Last Tuesday in Journal Square, we stood in solidarity to demand justice for the 27,000+ lives lost under the Duterte regime in the last two and a half years. In addition, we commemorated the 200,000+ civilian lives lost during the Philippine-American War. Finally, we demanded justice for the extrajudicial killing of NDFP Peace Consultant Randy Felix Malayao, who, on Jan 30, 2019 at 2:30am, was killed while sleeping on a bus. Peace Consultants are supposed to be protected under the law. This should not have happened, much like the thousand other killings should not have happened. Now, more than ever, we need to build international solidarity for the Philippines!
Although most passersby were tired and heading home from the Path, it was energizing to see so many people stop to join our vigil, listen to us explain the human rights crisis, and sign Malaya postcards to tell Sen. Booker & Menendez to urge Congress to stop US aid to the PH military & police, who are responsible for the killings.
So many Filipinos live in Jersey City, but it was really heartening to have so many non-Filipinos, Black people, and people of color join us. It really gave us hope and we plan to continue our outreach in Journal Square. Big shout out to Anakbayan NJ, who helped us with flyering and getting signatures!
Please contact us if you’re interested in helping with outreach, detainee visits, or joining us at our February General Meeting on the 20th!