đź“·Tanggol Bayi – Philippines | FB
On International Women’s Day, Tanggol Bayi, an association of women human rights defenders, joined forces with women’s rights activists to highlight the plight of Filipinas facing political repression and poverty under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The group expressed solidarity with women who have suffered extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, abductions, torture, and unjust imprisonment. They also stood with women in militarized communities, where food blockades and artillery attacks have disrupted lives and livelihoods, and with those who have been red-tagged, harassed, or threatened for their affiliations or mere presence in conflict zones.
According to Karapatan, a human rights organization, at least 21 women have been victims of extrajudicial killings under the current regime. Among them are 9-year-old Kyllene Casao, peasant activist Emelda Fausto, and NDFP consultants Wilma Austria-Tiamzon and Concha Araneta-Bocala, whose deaths allegedly violated international humanitarian law.
The group also highlighted the plight of 157 women political prisoners, including 80-year-old Rosita Taboy, who suffers from severe health issues. Tanggol Bayi called for the immediate release of elderly and ailing detainees on humanitarian grounds.
Tanggol Bayi criticized the administration’s “National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security,” labeling it a superficial attempt to address systemic issues. They argued that the plan ignores the root causes of social unrest and fails to address the violence and poverty affecting millions of Filipino women.
Despite these challenges, Tanggol Bayi praised the resilience and courage of Filipino women who continue to fight against repression and state-sponsored violence. The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting movements that genuinely uphold women’s and human rights. (ZIA LUNA)
