CAN-U Solidarity Statement for End to State of Emergency in the Philippines

CAN-U Solidarity Statement for End to State of Emergency in the Philippines

The Corean Action Network for Unification* stands in international solidarity with the Filipino people's movement in denouncing Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's declaration of a "State of Emergency" and the increasing human rights violations occurring in the Philippines.

The Corean people in the south know too well from our own history of living under decades of military dictatorships that calls for "State of Emergency" and "Martial Law" are only a guise for leaders, who do not have the confidence and support of the people, to maintain their power and control through repression. Martial law in Corea was used by presidents Rhee, Park, and Chun to isolate any opposition to their regimes and to repress the progressive Corean people's movement. Similar to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, they maintained strong ties and dependence on the U.S. government, U.S. military, and U.S. aid to support their rule.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's declaration will only justify and intensify brutal human rights violations in the name of maintaining domestic security and democracy. It is a reactionary and desperate act to maintain her unpopular presidency. But just as martial law did not break the spirit and desires of the Corean people to continue our struggle for true democracy; this undeclared martial law will only strengthen the Filipino people's resolve to oust Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, just as Marcos and Estrada were brought down by the first and second People Power movements.

On the 20th Anniversary of the first People Power ouster of Dictator Ferdinand Marcos, the Corean Action Network for Unification, stands in international solidarity with the Filipino people's movement by calling for an end to the "State of Emergency" and for the release of all political detainees, including Anakpawis Representative Crsipin Beltran, who was rightly elected by the people to Congress!

Toojeng!
Long Live International Solidarity!

*The Corean Action Network for Solidarity (CAN-U) is a U.S. based national network of Corean organizations and individuals coming together for the purpose of building a stronger and more unified movement for Corean reunification and national democracy.

Corean Action Network for Unification (CAN-U)
53-22 Roosevelt Ave. 2nd Floor, Woodside, NY 11377, USA
Tel: 646.283.3696 / Fax: 718.205.1103 / Email: chyunghyup2006@yahoo.com