Subic Rape Case = a Political Issue

STATEMENTS and RELEASES

from GABRIELA Philippines

NEWS RELEASE
16 June 2006

Reference: Joms Salvador, GABRIELA-Youth National Chairperson
(09193158444) GABRIELA Public Information Department (3712302)

Militant women express support for Nicole
GABRIELA upholds political implications of the Subic rape case

For the militant women of GABRIELA, the Subic rape case has always been and will always be a political issue. "The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), no matter how they paint it, will remain a glaring testimony of US military aggression and intervention leading to the rape of our nation and our women, endlessly challenging Philippine sovereignty," Joms Salvador, GABRIELA-Youth National Chairperson said in reaction to statements that the Subic rape incident is not a political issue, during the group's picket-protest today in front of the Makati Regional Trial Court in time for the Subic rape hearing.

For one, Salvador cited the statement of Fr. James Reuter that GABRIELA has monitored, claiming that `feminist organizations' have turned the case into a political issue. "The good father should ask himself why these unwanted, foreign soldiers were in Philippine territory in the first place. If he should know, they were here because the Philippine government sanctioned the US troops' presence and intervention in our political affairs through the VFA."

GABRIELA stands by its statement that the Subic rape case is without a doubt a political issue. The political repercussions of the case are very evident. "If this is not a political issue, then why is the US government using the VFA to protect its soldiers? Even the Philippine government is making statements in favor of the rapists. And why are the rape suspects not behind bars while the trial is ongoing? If not for the VFA, the soldiers would be in jail right now."

Salvador pointed out that GMA has really learned to cuddle erring military, Filipinos and US troops alike. "Thus, justice remains elusive under the GMA regime. The US soldier-rapists will never be behind bars while the case is being tried in the Philippine court. GMA will never dare to challenge US government's interests while her legitimacy as president is being questioned, her popularity the lowest in history--again, for her self-serving interests."

Nonetheless, Salvador reiterated GABRIELA's demand to jail the rapists. Salvador also called attention to the fact that many Filipino women are supporting Nicole in her struggle for justice. "Many Filipinos have already realized the political connections and consequences of the case. Obviously, the statement that the Subic rape case is not a political issue only hopes to douse the fire that has enraged Filipinos, who continue to express sympathy and support to Nicole and her family."

Salvador assured Nicole that GABRIELA would not let her endure this trial alone. She vowed that more and more militant women are building up support for her and her family. "The growing mass movement demanding justice for Nicole and justice for the Philippine sovereignty proves that the Filipino people will not rest until justice is served," Salvador concluded. ###

STATEMENTS and RELEASES

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