakbayan-USA, Gabriela-USA, Bayan USA, ILPS, NAFCON, Filipino Migrant Center, Habi Arts

FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/402605106475873/

Join us as we protest the Noynoy Aquino administration’s signing of the Cybercrime Prevention Law and the escalating political killings across the Philippines under his regime. The Cybercrime Prevention Law violates people’s freedom of speech, internet freedom, and the right to privacy. It is being used as a way to censor and silence any dissent or criticism of the government. An anti-mining leader in Cagayan has already been arrested for a Facebook post, even though the law’s implementation has been temporarily suspended by the Supreme Court to review its unconstitutionality.

We especially condemn the brutal massacre of an indigenous B’laan family by the Philippine military in Tampakan, South Cotabato, Mindanao. The soldiers shot up the home of indigenous leader Daguil Capion, killing and desecrating the bodies of his pregnant wife, Juvy (27), and her two sons, Jordan (13) and Janjan (8). He and the B’laan tribe have been fighting against the foreign mining operations of Xstrata Sagittarius Mining Inc., which would destroy the environment to steal the rich gold and copper deposits in their area.

For more about the Cybercrime Law:
https://www.facebook.com/events/125448997605955
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/292664/cagayan-anti-mining-leader-arrested-over-facebook-post

To read more about the Tampakan Massacre:
http://asiancorrespondent.com/91082/capion-massacre-survivors-hijacked
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/10/30/politicians-military-blamed-for-tampakan-massacre

(Source: anakbayanusa)

Vigil in Remembrance of Victims of Human Rights Violations in the Philippines

Monday, July 23, 2012
Philippine Consulate
3600 Wilshire Blvd Suite #500
Los Angeles, CA 90010

Since Philippine President Noynoy Aquino came into office there have been over 76 political killings of lawyers, journalists, union organizers, church leaders and other human rights workers. On July 3, 2012, Willem Geertman a Dutch NGO aid worker and environmental activist was also assassinated. The U.S. sends over $30 million in aid to the Philippine military who are often the perpetrators of these human rights violations. As Filipinos in the United States we need to stand up for justice and stop military aid.

Human Rights Delegation for Peace and Justice, 3:00 PM
Join youth, students, lawyers, and church members to meet with the Consulate General to voice our concerns about human rights violations.

A Vigil In Remembrance of the Victims, 4:30 PM
Gather around the “Remembrance Wreath” for victims of human rights violations and their families. Individuals and organization can sign ribbons to place on the wreath and show that you stand for justice! Special performances, speakers, and prayers will be part of the program.

We invite everyone in the Filipino community including friends and allies to come with us to Remember the Victims and their families!

Build a Brighter Future: An International Cultural Night of Hope and Peoples’ Struggles

International Conference of Progressive Culture

You are cordially invited to the International Conference of Progressive Artists, Cultural Workers and Media Practitioners to be held in the Philippines on July 4-6, 2011 on the main campus of the University of the Philippines in Quezon City, Manila.

The theme of the event is “Cultural work as an integral part of the struggle of the peoples of the world against imperialism.”

The conference is an initiative of artists/cultural workers who are active within the International League of People’s Struggle (ILPS), an international formation of more than 200 organizations from 40 countries promoting, supporting and developing the struggles of the peoples of the world.

As artists ourselves, we have come to understand the importance of the role of art in the progressive movement and want to promote its value far beyond simple entertainment. We aim to examine and develop the ways in which art and culture are an integral and indispensable part of the revolution we all desire. This conference will be a unique opportunity for creative people from around the world to come together, share their work, and discuss the role of art in the struggle for fundamental social change.

We hope the conference can also provide an opportunity for progressive artists and cultural workers to strengthen ties that could eventually lead to the formation of an international alliance of anti-imperialist artists/cultural workers.

While we will ensure the best venue, comfortable accommodations, and an enjoyable and enriching conference, the international organizing committee will not be able to provide funding for the attendees. We hope that by sending you this invitation early it will provide you the time to prepare funding options.

We would also love your input. We enjoin you to submit specific topics and possible resource speakers to be considered for the final conference program. We encourage you as well to suggest names of individuals and organizations in your area who would be interested in attending the conference.

Please contact immediately the international organizing committee in your region to indicate your interest in attending this conference and to forward other feedback and suggestions. Succeeding calls for this event will detail practical information regarding visas, conference fees, board and lodging, the conference program and related matters.

See you in Manila in July 2011 !

More information at http://peoplesart.info.