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Los Angeles: protesters oppose rightist political killings in Philippines |
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Apollo Victoria
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LOS ANGELES—A spirited picket line protested the murder of trade unionists, political activists, and youth and student leaders in the Philippines at the country’s consulate here July 24. It was part of a day of action called by Bayan USA in several U.S cities and Canada. The sponsors included Anakbayan Los Angeles, Habi Arts, Filipinos Organizing Workers for Empowerment and Respect (POWER), and the March 25 Coalition, an immigrant rights organization here.
According to the human rights group Karapatan, military-backed rightist forces in the Philippines have carried out more than 700 political killings since 2001, when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo became president. U.S. aid to the Philippines in the last five years, much of it military, was $685 million. There are currently 5,500 U.S. troops in the country. —ARLENE RUBINSTEIN Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home |