Photo courtesy of Kawagib Moro Human Rights Organization.As Congress investigates US military presence and actions in the Philippines, over one hundred organizations have come together to demand the “immediate withdrawal” of US military forces from Mindanao in the southern Philippines.
Saying that the US’ involvement in the war “can no longer be denied,” the groups said in a common statement that the US “further contributes to escalating and exacerbating the violence and insecurity in Mindanao, drawing parties towards all-out war, away from a just and peaceful resolution.”
Among the signatories were youth, students’, workers’, womens’, farmers’, artists’ and professional groups – including Christian and Muslim organizations. There were non-government organizations, human rights, relief and humanitarian groups, political parties, social movements, as well as networks and coalitions which bring together dozens of grassroots organizations coming from Mindanao but also beyond.
Disputing official explanations as untenable, the groups said: “In joining Filipino troops in their operations, providing them information, locating bombs, rescuing casualties, or giving technical assistance, the US military is clearly involved in actual combat in the Philippines. In stationing troops and equipment in various military facilities in the south, the US has established permanent basing in the country.”
To resolve the conflict in Mindanao, the groups call for an agreement “that would genuinely advance the Moro's and the indigenous people's right to self-determination -- as they themselves define it, free from others' imposition and intervention." Press Release
Saying that the US’ involvement in the war “can no longer be denied,” the groups said in a common statement that the US “further contributes to escalating and exacerbating the violence and insecurity in Mindanao, drawing parties towards all-out war, away from a just and peaceful resolution.”
Among the signatories were youth, students’, workers’, womens’, farmers’, artists’ and professional groups – including Christian and Muslim organizations. There were non-government organizations, human rights, relief and humanitarian groups, political parties, social movements, as well as networks and coalitions which bring together dozens of grassroots organizations coming from Mindanao but also beyond.
Disputing official explanations as untenable, the groups said: “In joining Filipino troops in their operations, providing them information, locating bombs, rescuing casualties, or giving technical assistance, the US military is clearly involved in actual combat in the Philippines. In stationing troops and equipment in various military facilities in the south, the US has established permanent basing in the country.”
To resolve the conflict in Mindanao, the groups call for an agreement “that would genuinely advance the Moro's and the indigenous people's right to self-determination -- as they themselves define it, free from others' imposition and intervention." Press Release
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