[asia-apec 250] WOMEN, APEC, AND THE MILITARIZATION IN CENTRAL LUZON, PHILIPPINES

[GABRIELA-Philippines]

GABRIELA Statement
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08 November 1996



   WOMEN, APEC, AND THE MILITARIZATION OF CENTRAL LUZON, PHILIPPINES


	We condemn the Ramos government's moves of turning Central Luzon into a
virtual military camp under the guise of security preparations for APEC.

	The people of Central Luzon today are robbed of their right to lead a
peaceful existence and to pursue their livelihood by the deployment of nine
(9) battalions of Philippine Army troops in addition to Philippine National
Police forces, reaching a total of 50,000 in just three of the region's six
provinces: Bataan, Zambales, and Pampanga.  The figure does not even
include paramilitary units reactivated in almost all provinces and local
officials and individuals who are tasked to report any anti-APEC
activities.  Curfews, checkpoints, and the identification card  system are
likewise being implemented.  Fear is being sown among the people by
military elements who go about threatening to "salvage" (euphemism for
summary execution) anyone reportedly involved in anti-APEC activities.

	Women and children are among those affected by this unparalleled level of
militarization in the region.  A report sent to GABRIELA by the Central
Luzon chapter of BAYAN  (New Patriotic Alliance) cited the case of a woman
peasant, Liwayway Gramal of Hermosa, Bataan.  Liwayway is the chairperson
of the local chapter of the peasant organization ALMA-BA (Alliance of
Peasants in Bataan).  Last 18 October, twenty-four (24) members of the 70th
Infantry Brigade (IB) under 1st Lieutenant Gaspar launched a military
operation in Barangay Mabiga, Hermosa, Bataan.  They came back on the 20th
and turned Liwayway's house into a virtual operation base for three (3)
days until Liwayway complained which compelled the military elements to
transfer to the barangay hall.

	The soldiers further told Liwayway that they are also in control of San
Nazareno, Barangay Maite, and Mabiga, and that they are part of the APEC
security that will guard the summit delegates' arrival.  Moreover, they
stated that the 24th IB is also set to be deployed and act as
twenty-four-hour patrol in the area.

	The harassments on ALMA-BA started way back last year when Gramal's house
was frequently visited by a Captain Pecino of the 160th IB who accused
their organization of being "leftist" whereupon she sought a dialogue with
the military and the town council of Hermosa where she showed their
constitution and registration papers to prove the legitimacy of their
organization.

	The people of the barangay have grown afraid and cannot fully pursue their
livelihood.  They can no longer stay out late to work in their fields. 
Liwayway's own children have also grown fearful since the military stayed
in their home.  The children cannot concentrate on their school lessons due
to the noise and gambling sessions of the soldiers.

	The people have reasons to believe that these preparations are nothing but
the laying down of a foundation for the all-out militarization of the
region beyond APEC.  GABRIELA fully supports the demands for the immediate
pull-out of all troops in Central Luzon, the dismantling of paramilitary
units and armed civilian components, and a stop to all forms of harassment
and intimidation against the people and legitimate organizations  of
Central Luzon.