The Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (Makibaka) lauded women of Myanmar who have dared to join the Myanmar people’s armed resistance against the Tatmadaw or military coup regime. “[The] brutality and despotism [of the Tatmadaw] further drives the revolutionary fervor of the people of Myanmar,” Makibaka said.

The group’s remarks came after known Myanmar beauty queen Htar Htet Htet posted her photo carrying a high powered rifle with the caption: “The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall. (Che Guevara)”.

According to her, “the time has come to fight back,” and that whether one holds a weapon, pen, keyboard or donate money to the pro-democracy movement, everyone must do their bit for the revolution to succeed.

Makibaka says it is reminiscent of Maita Gomez and Nelia Sancho who went underground in the 1970s to join the New People’s Army during the Marcos dictatorship. It also remembered the widespread uprising across the globe during the decade.

“Myanmar’s situation has heightened the civil unrest– workers, peasants and the middle-class going out to the streets and mounting big protests,” Makibaka said.

The country is also witnessing the ethnic people’s resumption of war against the junta. Armed movements of ethnic groups have offered sanctuary to people hunted by the Tatmadaw.

“MAKIBAKA expresses its support to women from all walks of life who join the revolution. We will persevere, because everywhere in the world – a woman’s place is in the revolution!” Makibaka ended.

Makibaka is one of the 18 allied organizations of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.