MAKIBAKA calls on women to join the revolution to end oppression -Philippines

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Revolutionary women of MAKIBAKA marched on the streets of Manila, calling on women to join the revolution and end the oppressive, corrupt, and negligent US-backed regime.

MEDIA RELEASE
By MALAYA LIBERTAD
Spokesperson, Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (MAKIBAKA)
25 March 2014

MAKIBAKA calls on women to join the revolution to end oppression

Hundreds of women members of the underground movement MAKIBAKA (Liberated Movement of New Women), a member organization of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) staged a lightning rally at downtown Carriedo, Manila early morning today in celebration of the organization's 43rd anniversary and of the 45th anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA).
MAKIBAKA women also condemned the arrest of revolutionary couple Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria, and called for their immediate release.
“Wilma Austria, in particular, has been concerned on the impoverished condition of women and children caused by typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, and was on her way to oversee the rehabilitation efforts in Tacloban specifically of women and victim. She was indignant over the continuous neglect of the Aquino government where the relief goods were only rotting in the warehouses while the Yolanda survivors are suffering from lack of food, shelter, and jobs,” Libertad said.
Libertad added, “Wilma is the epitome of a revolutionary woman and cadre who should be exalted and not be incarcerated like an ordinary criminal. She should be released immediately especially that her health is failing.”
Masked women called on the people to join the revolution, which they say, is the only solution to change the systemic crisis in the country.
Majority of Filipino women are among the poorest sectors in the country. A large portion of them could hardly find a decent job, that is why more than a million women are unemployed. Majority of them are found in agricultural industry where 49% are unpaid workers. Such oppressive condition make women more vulnerable to sexual exploitation and trafficking.
Libertad declared, “The crisis continues because President Benigno Simeon Aquino – true to his class – kowtows to the whims of his real bosses, the US government, the top 50 richest families in the country, the big landlords, and the corrupt bureaucrats. He is the ultimate lackey of the US imperialist government and defender of capitalists and bureaucrats."
“At the same time, Aquino’s neoliberal policies reveal his utter disregard and abhorrence to the toiling masses, his treacherous sell out of the country to the imperialists, and his corrupt and deceptive methods.”
“Thus, it is a just and reasonable act to oust Benigno Simeon Aquino. MAKIBAKA joins the rest of the Filipino people to advance the national democratic revolution. Let us end this oppressive, corrupt, and negligent US-backed regime. Let Aquino pay for the rising poverty in the country! Down with imperialism and all its lackeys like Aquino!”