Women Against Balikatan
One of the most colorful, militant and lively commemorations of International Women's Day took place on March 8 with a rally in Mendiola. Most of the 4,000 or so who joined the rally were women workers, urban poor and rank-and-file government employees. Women students, migrant workers, teachers, health personnel, church people and other sectors also joined the mass action. Men likewise supported and participated in the march.
The women condemned Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her out-and-out treachery to the country and called for her ouster. The women also demanded the expulsion of American troops from the country.
The rallyists burned an effigy of Macapagal-Arroyo that portrayed her pro-US and militarist stand and her disregard for the problems besetting the masses of the people.
In Mindanao, the All Women Coalition Against US Troops led an eight-day "silent protest" against Balikatan that culminated in rallies on March 8 in the cities of Davao, Ozamis and General Santos.
Wearing white or black, the women launched their "silent protest" in communities, schools and malls. Up to 300 women from various sectors gathered at Freedom Park in Davao City carrying placards and streamers with slogans calling for the ejection of American troops from the country.
In a statement, the Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (Makibaka) assailed Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for allowing the entry of American troops in the country. Said Makibaka: "Despite being a woman herself, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is an enemy of Filipino women. She is a puppet and a militarist leader who does not enjoy the support of women, especially from the ranks of the toiling masses.."
Makibaka also said that "...they (American troops) came in to protect the US' vast economic interests in the country, especially in the resource-rich island of Mindanao..Not only do they serve as instruments for the systematic spread of prostitution and human rights violations, they also ruin the country's economy, politics and culture and subject them to their control.."
In a statement entitled "A call to the best sons and daughters of the country", Makibaka likewise called on women to live among and eventually join the NPA especially in these times of intensifying US imperialist intervention in the country.
| 
