FRIENDS OF LOLAS

Piedad Nobleza, Super Lola

2011-06-08T08:49:00.006-04:00

Piedad Nicasio Nobleza
Born August 2, 1920 Madalag, Aklan, Panay Island
Abducted by the Japanese Imperial Army, January 16th, 1942

If I were to Google images of surviving Filipina “Comfort Women,” your face would pop up all over international cyberspace. You’d wear a backward baseball cap and a t-shirt and in your small hands you’d hold a big placard that would cover three quarters of your frame. The words “Justice for All Comfort Women” would scrawl across your body. And chances are you would be standing before the Japanese embassy in Metro Manila. Or maybe you would be marching before Malacañang Palace. Or standing on the curb down EDSA Boulevard, protesting the President’s State of the Union Address. You might even be standing before the courts in Japan, giving your testimony.

But today, we are standing face to face, in the cathedral in Madalag, Aklan – one plane and one long bus ride away from your home in Navotas, Metro Manila. Here we are, on the island of Panay, in a town so small hardly anyone gets international news on television or newspaper and certainly not by internet. We are in the countryside and while you and I have been friends for years now, you have told everyone here that I am your grandchild from the United States. You have told them that I am a writer in search of our family history. Your townmates think I have come to see where our people are from. To see the animals indigenous to our homeland. To pull on the leaves of these trees and know my history is rooted here with you. “She is writing our family story,” you told your former neighbors.

Except for two of your nieces who have escorted us into the church we are alone and you are whispering to me, using your eyes and your hands to indicate what happened here so long ago.

I am begging you to tell your story on camera. But you shake your head, no. I say, “But we have traveled so far.”

“I told you already,” you say.

*

I told her already. My name is Piedad Nobleza and I was born in Madalag, Aklan on August 2, 1920. I was married by the time the war broke out. My husband was a soldier and we had a son and a baby girl. When he left, I took the children from our house in the lowlands and moved them to a safer place. My aunt’s house was hidden high in the mountains. No people passed that way. The country was quiet and we lived in peace. Until one day, I went down the mountain to check on our house. Because we had been living isolated from any other people I did not know the Japanese had landed. When I got to my house, the guava tree branches covered the roof and tangled itself among the leaves of other trees. I spent the morning clearing the brush and cleaning up the house. I got lost in the pulling out of weeds. After awhile I stood to stretch my back. That’s when I saw them. Two Japanese soldiers.

“Don’t runaway!” they yelled in English.

I froze. Held my breath. I could not stop thinking about my children. If I run and they shoot me, what will come of them? The taller soldier was kind. He wanted to hold me. The smaller one, cruel. He kicked me, pushed me. They hurt me.

I could not walk. I was too scared.

They brought me here, to this church 50 kilometers from her house. In the church were women from different parts of the mountain, women I had never seen before.

That first night the soldiers placed two pews together. Two of them argued who would go first. The first soldier was fair, not too tall, and not too fat.

After that, seven Japanese soldiers raped me. They came every half hour. And after that, every night for two weeks, two or four soldiers raped me every night. But I don’t know even one of them. Not even one of them.

Then one morning, I woke and all was quiet. The church door was wide open. And because I slept next to the door, I was the first to step out to discover the Japanese soldiers had fled in the middle of the night.

So I went back to the house where my aunt shot me a look and did not said anything at all. When I arrived at our house, I sat in the corner, crying and crying.

*

Lola Piedad Nobleza, superhero. Your friends and family in Madalag think you are a seamstress. But to the rest of the world, you are an activista. A Lola. In Manila, you jet around the city with your best friends, Lolas Dolor Molina and Josefa Villamor and you fight for justice. You stand in the center of a circle and you sing songs. You march on the streets. You give your testimony to reporters and students alike. You are practically the poster lola for all “comfort women.”

But we are here, in this space. You, me, and God. And you whisper to me – we slept there, by the door. We cooked over there. That altar is new. These pews, they took us here.

“Do your grandchildren know?”

“I haven’t told them, but they know. People talk.”

“Will you tell them?”

“No.”

“But you tell me?”

“You have a mission.”

“And you tell the whole wide world?”

“Because it is LILA’s mission. Young girls need to know what happened.”

“So tell me now, Lola. Now that we are here, tell your story.”

And here is where you show me just how strong you are. Your lips go taut. Your face, dark. You look me in the eye.

Nothing.

University of Miami's Amnesty International DIE IN 5/12/07

2010-08-01T07:35:00.013-04:00

The University of Miami's annual DIE IN, sponsored by UM's Amnesty International gathers all groups who support those who have suffered violations of human rights. Among the groups this day, were the women and men of Friends of Lolas, a group standing in solidarity with the 200,000 surviving "Comfort Women" of WWII, especially the grandmothers of Liga Ng Mga Lolang Piliipina -- M. Evelina Galang's beautiful Lolas of the Philippines. Here Galang sets up the women's stories, as students stand by to read testimonies from survivors.

The Tapestry of Lola Remedios Felias

2010-06-26T09:24:00.004-04:00

August 2002
Homecoming
Brookfield, Wisconsin

The sun streams in through the wall-sized window, casting afternoon light on our family room. Outside the trees sway vibrant and green, shade a small figure of Mama Mary. She welcomes me too with arms stretched and hands waiting. Inside, noise percolates from every room of the house. I am home. From my suitcase I pull a salmon colored tapestry. When you first glance at it, the greens, blues and reds flash a beautiful montage of color. The folds unwind and reveal the fine embroidery.

I’m telling my mother and sister-in-law that when Lola Remedios learned I was coming, she began working on this piece as gift to me. It took her all six months to get this far in the tapestry. Every piece – every letter and image has been cut from other fabrics and painstakingly hand-sewn into the cloth. Except for the missing D where she has sewn, “(D)ecember 20, 1942, Dito Ako Nahuli Sa Lugar ng Baryo Esperanza,” it’s all there – the Dagitan River, green mountains and lush trees, the nipa hut where she grew up. Every piece has been meticulously etched onto the salmon slate.

On the top border she declares in large green letters:

My Name is Remedios Felias From the Province of Burauen Leyte Barrio Esperanza And I Was Born On Jan 29, 1928.

The rest of the text, scattered across the cloth is in Tagalog, borders scenes of Lola as a teenager running through the fields and leaping over barbed-wire fences. She catches her leg on the spur of a fence and on the fabric there is a trail of red chain-stitching. Close behind are soldiers running with their bayonets pointed up to the sky, their legs straddled in a sprint, their white scarves flapping in the wind. One soldier has skewered a baby on his sword. She has sewn two black x’s in its tiny face. These are the eyes. Red thread flies from its round form. It is all there, embroidered and pieced together in a non-linear montage. She has made tiny Japanese soldiers like paper doll cutouts. She has sewn herself into the lining and stitched her hair wild and black, blood everywhere. It is all there, the capture, the torture, the raping. It is all there, the planes and the white and red sun of that flag, the garrison and the bars, and her face behind them:

Dito Ako Ikingulong.
Here is where I was kept.

She has set her story free on this canvas. She has given it to me so I can bring it with me everywhere I go, so she can speak for herself long after she passes away from cancer of the stomach. It is the testimony she has given to the Japanese courts, to the media, and now, to me, in this one foot by three feet piece of cloth.

I hold the tapestry up and my sister-in-law and mother are just beginning to understand the images when my just turned four year old niece walks into the room, says, “What’s that?” I fold the piece in two. I tuck it under my arms. Say, “Just a blanket.” I lean over and pick up her sippy-cup and coax her into the kitchen. “Want some more milk?” I think the moment is over. But on the ride back to their home, my niece considers what she saw, a blur of colors on an old piece of cloth, and from her car seat, she calls out, “Mommy, if I am pretty enough, will the soldiers leave you and Daddy alone?”

TO THE FRIENDS OF MELISSA ROXAS:

2009-08-26T08:24:00.002-04:00

Thank you for your email. I would be honored if you posted my note on her page.

Always, in solidarity and support,

M. Evelina Galang

Friends of "Comfort Women" from Australia

2009-08-13T06:57:00.006-04:00

Friends of "Comfort Women" from Australia video

I received a request to share this amazing youtube video from Friends of "Comfort Women" in Australia. I'm grateful for the opportunity to do so. It warms my heart to see that there are so many activists working for justice, working not to argue or force an issue, but who are patiently educating those around them, especially our governments.

No matter how long it takes, Lolas. No matter how difficult, there are many who support your truth and who are working to make sure it never happens again.

Best wishes from Miami,

M. Evelina Galang
Friends of Lolas

Happy Birthday Anniversary, Lola Cristeta Alcober

2009-07-26T07:43:00.003-04:00

Here is an excerpt of Lola's story. I've been working on it all week. Today is the anniversary of her birth, 83 years ago. And though she never got her apology, I know she wants one still. Not so much for herself, but for the future of all girls and women and children who live in a constant state of war. She wants that apology to heal the tired souls of victims and soldiers alike.

Happy Birthday, Lola Iyak-Iyak! Mahal na Mahal kita!

From an essay in progress, for your birthday and all days:

Out on the balcony she talks fast and when all I do is listen, she tugs on my arm and points at my camera. The Dalaga Project have only been in Manila a week and we are just getting to know the women. Since some of the girls are fluent in Tagalog, some only passive in their understanding and others English only speakers, we thought it would best not to conduct formal interviews, but to find activities like dancing and painting and drama to help us learn about their lives and their stories. Formal interviews are so cold and intrusive. We have made a choice not to conduct them at all, but here we stand in the beautiful afternoon light of Lola Cristeta’s cement balcony, surrounded by palm trees and ferns, and other lush greenery, on the verge of just that. She insists I turn on my camera.

“She wants to tell you her story,” Maribel tells us. “She wants you to tape her now.”

“Now?” I look at Lola Cristeta, at the very center of her graying eye and there it is, the first sign of a tear. She smiles at me then. I look over my shoulder to Eliza, who is just behind me. She says nothing. Then Lola Cristeta coaches me, “Sige, e on mo na.”

I obey. I flip the screen open and nudge the switch. The light flashes green and the mini monitor lights up blue and then softly, her face emerges in the tiny screen. I hit the record button red. I pull back and she begins in a calm way.

Ako si Cristeta Alcober.

She gives her testimony slowly and in Tagalog, calling out her birth date – July 26, 1926 – and her hometown, Barrio Cogon, San Jose, Tacloban City, Leyte. She tells us about her mother, the laundry woman, and her father, a womanizer with many mistresses from Leyte to Manila. She names her sister, her two brothers and she tells us she was the ate.

The camera zooms in tight on her face because the sunlight is so golden, revealing all the lines on her beautiful brown skin, sometimes drifting to her silver white hair tucked behind a thick earlobe. The voice is soft and rough like a dirt road scattered with fine pebbles. Her words float out of her slowly. I hold the camera with my hand and I watch her, not the viewfinder. I watch the light in her eye, how it dances as she speaks. How relief washes over her entire body. She smiles as she talks. Her arms wrap around herself – the right arm reaching up across her chest to the left shoulder and the other cinched around her waist. Now and then the hand on her shoulder goes up to gesture at the camera.

One day, when she was sixteen years old, she and her 14 year old brother Marianito, were sent to the market in town on an errand and when they returned to the barrio around three in the afternoon, the small village was empty. No one walked the pathways, no one stood in the center of the town. Someone told them that the Japanese soldiers had come while they were gone and that everyone who had not gone into hiding was taken to the Japanese garrison set up in San Jose, Leyte.

As Lola Cristeta speaks to us, her breath goes short. Her words falter and then suddenly she’s speaking quickly, no longer in Tagalog, the language we speak, but Visayan. Maribel does her best to interpret Lola’s dialect, but only because she knows Lola’s testimony.

We step closer to her, the camera shooting her mouth, her eye, the inside of her ear. We are with her. We become her. Eliza and I exchange glances and we see that we too have tears streaming down our faces.

And this is where we lose her. The deeper she goes into her experience, the farther away she seems, lost somewhere on the island of Leyte, in the center of its green wilderness. She hiccups, she tears. The words tilt left and right. Grow harder to decipher. She paws at her collarbone and winces. Slips back and forth between Tagalog and Visayan and even as we cannot understand her, we find ourselves slipping into the past, feeling the weight of the experience. We enter the small house in Cogon only to find the Japanese soldiers waiting for us, swooping down on us, dragging us down the road. It is in her eyes. It is in the lapses of her breath. Eliza and I, like the brother and sister are torn apart, one made to turn left and the other forced right and the heart raw like meat ripped in two. The tears wash Lola Cristeta’s face and the breathing grows shallow, but she does not stop talking. We are at the airstrip by the water. She keeps talking. We are in a pit of sand dug for fish. We are thirty girls thrown together, like catches of the day, imprisoned by barbed wire walls and bamboo locked doors. She talks over her own crying now. Faster and louder and now she is going into Waray, a native dialect, a language so deep and so intense that it must be coming from her very core.

On this day, she tells me everything, mixing all her words together like a giant batch of alphabet soup, the Waray and Tagalog and Visayan, the occasional English word tossed in for flavor, all holding their shape, translating her two years in that fish bin, drowning with thirty other girls. She tells me all I need to know, though I understand nothing but the tears rolling down my own face.

Going Home (to the heart) for Melissa Roxas

2009-07-23T17:45:00.000-04:00

Something happens to you when you are born outside of your parents' mother country. You are born with a longing to go home to a place you've never been. You go about your business, being all American and knowing nothing else, ignoring all that talk about how it was when they grew up "back home" how things were, who your ancestors were, but inside you, they've planted that seed, and it's growing. You pretend you don't want to know like a good teenager, but you want to know. You want to be a part of it. And if you somehow find your way to writing stories and poems and making films and art, that hunger grows. And you want to go back home. You want to see it for yourself. And it is not enough to visit. You start to write about it. Draw it. Make music about it. And then that is not enough to just visit your family, your lolo, lola, titas and titos all your pinsan, you want to know more. You go historical. You find the stories of the earth. You sit with all the kapitbahay. You speak your bad Tagalog. And stories come out of you, poetry, things you never imagined you housed inside of you and there you are -- an American, digging up a past only your soul comprehends. Not your MTV self. Not your Boomerang kid self. Certainly not your wild American Self. If you're lucky that spark hits you and somehow the art you make does something more than sit pretty on the page. It moves you to act.

I sit in solidarity with you Melissa Roxas. Speak up, speak your truth without fear. For you represent us all. All of us who long to go home, to find our true Selves and in doing so discover that in fact, despite the fact we were not born on that island or if we were, we have not lived on that island for a lifetime, we have a devotion to it, a commitment to it. Make it clear, we have a right to come home, to serve our people with our words and to do it without savage acts of torture, or corruption or imprisonment.

With much love, sincere respect and absolute solidarity,

Evelina

HEY NYC! RALLY TO SUPPORT THE SURVIVING COMFORT WOMEN OF WWII 7/23

2009-07-22T18:02:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Comfort Women Dying for Justice: Japan Still No Apology

Contact: Valerie Francisco, Chair – Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment, 925-726-5768 , firenyc@gmail.com

The 44th Session of the Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women has convened at the United Nations in New York and FiRE demands that Japan address the issue of wartime comfort women.

Progressive Filipino women’s organization, FiRE-NYC (Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment), demands justice for the surviving comfort women as Japan’s government presents its 6th periodic report on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to the 44th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women at the United Nations this week. During WWII, the Japanese Imperial Army abducted and repeatedly raped a reported 100,000-250,000 young girls and women in Japanese occupied colonies and territories including China, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Since Maria Rosa Luna Henson, the first Filipina comfort woman to publicly came forward in 1992, more of the remaining comfort women in the Philippines broke their 50 years of silence since WWII. With the handfuls of grandmothers coming forward with their stories, LILA-PILIPINA was formally launched and founded by comfort women survivors and members of the Task Force on Filipino Comfort Women in 1994, and remains one of the largest Philippines-based organizations working toward this cause. To this day, hundreds of surviving comfort women in the Philippines demand the apology and acknowledgement for the atrocities they experienced at the hands of the Japanese government, and seek adequate compensation for themselves and their families to live the little time they have left with dignity.

FiRE-NYC condemns the Japanese government for its careless disregard toward the surviving comfort women, their war crimes, and the international community. The United States, Netherlands, Canada and the European Union have already passed resolutions insisting that the Japanese government address the demands of the surviving comfort women. Cities within Japan have also passed resolutions locally urging their national government to acknowledge the comfort women issue. Yet, all these resolutions remain overlooked, and the Japanese government continues to blatantly deny the systematic rape of comfort women all over Asia, executed by its Imperial Army during the Second World War.
Because about a third of the 174 surviving Filipina comfort women have already died, the urgency in the Filipino community has increased. After the passing of HR 121, Representatives Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan of Gabriela Women’s Party demanded that the Government of Japan “FORMALLY AKNOWLEDGE, APOLOGIZE AND ACCEPT ITS RESPONSIBILITY OVER THE SEXUAL SLAVERY” and “PROVIDE COMPENSATION TO THE VICTIMS.” House Bill 1136, “An Act Providing for the Inclusion in the History Books of Elementary, Secondary and Collegiate Curricula the Lives and Heroism of Filipino Comfort Women during the Japanese Occupation and Appropriating Funds Therefore,” has also been filed through the GABRIELA women’s party list, in the hopes that the remaining grandmothers can inch closer toward dignity and justice.

FiRE-NYC, as an overseas chapter of GABRIELA National Alliance of Women, remains in solidarity with the surviving comfort women as they struggle for the justice and acknowledgement they deserve. The challenges faced by the remaining comfort women is part of the ongoing fight for justice and women’s rights resurfacing in current matters of military sexual violence, a battle rooted in the systematic abuse and exploitation of women at the hands of the military worldwide. We entreat the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women to urge the Japanese government to immediately address their war crimes against women by responding to the demands of all surviving comfort women.

Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE) invites you to stand in solidarity with GABRIELA and Lila Pilipina for a public action which seeks justice for the comfort women, and demands that the Government of the Philippines must not overlook the wartime atrocities suffered by the surviving Comfort Women. As Filipinas who defend the rights and welfare of women all over the world, we must understand that the fight for justice coincides with the Japanese government taking accountability for its actions. Join FiRE at the United Nations where representative of Japan’s government will be reporting during the CEDAW session, and demand the issues of Japan’s wartime comfort women be addressed. Anyone who wants to defend the victims of military sexual violence and wars of aggression must pressure Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s regime to evict all US troops out of the Philippines, and refuse the creation of another generation of comfort women!
New York – FiRE (Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment)

RALLY TO SUPPORT THE SURVIVING COMFORT WOMEN OF WWII
Thursday, July 23 — 430pm
1 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza
[47th between 2nd & 3rd Ave.]
Directions: 4/5/6/7/S trains to Grand Central Station or E/F trains to 51st St.
Enter Dag Hammarskjold Plaza on 2nd Ave between E 46th & E 47th, walk to 1st Ave.
Look for the bright orange FiRE flags!
Contact: Hanalei Ramos – 201.790.0995
fire.nyc@gmail.com
www.firenyc.org
NO TO WARS OF AGGRESSION!
NO TO ANOTHER GENERATION OF COMFORT WOMEN!
US TROOPS OUT OF THE PHILIPPINES!
###

V-Day for the Lolas in NYC

2009-04-07T19:24:00.002-04:00

I've been quiet because I've been writing, working on the stories of 15 surviving Filipina "Comfort Women," stories of my lolas. So there hasn't been much on this blog. Sorry. I'm working on it.

But here's some great news, the V-DAY performance of THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES at the Philippine Center, Kalayaan Hall on 556 5th AVE, NY, NY will be sending part of their profits to the Lolas -- also the Women of Democratic Republic of Congo, and the NaFAA Legal Defense Fund.

Come check us out!

Images of LILA Pilipina 2002

2008-08-31T07:47:00.006-04:00

I spent most of 2002 with the lolas of LILA Pilipina during my Fulbright. I got to, as Barack Obama would say, got to know their stories. That year I spent with them is captured in these images. The photos in this montage show the women of LILA six years ago and most of them are of the protests, rallies and campaigns they have participated in in their fight for justice. They are still waiting for that official apology from the government of Japan. Despite the numerous international resolutions from governments everywhere, Japan has remained reticent. Most of the women in these images have passed on and I can guarantee that they are still fighting for justice, for peace, for women everywhere, but not from here. When you get to know their stories, you see they are simply women, grandmothers, mothers, sisters. They are human. And if you know their stories, you will love them as your own. This year, I am sitting down to write their stories. I have made a promise to the lolas to fight for them in my own way, to educate others about their plight, their stories so that it may not occur again. As they would say, Never again. Their stories carry many wise teachings and from them we come to understand the meaning of war, of self-respect and of love and forgiveness. I share these images with you now, as I am writing, so that you may think of them now in their late eighties and nineties. Still fighting for justice as they are still cooking for their loved ones, still running their households, still dreaming of peace. And if you feel so moved, take a look at the sidebar and write down the address to their new space. Write them a letter. Offer your support. I'm sure they'd love to have you as one of the Friends of Lolas.

PS: The traditional love song "Dahil Sayo" (Because of You) is performed by Charmaine Clamor, Freeman Records. Charmaine is an amazing singer and warrior woman herself. Thanks for letting us use your song, Charmaine!

FROM THE PHILIPPINE IQUIRER, August 16, 2008: Filipino women seek Japan's apology for WWII rapes

2008-08-16T09:34:00.002-04:00

Former Filipino comfort woman Piedad Nobleza, 86, holds slogans during a demonstration outside the Japanese Embassy in Pasay City Friday. Elderly Filipino women and their supporters demanded Tokyo's clear-cut apology and compensation for wartime sexual slavery by Japanese troops. AP/AARON FAVILAAssociated Press
First Posted 17:41:00 08/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Two dozen elderly Filipino women and their supporters protested outside the Japanese Embassy in Pasay City on Friday demanding a clear-cut apology and compensation from Tokyo for wartime sexual slavery.

Japan has acknowledged its troops forced women into front-line brothels across Asia during World War II, and its leaders have apologized.

But last year, many surviving "comfort women" were outraged when then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said there was no proof the women were coerced, adding to suspicion that right-wing politicians in Japan refuse to face up to wartime atrocities.

The US House of Representatives and the Dutch and Canadian parliaments have passed nonbinding motions urging Tokyo to offer a formal apology, but Japan has refused.

"The Japanese government should publicly apologize and put in history how the women were abducted and forced to serve in the comfort women system," said Rechilda Extremadura, head of a group called Lila-Pilipina that has documented 174 cases of Filipino women who were forced into wartime brothels. About 100 women remain alive.

"This is a war crime," Extremadura said. "But the Japanese government continues to be deaf."

Virginia Villarma, 79, said she was victimized between 1943 and 1944. "We can never forget what they did to us. Until now, it's been a wound in our chest."

The Japanese Embassy in Manila refused to immediately answer a request for comment and asked that questions be e-mailed.

Tokyo has generally refused to pay damages to individuals for the war, saying the issue was settled between governments in postwar treaties. Japanese courts have rejected a number of lawsuits brought by former sex slaves.

The left-wing women's group Gabriela, which joined Friday's protest on the 63rd anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, criticized the Philippine government for not acting on a draft resolution seeking Japan's apology that has been filed in the House of Representatives.

This is How We Do it (Update on the Lolas of LILA)

2008-08-13T08:17:00.017-04:00

Party at Lolas’ House

I’ve been in Manila for the last six weeks, contemplating and writing LOLAS’ HOUSE: Women Living with War. I’ve been researching this book now since 1999 and I have over 100 hours of taped interviews. In the book, I focus on 15 of the Lolas – once victims of the Japanese Imperial Army, then survivors and now, in their late eighties and nineties they have blossomed into wise heroines of unimaginable energy.

This year, I did not conduct any interviews. My mission was just to hang with the Lolas, to visit with them and to sing and dance with them. Every year it’s been about digging up the past, but this year, as I think about the shape of this book, as I review and try my best to understand the stories of these women, I decided to give it a rest and to just be with them. Anyway, since I am well aware that every time they reiterate their past, they live it again, I saw no need for it. It was time to party with the Lolas.

When I arrived in June, I visited them after their general meeting and I literally picked up the microphone and looked into the television screen and I sang “Come Together” and “Baby You Can Drive My Car” to the Lolas via videoke. Their response? They danced. They told me I had grown taller. They told me my teeth were so pretty – were they still real?

The Lolas have moved to a new center on Narra Street. It’s a space that several private Japanese citizens who believe they deserve that apology from their government, have helped them to attain. On one side, it’s still Lolas’ House, a place where they can have their gatherings – meetings and parties and sleepovers – on the other side LILA Pilipina has cleared a wide space and organized the materials, stories, photographs and numerous articles and artwork by and for the Lolas. It’s a research institute that will hold the history of the brave women of Liga Ng Mga Lolang Pilipina.

Already, Friends of Lolas in Miami has a stack of their own letters and petitions, photographs and t-shirts that they have donated to the Lolas in the last two years. In the short semester (where we experienced many obstacles), the University of Miami Friends of Lolas chapter was able to raise and donate about $700 to Lolas’ House.

This research institute is the dream of executive Director Rechilda Extremadura and all the supporters and pamana of the Lolas. It will be a way to preserve and document the women’s lives – not just that historic and tragic time during WWII, but their lives as women or as Rechie puts it, characters.

Creating such a place takes time and money, of course. And these days there is not that much of it and there is still so much to be done. The center has yet to establish a working computer/internet system, for example. And the records are kept in filing cabinets left from the daycare center that used to inhabit the space. It costs about thirty U.S. dollars a month to provide Lolas’ House with their daily sustenance.

During my stay, I went with the Lolas to SONA – President Arroyo’s State of the Union Address. 15 of the women along with another 20 or so of their grandchildren and children boarded two very crowded jeepneys and arrived in time to join protestors at the People’s State of the Union stage.

The jeeps were barred from coming all the way down Commonwealth Ave. So we had to step out and walk about a quarter mile to the stage. Of the 15 women, only Lola Pilar’s knees were strong enough to make the walk, so while the women could not be in the crowds, they showed their support at our jeepney base camp. LABAN!

Then on my last Tuesday, we had a despedida party at Lolas’ House and I made two large calderas of chicken adobo, and sautéed petchi. At Lolas’ House the staff cooked pancit and rice while Filipino American students from the Amado V. Hernandez Resource Center’s PEACE Program brought the Lolas sweets, soft drinks and two bottles of wine.

I won’t forget dancing with my lovely Lolas to videoke songs by the Carpenters, the Beatles, and their most favorite, ABBA! They are the ultimate dancing queens, my lolas. The other night, poet Neil Garcia said that I have the best lolas – the best grandmas, and I do. We did not hesitate to dance and sing to one another. We did not hesitate to hold onto each other and give kisses freely. I even shared a shot of wine (though we sipped it) with Lola Pilar.

There was a moment when I was getting the food out while the Lolas and their Fil Am student visitors were singing songs to one another when someone said, “Your turn, Evelina.” So I said, “Okay.” So I grabbed the mic and I thought, what, what? And I sang a family song – one that my father sings to our mom and we sing to our nephews and nieces. It started out as a lullaby – kind of quiet and slow but as I sang they began to clap and so I sped the song up faster and by the second verse of “You Are My Sunshine” the lolas were on their feet, dragging the Fil Am students onto the dance floor and they were all dancing. The whole room.

Rechie is so right. In the ten years I have been visiting the lolas of LILA Pilipina they have transformed themselves from victims to survivors, to heroines to wild and wise characters and counselors.

Everybody raise the roof, raise your glasss to the Lolas!

TO DONATE TO THE SUSTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOLAS' HOUSE WRITE SEND CHECKS TO LILA Pilipina, INC. 120 Narra Street, Brgy. Amihan, Quezon City Project 3, Metro Manila Philippines.

Giving Asian Women A Voice: University of Miami A&S Magazine

2008-05-07T08:09:00.002-04:00

Click on image to read this article from the University of Miami's Arts and Sciences Magazine, Spring 2008. Laban mga Lola!

Lolas Join Global Action for Justice

2008-04-26T08:52:00.004-04:00

FROM: LILA PILIPINA and GABRIELA
For Immediate Release
March 5, 2008

Reference: Rechilda Extremadura, Lila Pilipina Executive Director, 0915-5379579
Emmi de Jesus, GABRIELA Secretary General, 0917-3221203

The elderly women of Lila Pilipina, organization of former comfort women in the Philippines together with the militant women's group GABRIELA held a picket in front of the Japanese Embassy this morning as part of the Global Action Seeking Justice for Comfort Women.

"None can be a greater tragedy than to be denied justice half a century after being abused and violated," said Rechilda Extremadura, executive director of Lila Pilipina. referring to the elderly women victims of sexual slavery by Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.

Extremadura added that while the Japanese government has yet to give justice, they also hold the Philippine government accountable for the continued denial of justice for the elderly women. "Prior to People Power 2, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo promised to take up the issue of Filipino comfort women but she failed to deliver just as she failed to fulfill all her other promises to the people."

"The military abuses borne of the military culture of sexism and violence that drove them to commit sexual violence against women in WW2 continue to this day,” said Emmi de Jesus, secretary general of GABRIELA. De Jesus cited the recent case of sexual assault of a Filipina by a US serviceman stationed in Okinawa, Japan following the rape of a 14-year-old Japanese girl by a US Marine.

“By continuing to turn a blind eye on the violence committed against its women by foreign troops, whether recent or in the past and by perpetuating immense poverty that drives Filipinas into foreign lands, the Philippine government serves as accomplice in the sexual abuse of Filipinas everywhere," added de Jesus.

“For as long as the military of the superpowers deem themselves superior might over sovereign nations and peoples, for as long there are imperialist wars that seek to undermine the independence of a nation for plunder of their resources, peoples will be subjugated and women will be exploited and abused,” added de Jesus.

On March 8 International Women's Day, Lila Pilipina will be joining GABRIELA in the national women's action against Arroyo. “Pres. Arroyo lied to the elderly women of Lila Pilipina and abandoned the cause Filipino comfort women. For this, Lila Pilipina joins the growing number of women wanting her out of Malacañang."
###

WOMEN’S GROUPS PROTEST HOUSE “REVOTING” ON COMFORT WOMEN RESOLUTION

2008-04-25T20:44:00.000-04:00

NEWS RELEASE
09 April 2008

Reference: Retchilda Extremadura, Executive Director, Lila Pilipina
Lana Linaban, Deputy Secretary General, GABRIELA

WOMEN’S GROUPS PROTEST HOUSE “REVOTING” ON COMFORT WOMEN RESOLUTION

Lila Pilipina, organization of former comfort women, expressed apprehension at the recent development regarding House Resolution 124, authored by Gabriela Women’s Party Representatives Liza Maza and Luz Ilagan. The House Resolution, demanding an official apology from the government of Japan regarding the sexual slavery of Filipino women during the Japanese occupation of the country in World War II, is being returned to the House committee on foreign affairs allegedly due to lack of quorum when it was adopted last March 11.

“We believe that the question of process is just an alibi to delay, if not, to overturn the positive decision. As they have done in the past, this is but another attempt to take away a significant gain in the long struggle for justice of Filipino comfort women,” said Retchilda Extremadura, executive director of Lila Pilina.

The women’s group GABRIELA, meanwhile, calls on the members of Congress not to succumb to any pressure coming from the Japanese government. “HR 124 is long overdue. Instead of delaying this, the Congress should be spurred to hasten its implementation. The legislators of USA and Canada have long adopted a similar resolution. It is ironic that such a resolution would meet such encumbrances here in the Philippines, where its citizens were the actual victims,” said Lana Linaban, GABRIELA spokesperson.

Both groups vowed to remain vigilant and enjoins Filipino people to join the lolas in their action should the House Resolution be revoked due to pressures from the Japanese government.
###

V-Day for the Lolas in NYC

2008-04-25T07:56:00.004-04:00

Mga Lola, dearest lolas,

Here are some photographs of the production of THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES in NYC. The women are Filipina Women's Network members and they are not professional actors, rather they are professional anti-violence advocates. They put in so many hours and so many weeks to raise awareness about your plight and the plight of surviving Katrina Warriors, women in New Orleans who suffered after Hurricane Katrina washed their lives away with baha.

Remember when Eve Ensler came to visit you, back in 2001? Nandoon din ako. She saw you at Lolas' House in the morning and I came later that day. You told me all about the way she interviewed you about your puki. How you all giggled when she asked you if you had ever had pleasure during intercourse. Of course, that's not exactly how your conversation with her went. I know you've given lots of interviews, but probably none like that. None about sensuality and sexuality and none about discovering the pleasure of the body: kasi lolas kayo, at seguro that's not usually what people want to know from you. They want to know your stories, they want to know what happened during WWII. Rape isn't the same as sex and its the antithesis of love making. But I wonder how often we realize how deep the affect of those rapes during WWII affected your love lives, the way you hold a man, or feel your own body, the way you think about sex at all. Too often we think about the past and are not conscious of what it has done to your present perceptions of your own bodies.

So anyway, that interview, that time she asked Lola Narcisa to explain what happened back then, so we could understand what happens now, in your fight, in your quest for justice and in the bedroom. The audience watched a clip from that film, listened to the giggling and the way you uttered puki. And after that lightness was gone, they got serious when they heard Lola Narcisa explain what happened to you then and what your rallies are about now.

The first time I saw that clip was when we ran the production of VAGINA MONOLOGUES in San Francisco. I was squatting on the stage, looking up at your familiar faces. I saw so many of you -- Lola Urduja, Lola Precilla, Lola Remedios, Lola Cristeta -- so many that I might list here and now -- so many smiling faces, serious faces, living and breathing there in 2001. After the clip, I was so moved because of the some thirty of you on that clip, all but 15 of you are gone. All but a small handful and even that handful has weak members -- in your late 80's and 90's you have good days and bad days -- your bodies give out too often now. Sometimes your minds too.

The audience fell in love with you all -- how could they not -- they were moved by you. And then I told them, many of the women you saw up there -- wala na at walapang justice -- are gone now and no justice, still no justice.

The directors cast me in your monologue, "Say It for the Comfort Women." You know these days, I am asked to speak about your stories and there is no hesitation on my part when I do. So I didn't think anything of it. But at rehearsal, when I read these lines, and I put myself in that woman's voice, her experience, I trembled. I could not get through the manuscript. I cried. I could not get through the manuscript. As close as I am to your stories, I cannot stand in your shoes. No one ever will. I cannot begin to imagine it. But come the night of the performance, I placed a shield around my heart and I took off my shoes and I read your part. I did it. I read it for you. Like the piece says, "Say it for the Comfort Women." No tears, but no shield around the heart either. Impossible.

Anway, the great thing about these productions is that they have chosen you to be one of their beneficiaries, and these great hearts will be sending funds your way soon. Marily Mondejar, president of FWN, was so excited to tell me they had chosen you to benefit from their work. I know you need the help too. I know your funding is dwindling and there is so much to tend to -- the rent at Lolas' House, the food and transportation for the lolas, the electricity and phone -- and that's just for the operation of your space. There is still your campaign for justice, the travels to Japan and other places where you must go, no matter how old or tired, to make your stories known.

Don't worry lolas, we are praying for you. We are here for you. Laban mga lola!

Postcard for the Lolas of LILA Pilipina

2008-04-11T09:21:00.005-04:00

Mga Lola,
Kamusta kayo? We are busy doing so many things, trying our best to share with others your stories. Itong litrato -- kita ninyo? This is a picture of the young women from the University of Miami -- many of whom are part of the Yellow Rose Society -- at their Women's History Month event, In Her Shoes. They asked me to tell your stories so they could stand in your shoes and so they could know what you have been through. Of course, nobody can really stand in your shoes for your experiences are too horrific to imagine and KNOW. When we recount them, when we try to imagine them, when we dream of them, it is still too unreal for any of us. Maybe, when you think of that time, you feel the same way. Did that happen? How could anyone -- man or woman, Japanese, American or Filipino do this violence on anyone -- man, woman, Japanese, American, Filipina, Korean, Chinese, Indonesian -- WHOMEVER? How?

Now these young women here, who heard the story of your friend, Urduja Samontes, (oh that lovely character of a woman) were so moved, that next week they are going to host a read-a-thon. I know you are asking yourselves, ano ba yan? Several of the women will get their friends to sponsor them to read one of your testimonies in a public reading. Say one peso per reading, or five pesos per reading. Really dollars, so maybe more like 100 pesos a reading or 500 pesos a reading. And they try to get as many friends as they can to sponsor them. Maybe get 25 sponsors. And if they do one reading that's 100 pesos times 25! We will gather in a public space at the University of Miami -- a place they call the Rock -- and the dalagas will read your testimonies into a microphone -- and your words will reverberate throughout the campus, hitting banyan tree barks, and library walls and reaching for the sky. We will speak your words with the reverence of prayer.

We want to share your lives experiences in order to learn from war. In order to be better warriors who fight for peace, for decency and justice.

We know that your Lolas' House has fewer inhabitants these days, but for those of you who still organize and protest and fight for justice, we know your resources are dwindling. In this way, we are hoping to raise funding for you. So you may continue your fight and we might join you.

I love you all, lolas. And the young women in this photo, who are meeting you through your testimonies and your photos and your experiences with me, they are falling in love with you too.

Mahal na mahal kayo, mga lola!

Evelina

PS: For the women and men at the University of Miami who are interested in participating in our event, Read it for the "Comfort Women," on Tuesday April 15th, please email Rhea Olegario (r.olegario@umiami.edu) or Elysse Phillips (e.phillips4@umiami.edu).

Get Busy for the Lolas

2008-03-25T00:21:00.018-04:00

The next few weeks are crazy! I'll be at all the events below, except the SF show on April 5th, but the rest of them? I'm there! Come join me and hear about the Lolas of LILA Pilipina and our struggle for justice! Women's History Month is just winding down, but the activities are non-stop. 10% of the proceeds from the SF and NY productions of THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES are going to the lolas, so buy your tickets!

IN HER SHOES: M. Evelina Galang reads from her book in progress, LOLAS' HOUSE: Women Living with War.
Thursday, March 27 8PM Hecht Residential College on the Coral Gables Campus of the University of Miami. This event is co-sponsored by UM Women's History Month, Friends of Lolas and Hecht Residential College

LABAN FOR LOLAS with M. Evelina Galang
Friday March 28th 7PM Manilatown Center, 868 Kearny Street, SF CA 415-399-9580

The Vagina Monologues
March 31, 7pm @ the Herbst Theatre, San Francisco, CA
April 18, 7pm @ the Philippine Center NY, NY

Usaping Puki
(Tagalog version of The Vagina Monologues)
April 5, 2pm @ the Morgan Auditorium Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA
April 19, 2:30pm @the Philippine CenterNY, NY
Questions? Email vday@ffwn.org or call 415.278.9410

Brandeis Women's Book Club and Luncheon
M. Evelina Galang reads from the Lolas' Testimonies
Wednesday, April 2 @ Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kendall, FL

FILIPINA WOMEN'S NETWORK V-DAY PERFORMANCES FOR THE LOLAS

2008-03-07T17:43:00.000-05:00

One Year Ago Today, He said ...

2008-03-01T07:33:00.012-05:00

A year ago today, then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made the great false statement, "There is not enough evidence to prove coercion." He was referring to the way the Japanese Imperial Army took over 200,000 women and girls during World War II and forced them into "Comfort Stations." He began a revolution of minds a year ago today. He gave us reason, especially those of us who have been in this fight for so long, and for the lolas and other survivors who have been in this fight to get their message into the light their whole lives, he gave us reason to stand up, to speak out and to say, "No, you are wrong."

When I heard his statement, a year ago today, I tried to stay cool. I remember coming out of a faculty meeting and one of my colleagues asked me, "So what are you going to do about it?" I told him not to get me started because if I got started, I would not stop. I got started.

So much has happened in this one year. This blog, which came out of that statement, was born. I addressed Prime Minister Abe then, I asked him to please consider the lives of the women and the fight they are in (to rescue not only their own dignity but to keep the lives of other girls, children and women living in war torn nations safe). So many of us signed the international online petition. And as I stayed awake nights, doing my best to fight this battle from Miami, my friends across the nation were doing the same thing in their home cities. There were activists on the west coast and east coast. There was Annabel Park and Eric Byler in DC. And members of the grassroots 121 Coalition began knocking on doors. In Congress we had Mike Honda and Nancy Pelosi, Eni Falemaovaega and the great late Congressman Tom Lantos, doing their best to educate their colleagues and pass House Resolution 121, a non-binding bill asking Japan to make a formal apology and to take full responsibility for these war crimes against humanity.

I started writing my own Congresswoman, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen on a weekly basis. She was the senior ranking member of the House Committee of Foreign Affairs and I desperately needed her to understand the plight of my lolas. When she rose in support of the bill last July and when the rest of Congress joined her and gave the bill a unanimous voice vote, my heart swelled.

I invite you to go through the archives of this blog. You will be amazed at the stories of human spirit and strength. So much evidence.

Japan has yet to apologize. The fight is not over. But there are so many more soldiers fighting this battle with us now. Canada has passed a similar motion. And others have written their own versions of the same plea: please say sorry, please own up to this history that is yours. The Netherlands, the European Parliament, Australia and the Philippines. Prime Minister Abe has stepped down, our dear ambassador of human rights, Congressman Tom Lantos has passed away and many of the women too have been lost in the year, but the truth has emerged. There was reason to say it and there were people willing to hear it; all because of one man's statement a year ago today, "There is not enough evidence to prove coercion."

Thank you, former Prime Minister Abe. Do you like the photo above? That is me and the evidence you were looking for, the survivors of Liga ng mga Lolang Pilipina. We are marching on Women's International Day, March 8 2001.

FWN'S V-DAY Proceeds To Benefit surviving Filipina "Comfort Women" aka: Mga Lola!

2008-02-28T06:53:00.006-05:00

I'll be joining the casts in both NYC and SF as they fight violence against women around the world. 10% of the proceeds will be going to the lolas and this is a good great thing! Thank You, Filipina Women's Network! Below are facts about the production.

Mabuhay!
Evelina

Filipina Women's Network

Filipinas Against Violence: V-Day FWN 2008

Making San Francisco and New York City / New Jersey safe places for Filipina women and girls.

An All-Filipina Benefit Production of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues and Usaping Puki (in Tagalog)

PREMIERE of A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer (new play featuring Filipino men - supporters of Men Against Violence are community leaders)

Filipina Women's Network (FWN) joins V-Day in its global effort to stop violence against women and girls.

What: Filipina women and men coming together in solidarity to dialogue about violence, about the Filipino community's silence and shame about domestic violence,and about ways to break the cycle of violence against Filipina women and girls through performances of Eve Ensler's Obie award-winning The Vagina Monologues, Usaping Puki (Tagalog version) and the new play - A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer.

MEN AGAINST VIOLENCE Workshops: A discussion about masculinity, violence in our communities and how we can be allies with women to end family violence.

Why:
- Raise awareness through theatre, popular culture and education about the high incidence of violence in Filipino homes and intimate partner relationships.
- Help Filipina women in abusive relationships take action and seek help.

Why this Campaign Matters: Engaging the Filipino community through theatre and hearing the women's stories in Tagalog "hits home" and helps us understand the broader connections of Filipino values such as respect for women, dignity, family, equality and justice to social and economic issues and to class and religion.

Who: All-Filipino cast members are community leaders, actors, students,professionals, activists, and homemakers.

V-Day FWN Beneficiaries:
V-Day Spotlight 2008: Katrina Warriors - Women of New Orleans & the Gulf South,FWN’s Filipinas Against Violence Campaign, Comfort Women Survivors in the Philippines

V-Day Sponsors: NoVo Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Dramatists Play Service, GLAMOUR, Oprah & Friends Radio (XM), O magazine, TBWA/Chiat/Day, Vosges Haut Chocolat, W Hotels, New Orleans

V-Day FWN Sponsor: AsianWeek Foundation

About A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer -
A groundbreaking collection of monologues by world-renowned authors and playwrights, edited by Eve Ensler and Mollie Doyle. These diverse voices have come together in a collective roar contributing original pieces and bringing their particular vision, talent and take on violence against women and girls - to break open, expose, and examine the insidiousness of violence at all levels: brutality, neglect, a punch, even a put-down.

When & Where: SAN FRANCISCO

Until the Violence Stops (film screening) - Friday, March 28, 7pm
The Vagina Monologues - Monday, March 31, 7pm (all-Filipina cast)
Usaping Puki - Saturday, April 5, 2:30pm (all-Filipina cast)
A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer - (two shows) Friday, April 4, 7pm
and Saturday, April 5, 7pm (all-Filipino women and men cast)

March 28 film screening and April 5 shows:
Morgan Auditorium, Academy of Art University, 491 Post St. @ Mason St. San Francisco
Tickets: $5 (students)- $50 (VIP) http://morgan08.eventbrite.com; call
415.278.9410

March 31 and April 4 shows - Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
Tickets: $20 (students)- $100 (VIP) www.cityboxoffice.com or call 415.392.4400

NEW YORK: Philippine Center New York, 556 Fifth Avenue @ 45th St., New York
Tickets: $20 (students) - $100 (VIP) Call 917.720.7268
or go to http://vdaynyc08.eventbrite.com

Sponsorships, Advertising & Community Partnerships:
http://v-diaries8.eventbrite.com
Call 415.278.9410 (SF) or email vday@ffwn.org

San Francisco Director Team:
Senior Directors: Elena Mangahas and Ken Marquis
Assistant Directors: Genevieve Jopanda, May Nazareno, Esperanza Catubig

New York Director Team:
Christina Baal and Theresa Tantay-Wilson
Executive Producer: Marily Mondejar
Producer: Kai Delen Briones

About the Filipina Women's Network: A non- profit association for women of Philippine ancestry. The Filipina Women's Network's mission is to enhance public perceptions of Filipina women's capacities to lead, change biases against Filipina women's leadership abilities and promote the entry of Filipina women into positions of leadership in all sectors. www.ffwn.org.

About V-Day: A global movement to stop violence against women and girls. V-Day is a
catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations.

What are The Vagina Monologues?
Based on interviews with over 200 women about their memories and experiences of sexuality, The Vagina Monologues (Usaping Puki) give voice to women's deepest fears, guaranteeing that no one who watches the show will ever look at a woman's body, or think of sex, in quite the same way again. It is a celebration of female sexuality in all its complexity and mystery. In this stunning phenomenon that has swept the world, Eve Ensler gives us real women's stories of intimacy, vulnerability, and self- discovery.

Friends of Lolas at the University of Miami

2008-02-19T07:34:00.002-05:00

At the University of Miami, a group of students have joined me in supporting LILA Pilipina through our own chapter of Friends of Lolas. We're holding an informational meeting next Thursday, February 28th 8PM at Hecht Residential College on the Coral Gables campus. Below is their call to action. For more information you can find their group listed on facebook. Read on!

This group, now FRIENDS OF LOLAS, emerged from Laban for the Lolas after the H.R. 121 passed in July 2007.

F.Y.I.: "Lola" means grandmother in Tagalog, the Filipino language.

Mission:
- To raise public awareness on the issue of women and children in war through the testimonies and experiences of surviving WWII "comfort women"
- To befriend and support surviving Filipina "comfort women" at Lila Pilipina (an organization of survivors now in their 80's and 90's).
- To launch fundraising initiatives to support these women.

History:
- During WWII the Japanese Imperial Army abducted over 200,000 girls and women from nations like Korea, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, the Philippines and subjected them to military rape and enslavement.
- Over 1,000 women were Filipinas and 173 have publicly come forward.
- During the Spring 2007, Prime Minister Abe stated not enough evidence to prove coercion, and Laban for the Lolas -- now Friends of Lolas -- lobbied to pass House Resolution 121. H.R. 121 urged the Japanese government to apologize and take full responsibility of these war crimes.
-On July 30, 2007, H.R. 121 passed.
-The Japanese government has yet to respond.

This group supports Surviving Comfort Women of WWII and asks Japan (through the US Congress House Resolution 121) to take full responsibility for the pain and suffering of 200,000 young women and girls abducted and forced to serve in military sex camps.

Let's honor the women -- Comfort Women, abused women, our mothers and sisters, ourselves. Let us honor all women by taking a stand and letting the world know abduction of women, systematic rape and sexual slavery is unacceptable and inhumane behavior.

WHAT CAN YOU DO????

We are inviting UM students, organizations, and faculty to host one month of activities.

Each month, we would like an organization to sponsor these Lolas and fundraise for their community center which helps them with everyday needs, like food, transportation and the upkeep of LOLAS' HOUSE, their community center.

Organizations/ student groups would:
- do one fundraising activity of their choice, such as bake sales.
- host one event or forum that raises awareness to the Miami community about the "Comfort Women" issue.
- create a "care package" that highlights the activities that would be sent overseas to the Lolas.

Other Notes:
We can't stress how this cause is a timely issue. These grandmothers are getting very old and their memory is slowly getting worse. These women are looking for support and any little act of kindness helps and means the world to them.

Please feel free to contact labanmgalola@yahoo.com for further questions or concerns.

On Congressman Tom Lantos

2008-02-12T19:08:00.001-05:00

What an honor to have heard Congressman Lantos speak,to have met him and know his hands supported House Res. 121, the non-binding "Comfort Women" bill requesting Japan make a formal apology and assume full responsibility for those crimes against humanity. House Res. 121 was just one of the many struggles in his fight for human rights. In July, I sat in the galleys and heard him speak so eloquently about the plight of over 200,000 women and girls throughout Asia. His words brought tears to my eyes. He really understood the plight of surviving “Comfort Women” on so many levels — his own experiences as a survivor of the Holocaust gave him the kind of wisdom and power to fight for all of humanity — and I am very grateful for his work. I hope to continue the fight for human rights, for the lolas, knowing he was on their side, knowing he supports this call for justice. His commitment to human rights was truly the work of a great heart.

Peace always,
M. Evelina Galang
advocate of Liga Ng Mga Lolang Pilipina
Friend of the Lolas

Comfort the Women

2007-12-26T14:40:00.000-05:00

I come to you because you are a woman too. You understand best what it means to be a woman who has suffered unjustly. You understand what it means to be a mother who sacrifices her own happiness for her children. I come to you. I make an appeal to you because in your own darkest hour, you were able rise above and comfort the women, despite your own sorrow.

I know they come to you too. The women. Some at least. I have talked to so many of the women – at least forty of the 200,000. I have come to know and love at least half of the forty and their supporters too. When I ask the lolas how they were able to endure the pain, how they could find reason to live beyond the barrage of indignities – the lines of men waiting to rape them, the insults to the body, the mind and the spirit and then to survive that kind of war only to return to homes that did not want them – for the shame of being women used, for the shame of being with the enemy in ways no woman should be touched – when I ask them how they can look at me with such love and want me to know love – love of family, of husband, of country – do you know what they tell me?

Each one says, “Sa awa ng Dyos.” As if God carried them through that tumult of abuse in miraculous ways and despite the assault of Japanese soldiers, the scars of bayonet wounds and cigarette burns, despite the nightmares that recur each night and the husbands who never forgave them and the children who will never understand them and presidents who refuse to acknowledge them – the women I have met are full of love. Like you they are full of grace. That is true strength to survive all that and to come forward in our culture of tsmis and hiya – of gossip and shame -- in order to reclaim their dignity and to make sure this kind of war can never happen again.

This has been a miraculous year, beginning on March 1, 2007, when then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe brought the injustice to 200,000 Comfort Women of WWII to the attention of the modern world. When he came forward and invited this international dialog and the women were brought to radiant light. This moment, when the whole world listened because of Abe’s indiscretion ignited our hearts to action. Thank you. I know you were witness to that moment. I know you blessed it. I know you smiled.

So many men and women came forward in support of the women. So many opened their eyes and let down their guard and came to know the stories of the women one by one. So many saw the relationship between these acts of the past and the role of women and war in our present day and we all feared for our daughters’ future.

Through the work of the lolas and other survivors, through the efforts of so many local activists – like my students at the University of Miami and my dear friends Annabel Park and Eric Byler of Washington DC and Allyson Tintiangco Cubales, Mariana Villanueva and Barbara Jane Reyes of the Bay Area – we, like so many others -- educated our communities. Our communities responded with hand-written letters, phone calls, checks, their time and their resources and one by one, our nations’ governments took note.

They took note! First, on July 30th, 2007, the United States Congress stood up as one body and they asked their good friends in Japan to pay attention to their past, to right the wrongs of the past. They asked the Japanese government to apologize to the 200,000 women and to take full responsibility for these acts against humanity. House Resolution 121 passed by a unanimous voice vote and this blessing urged other nations to rise and make their own requests for justice – other nations have passed similar bills – Canada and the Netherlands and the European Parliament. Even the Philippine Congress has a bill asking for reparations and redress on behalf of the women.

Small and large miracles everywhere -- for the world now understands the history of the surviving Comfort Women of WWII. The more the Japanese government resists, the more the people know. During the campaign for House Res. 121 several private Japanese citizens expressed their own desire for their government to come forward with an apology to the women.

After fifty years of silence, several of the 200,000 women around the world stood up, representing their sisters in Korea, the Philippines, China, Australia, New Zealand, Dutch Indies and even their sisters in Japan – yes, Japan – and they asked the world to listen. After 15 years of protests, appeals, marches, letters and sworn testimony, the world is stepping up and backing up the women. Thank God.

But what of my lolas at LILA Pilipina? All the work they have done and still no apology. No reparations. No signs of remorse. Many have died without witnessing these small miracles. Lola Cristeta Alcober, who pulled my hands through the streets of Antipolo and made me sit on her balcony and tape her testimony, died before seeing any of this. And Lola Catalina Lorenzo, my kababayan from Pampanga was in her eighties when I met her in 1999 – she’d get so mad that her hands talked faster than her mouth and her words were like bullets. When will there be justice, she wanted to know. Who answered her? No one. Lola Priscilla Bartonica, a beautiful woman who taught me to dance the tango, once held my hand and said no words, but looked into my eyes and there I saw the tear forming and falling even as she smiled at me. She fought so hard for so many years never sleeping a full night’s sleep after that war. What of these women and the others? Is it not time to comfort them? To give them peace?

I write you on this public space, where some know you, others ignore you, and still others do not recognize you, but I have written to almost everyone with power. Almost everyone. And though this conversation may be best served in the privacy between us, I am asking you to please comfort the women. Bring them peace. Bring them hope. Sa awa ng Dyos. Comfort the women

EU Parliament Adopts Resolution On Comfort Women

2007-12-21T09:18:00.000-05:00

Thursday, 20 December 2007, 6:58 am
Press Release: Amnesty International

European Parliament adopts resolution on comfort women

Amnesty International welcomes the adoption of resolution on survivors of Japan's military sexual slavery system (the so-called 'comfort women' system) by the European Parliament (Resolution B60525/2007) on 13 December 2007. The resolution, which was passed with a clear majority, contributes to the global voice calling on Japanese authorities to take the concrete step of apologising to the survivors of Japan's military sexual slavery system before and during the World War II.

The resolution urges the Government of Japan to 'formally acknowledge, apologise, and accept historical and legal responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force's coercion of young women into sexual slavery' and to 'implement effective administrative mechanisms to provide reparations to all surviving victims of the 'comfort women' system and the families of its deceased victims'.

This resolution joins the growing worldwide call for justice for the survivors of Japan's military sexual slavery system. In July 2007, the US House of Representatives passed resolution 121. In November the Dutch unanimously passed a motion calling for justice for comfort women. The Canadian Parliament unanimously passed Motion 291 on 28 November.

Amnesty International urges Parliaments in other countries to take a similar stand and welcomes recent moves in the Philippines, Germany and the UK to consider tabling resolutions.

Amnesty International strongly urges the Government of Japan to heed the international voice calling for justice for the survivors of Japan's military sexual slavery system and to:

* accept full responsibility for the 'comfort women' system in a way that it publicly acknowledges the harm that these women suffered and restores the dignity of the survivors;

* apologise fully for the crimes committed against these women;

* provide adequate and effective compensation to survivors and their immediate families directly from the government;

* include an accurate account of the sexual slavery system in Japanese education text books on World War II; and

* publicly denounce sexual violence against women whenever and wherever it occurs

Background

Tens of thousands of women were forcibly abducted and deceived into sexual slavery into Japanese military controlled "comfort stations" organized in the different occupied countries before and during World War II. Amnesty International believes that the crimes perpetrated against these women amount to crimes against humanity. To this day, the Japanese government has refused adequately and unequivocally to acknowledge its responsibility for the crimes committed against former "comfort women".

European Parliament Demands Japan Apologizes Too!

2007-12-14T07:28:00.000-05:00

The Lolas must be dancing at this news! Thanks to the European Parliament! Here is an article from Bloomberg.

European Parliament Demands Japan Apologize to `Comfort Women'

By Stuart Biggs

Dec. 14 (Bloomberg) -- The European Parliament passed a resolution demanding Japan apologize and accept legal responsibility for forcing women to serve as sex slaves during World War II, according to a statement on its Web Site.

The resolution called on Japan's government to provide more compensation to the former sex slaves, known euphemistically as ``comfort women,'' and condemned recent remarks by Japanese officials seeking to distance the government from responsibility.

As many as 200,000 women from China, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan and Indonesia were forced by Japan's Imperial Army to serve as sex slaves in 2,000 centers before and during World War II, Japanese historian Yoshimi Yoshiaki wrote in his 1995 book ``Comfort Women.''

The system ``included gang rape, forced abortions, humiliation, and sexual violence resulting in mutilation, death or eventual suicide, in one of the largest cases of human trafficking in the 20th century,'' the European Parliament's resolution said.

The resolution called on Japan's parliament to enact laws recognizing individuals' rights to claim reparations against the government and said compensation to former sex slaves should be ``prioritized, taking into account the age of the survivors.''

The U.S. House of Representatives agreed on a similar non- binding resolution on July 30 calling on then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to apologize for the Imperial Army's actions.

Causing Controversy

The resolution was introduced by Representative Mike Honda, a California Democrat and chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Abe caused controversy on March 1 when he said no evidence exists to show the government and military were directly involved in forcing the women into slavery, contradicting the findings of a two-year government study in 1993 that formed the basis of an apology by then-Cabinet Secretary Yonei Kono.

Abe backtracked on his remarks during a parliamentary session on March 26.

``Some Japanese officials have recently expressed a regrettable desire to dilute or rescind'' the government's previous apology, the European Parliament's resolution said.

A group of 44 Japanese lawmakers were signatories to a full-page advertisement in the Washington Post in June denying the Japanese military's responsibility for forcing the women into the camps and to protest the introduction of Congress's resolution.

The advertisement was signed by 29 members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, 13 members of the opposition Democratic Party of Japan and two independent lawmakers, including Hiranuma Takeo, the former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

To contact the reporter on this story: Stuart Biggs in Tokyo at sbiggs3@bloomberg.net .

One by One The Nations Rise in Support of Surviving "Comfort Women"

2007-11-30T07:27:00.000-05:00

One by one, the nations of the world are asking you to step up, Japan. Hold your head up, look at your past. Take responsibility for your actions. One by one, the nations are asking you to please do the noble thing, the just thing.

Thank you, Canada!

BBC NEWS

CANADA CHIDES JAPAN ON SEX SLAVES

Canada's parliament has unanimously passed a motion calling on Japan to apologise for forcing some 200,000 women to serve as wartime sex slaves.

The motion sponsor, opposition MP Olivia Chow, said the episode constituted "crimes against humanity".

The women affected were mainly Chinese, Korean, and Filipina, but other nations have demanded Japan apologise.

In 1993 Japan issued an official apology over so-called "comfort women", but parliament never approved it.

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe caused uproar earlier this year when he said there was no proof of state involvement - a statement he later played down.

'FORMAL AND SINCERE'
The symbolic, non-binding Canadian motion calls on Japan to "take full responsibility for the involvement of the Japanese Imperial Forces in the system of forced prostitution".

It must offer "a formal and sincere apology expressed in the Diet to all of those who were victims".

Japan said it regretted the vote, and it would not help bilateral relations.

Similar motions have been adopted in the US and the Netherlands.

Speaking to the AFP news agency after the vote, Ms Chow said: "For me, this isn't crimes against 200,000 women. It's crimes against humanity and all of the world's citizens have a responsibility to speak out against it."

"Fifteen-year-old young girls were subjected to torture and raped by countless men for weeks, months and years on end," she added.

OLD WOUNDS
The comfort women were forced into brothels for Japanese soldiers in the 1930s and during World War II.

Japan's failure to apologise and issue official compensation remains an irritant in relations with the nations affected.

In South Korea, surviving "comfort women" still demonstrate every Wednesday outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul. Many did not reveal their involvement for decades out of a sense of shame.

Japan set up a private compensation fund in 1995 as a way of offering recompense without officially acknowledging wrong.

But many women have rejected the offer, saying it should come from the government itself.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/asia-pacific/7118249.stm

Published: 2007/11/29 02:55:48 GMT

© BBC MMVII

Pinay Power Protégé Supports Friends of Lolas

2007-10-31T07:53:00.000-04:00

I have just come back from attending the Filipino Women's Network Summit, an amazing four days in Washington DC where strong women gathered on Capital Hill to discuss their work as activists, leaders, working women and business moguls. The group named the 100 most influential Filipina Women in the U.S. and I was honored among them with the "Nicole" an award that "honors Filipina women whose words, actions, and activism, inspire others to act and revolutionize our society's way of understanding traditional beliefs and customs. This category is inspired by "Nicole" who sparked an international dialogue about women's rights, national sovereignty, and international law as she steadfastly pursued justice against her rapists."

Thanks to Marianne Villanueva for nominating me.

More importantly, this award is a working award and we have been asked to choose a protégé to mentor for the next five years. I found this to be an amazing opportunity to share the work and the stories of the lolas with another young woman leader, so I put a call out on my campus at the University of Miami. I was looking for a freshmen or sophomore woman of Filipina descent to mentor as we grow "Friends of Lolas" at the University of Miami.

Below is the winning essay written by Rhea Olegario of Pembroke Pines, Florida. The photo is of the two of us on the night of the gala award ceremony in Washington DC.

Welcome to the struggle, Rhea! Congratulations!

Pinay Protégé Essay
By Rhea Olegario
I can easily recall the first time I heard about the comfort women of WWII. It was during the annual 2007 CFAGA Filipino Independence Day held in my hometown of Pembroke Pines. Wanting to find something to do, my friend and I were passing by the various booths that they had. One, in particular, was called Laban for the Lolas. Not thinking much about it, I probably would have passed it by had not one of the young ladies behind the booth vigorously approach us and inform us of their cause. I remembered feeling ashamed and moved at the same time when I heard about the horrific experiences these comfort women had to go through. Before I always would hear about the injustices occurring throughout the world such as those in Darfur, but it never occurred to me till that point that such injustices could hit right at home. I was ashamed about not knowing sooner about this issue. But I was also moved at how these inspirational and courageous Lolas are standing up along with their supporters to fight for their overdue justice. Recalling dark pasts especially out to the public can never be easy. Further adding to what I learned that day, I see, especially now, how important being informed and sharing information are. Had not that young lady approached me, I wonder how long would I have been ignorant of this issue?

Since my first encounter with the issue, much progress has been made by the Laban for the Lolas—most notably the passing of House Resolution 121 by Congress. Consequently, Laban for the Lolas has taken on a new direction and focus: to eliminate present and future ignorance of the issue of comfort women, especially Filipino comfort women, through the awareness and education of the public and to support the mission of the surviving Filipina comfort women of Lila Filipina, The League of Filipina Grandmothers. It absolutely humbles me to be afforded the opportunity here at the University of Miami to not only encounter for the second time the organization, now named Friends of the Lolas, but also to contribute to the organization in a way like never before. Recently ushered into the world of college, I am quickly becoming acquainted with the idea that one’s role in the future is largely determined by the actions done in the present. Therefore, this opportunity for me to be a significant part of the Friends of the Lolas would guide me into the long-term path I plan to take: Fighting against injustices in the world and aiding and supporting people who desperately need it. It is through my qualifications, experiences, and drive that I find my motivation to actively participate and take part in this urgent and needed cause.

Since High School, I have been involved with many service organizations that I have felt passionately about. In Respect Life and Social Justice, not only did we learn about issues surrounding faith and society, but we also in turn passed on the knowledge and took action through various activities like walks and informational seminars. Additionally, through my favorite project, Hope Outreach, where we mentored young children of low income families, I realized the importance of taking an active role in the community. I began to see the effects of my mere participation in the project: it made the children see that they were special and very much mattered (not that they never did). As my favorite quote by Mahatma Ghandi goes: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” It was through these projects that I discovered my passion to serve and inform the community.

As far as leadership positions go, Editor-in-Chief for my school’s yearbook would be my main experience. Some of my tasks would entail coming up with ideas to write articles on, coordinating events such as Class Picture Day and athletes’ sport photos, and organizing important and numerous items such as Senior ads. With a student body of more than 2000 and a faculty of a little more than 100, it was never easy—intense planning and efficient coordination were a must. As Editor-in-Chief, I dedicated a lot of time into composing our award-winning yearbook. My dedication to the yearbook could be seen through the long hours that I worked. I believe that the skills I learned as Editor-in-Chief for my school yearbook would enable me to coordinate events, organize efficiently important matters, and come up with interesting ideas, especially for fundraising for the Friends of the Lolas.

What mainly fuels my motivation for being an active member, however, is my passion for fighting for justice and human rights. Some of the goals that I have set for myself are to be involved in international organizations where I can aid people, especially those who are suffering from injustices. After reading about the horrific experiences of brutality and systematic rape that Maria Rosa Henson went through, I knew that for comfort women like herself to finally close that unimaginable chapter of their lives, apologies are to be made by those responsible i.e. the Japanese government. With the Japanese government unresponsive to the women’s requests, supporting these amazing women, who have gone through so much, in any way I can would be an honor for me to take on.

I could easily recall the first time I went to the Philippines, a third world country. The homeless children that I saw on the streets are haunting memories that still stick with me today. Nevertheless, I also saw images that made me proud to be a part of this amazing country: I saw like never before the night sky bursting with stars, unhindered by city lights; I saw immense crowds of people of all classes flocking to Church and praying as one; and, most of all I, saw and experienced from my distant relatives the compassion, humility, and warmth that are so indicative of the Filipino people. I am proud to say that I am a Filipino-American. So upon hearing the injustices the Filipino comfort women had to go through like Maria Rosa Henson, I knew then and there that I had to find a way to support them. During the Filipino Independence Day Festival, I supported them by writing a letter and encouraging my friends to do so. However, now with the opportunity to take on a significant role in the organization itself here at the University of Miami campus, I know that I must give everything I can to assist them in anyway so that their plight will never be forgotten by the world. For the country that has given me this rich heritage and for the people who have given me nothing but love and support, I know I would full heartedly and uncompromisingly carry out my role in the Friends of the Lolas to the best of my abilities.

On the Resignation of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

2007-09-14T09:01:00.000-04:00

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had the opportunity to make history and do the right and noble thing for the 200,000 surviving “Comfort Women” of WWII. But he was stubborn and he missed his chance. It’s a shame, I think. A shame that he didn’t seize the moment. Now it’s too late and he will be remembered as the Prime Minister of Japan who perpetuated the indignities and crimes against humanity, against old ladies whose only mission was to be heard, to be respected and to be apologized to, whose only desire was to stop this crime against humanity from recurring again. I feel for him, for now he has to live with that.

Restoration of Human Dignity is Everyone's Business

2007-08-24T08:50:00.000-04:00

Here's a comment I received from Karmela. She brought up some good questions that I thought I'd share with everyone. Here's her comment and my response:

While I fully support the Lolas and their fight for justice and recognition, I must question the methods being used. Why is this issue of concern to the United States government? They neither participated in nor were victimized by the atrocities. I don't believe that the U.S. political landscape is the correct forum to address this issue. While you may argue that the U.S. is already involved simply by the fact that so many of the Lolas now live here, let's all be realistic. This nation is much, much more concerned with other, more imminent issues such as the war on terror or the immigration issue that hits Americans closer to home.

I'm not saying let's just leave the Lolas' issues alone. What I'm saying is that why isn't this being addressed more on a world stage, i.e., the U.N.? If an apology from Japan is what the Lolas' ultimate goal is, that's the type of thing the United Nations was built to handle.

If this issue has already been brought in front of the U.N., I apologize for my ignorance. Let me just reiterate that I fully support the Lolas' cause; I merely question the tactics used to achieve the goal.

Posted by Karmela to FRIENDS OF LOLAS at August 23, 2007 2:24 PM

Dear Karmela,

Thanks for your comment. The UN has made recommendations to Japan, and Japan has ignored them. If you read Philippine House Res. 124, also on this blog, you'll see a long line of international courts, including Japanese courts, have tried to make this recommendation: That the Japanese government apologize and take responsibility for crimes against humanity.

On July 30th, I sat in the U.S. House of Representatives' gallery and witnessed Congress discuss House Res. 121 as they passed the bill unanimously. I can tell you, from watching the discussion, that U.S. involvement, through House Resolution 121, was a message from one friendly nation to another. Many Congress persons, including my representative, Congresswoman Ileana Ros Lehtinen,the senior ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that we are good friends with Japan, strong allies, and friends need to be honest with one another -- when we do something wrong or see our friends doing something wrong -- it is our obligation, as a good friend to point it out. A good friend receiving that advice might still be in denial, at first, but at some point, you hear your friend out and you respond. We are waiting for that response.

In addition to this gesture between friends, I witnessed our Congress state for the record, that Japanese Imperial Army abducted and enslaved over 200,000 women and girls during World War II. No matter how much the government of Japan denies this truth, we now have a historical record (and several Congress persons eloquently spoke about this) challenging Japan's denial. The women have been standing before the Japanese courts, before gates of their embassies and at conferences trying to set the record straight, but Japan has literally ignored them. Now the U.S. has gone on record about this human rights violation and many other nations are well on their way to contributing to this historical account so the women's experiences cannot be washed away.

Lastly, what passing House Resolution 121 in the U.S. Congress has done, is it has brought awareness and light to this subject matter, it is an avenue for educating those who have not heard of the plight of the former "Comfort Women." The story has been kept a secret by the women and their families -- sometimes out of shame, and at times it is because Japan has worked hard to deny and cover up the truth. But for the most part, this issue has not had a venue or reason to be taught outside of the small communities of activists like Gabriela Network, babae and Filipina for Rights and Empowerment. But U.S. involvement has brought this issue forward. Everyone should be involved. This is a human rights issue. It is about people and what we have done to and allowed to do to one another. The passing of House Resolution 121 has inspired other nations to make like resolutions -- among them Canada's Motion 291 and the Philippines House Resolution 124. I am grateful for the hard work of all U.S. citizens who took part in passing this bill -- Congress yes, but private citizens too -- Annabel Park, Chejin Park, Jonghwa Lee, Eric Byler, Mindy Kotler, OK Cha Soh, Rita Wong and others of the 121 Coalition -- my own students -- Elaine Ruda, Amberly Reynolds, Marra Wilcox, and Layla Dousany.

The plan is that we are all going back to the United Nations. Congressmen and women -- Representatives like Falmeomavaega, Honda, Lantos and Lee -- have publicly stated this resolution is only the first step. Next step, UN again, but this time more nations will be aware of the stories of the women and I am hoping it will be harder for Japan to ignore their recommendations.

I am so proud to be a FilAm woman and see this announcement by organizations like Gabriela Network, babae and Filipina for Rights and Empowerment (FIRE). I hope it is the first of many teach-ins. It is about time that we start educating one another, beyond our own communities. The lolas' stories are among the 200,000 stories of women and girls taken during that war. There are women in China, Korea, Indonesia, New Zealand and the Netherlands who have their own stories of WWII and the Japanese Imperial Army's actions against them. We all need to open our eyes.

I invite you all to join me with Friends of the Lolas.

Thanks again for your comment.

M. Evelina Galang

FilAm Women Demand Justice for Lolas 62 Years After the End of WWII

2007-08-23T10:24:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Donna Denina, Vice Chair – Pinay 206.438.3521
Valerie Francisco, Chair – FiRE 925-726-5768
Marisa Mariano, Chair – babae 415.333.6267

Progressive Filipino women's organizations babae – San Francisco, FiRE (Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment) – New York, and Pinay sa Seattle (in collaboration with progressive Korean American organization, Sahngnoksu), member organizations of Bayan-USA, launches a nationally coordinated campaign today to demand justice for Comfort Women. During WWII, the Japanese Imperial Army abducted and repeatedly raped a reported 100,000-250, 000 young girls and women in Japanese occupied colonies and territories including China, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

In 1992, Maria Rosa Luna Henson, at the age of 65, was the first Filipino comfort woman to publicly come forward with her story. This encouraged more and more women in the Philippines to emerge from almost 50 years of silence since the end of WWII. On June 25, 1994, LILA-PILIPINA was formally launched and founded by comfort women survivors and members of the Task Force on Filipino Comfort Women. To this day, hundreds of surviving comfort women continue to seek an apology from the Japanese government, demand that their stories be included in Japanese history textbooks, and that they be adequately compensated for themselves and their families.

Ritchelda Estremadura, Executive Director of LILA-PILIPINA states, "Justice remains elusive for the Filipina 'comfort women.' Many of the Lolas have died but we must continue the fight for justice. Otherwise, we will not learn from the lessons of history and more women will suffer the fate of 'comfort women'."

Last month, the United States passed House Resolution 121, which stipulates that Japan officially acknowledge, apologize, and take responsibility for their role in the atrocities committed against women and children during WWII. However, despite the passing of this resolution, we remain steadfast in our fight to end all wars of aggression being led by the United States so that crimes committed against innocent women and children may never happen again.

In light of the passage of HR 121, Representatives Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan of Gabriela Women's Party filed a House Resolution on August 13, 2007 urging the Philippine Government for Japan to "FORMALLY AKNOWLEDGE, APOLOGIZE AND ACCEPT ITS RESPONSIBILITY OVER THE SEXUAL SLAVERY OF YOUNG WOMEN COMMONLY KNOWN AS COMFORT WOMEN BY THE JAPANESE IMPERIAL ARMY DURING WORLD WAR II AND PROVIDE COMPENSATION TO THE VICTIMS." The women's partylist group has also filed House Bill 1136 "An Act Providing for the Inclusion in the History Books of Elementary, Secondary and Collegiate Curricula the Lives and Heroism of Filipino Comfort Women during the Japanese Occupation and Appropriating Funds Therefore".

Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan says that "passing the resolution will help boost initiatives of Japanese legislators seeking to pass a bill entitled Promotion of Resolution for Issues Concerning Victims of Wartime Sexual Coercion Act. The bill was introduced last June 9, 2004 to the House of Councilors in Japan, jointly by the Democratic Party of Japan, the Japanese Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party, and by independent senators."

Please join babae, FiRE, and Pinay in a nationally coordinated campaign to seek justice for the comfort women and to demand that the Government of the Philippines must not turn their backs on the heinous crimes of sexual violence afflicted upon their own citizens. As Filipinas who uphold the rights and welfare of women all over the world, we are united that the fight for justice goes beyond just an apology and acknowledgement in text books. We must continue to put an end to all wars of aggression and pressure the US backed Arroyo regime to send all US troops out of the Philippines.

Events and actions spanning 3 cities nationwide will take place this week as a continuation of the Global Action Day Demonstration on the issue of "comfort women" which began on August 15th. Please contact the organizations listed below for more information on how you may be involved in your local area.

NO TO WARS OF AGGRESSION!! !
NO TO ANOTHER GENERATION OF COMFORT WOMEN!
US TROOPS OUT OF THE PHILIPPINES!

San Francisco - babae
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Film showing about surviving comfort women of WWII
Doors open at 6:30pm
Filipino Community Center
35 San Juan Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94112
Light refreshments will be served, followed by an open discussion, and updates on the issue.
*this is a FREE event, but donations are kindly accepted!
Contact: Marisa Mariano - 415.333.6267
info@babaesf. org
www.babaesf. org

New York – FiRE (Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment)
Tuesday, August 21st 7-9 pm
Film showing and discussion
International Action Center (IAC)
55 West 17th Street between 5th and 6th Ave, 5th Floor
Take 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W to 14th Street/Union Square
THIS EVENT IS FREE! Contributions welcomed!
Contact: Hanalei Ramos - 201.790.0995
fire.nyc@gmail. com
www.firenyc. org

Seattle - PINAY sa Seattle
Friday, August 24, 2007 6-9pm
Comfort Women Teach-In
Film Showing and Discussion in collaboration with Sahngnoksu
2100 Building
2100 24th Ave S
Community Room B
Seattle, WA
This is a FREE EVENT
Contact: Donna Denina - 206.438.3521
pinayinfo@gmail. com

###

PHILIPPINE CONGRESS HOUSE RES. 124

2007-08-20T00:19:00.000-04:00

When I was in Manila, I shared with the Lolas of LILA Pilipina all the work that Congressman Mike Honda, House Committee of Foreign Affairs Chairman Tom Lantos, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi were doing in conjunction with so many American citizens who were in support of House Res. 121. Little did I realize that I would be sitting in the gallery on July 30, 2007, witnessing the discussion and voice vote.

While the women and supporters of LILA Pilipina were excited about our activities, they made it clear that the passing of U.S. House Res. 121 was not the end of their struggle. When the bill passed with an unanimous voice vote on July 30th, 2007, Congress stood before the world and supported surviving WWII "Comfort Women" and asked their good friends, the Japanese government, to choose the noble action. Apologize. Unequivocally. As each Congress person stood and said, "I rise today in support of House Resolution 121," my heart expanded. For the lolas, the bill's passing validated all their hard work and they too celebrated, but they also understood their battle was just heating up. On August 13, 2007, six representatives from the Republic of the Philippines 14th Congress, including Gabriela party-list Congresswomen Liza Larzoga-Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan introduced House Res. 124 to the Philippines House of Representatives. Below is a draft of the resolution. If you read it, you'll get a sense of the "Comfort Women" history and the struggle in the courts around the globe. There is plenty of evidence, and even the courts of Japan have seen it. Since then, the Lolas of LILA Pilipina have been very busy, standing with their friends before the Japanese Embassy in Manila, making their demands known.

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FOURTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION 124

Introduced by Gabriela Women’s Party Representatives LIZA LARGOZA-MAZA and LUZVIMINDA ILAGAN, Representative EDUARDO C. ZIALCITA, Bayan Muna Representatives SATUR C. OCAMPO and TEODORO A. CASINO, and Anak Pawis Representative CRISPIN BELTRAN:

RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAT THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT URGES THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN TO FORMALLY ACKNOWLEDGE, APOLOGIZE AND ACCEPT ITS RESPONSIBILITY OVER THE SEXUAL SLAVERY OF YOUNG WOMEN COMMONLY KNOWN AS COMFORT WOMEN BY THE JAPANESE IMPERIAL ARMY DURING WORLD WAR II AND PROVIDE COMPENSATION TO THE VICITIMS IN THE LIGHT OF THE ADOPTION BY THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF HOUSE RESOLUTION 121 WHICH STATES THAT JAPAN SHOULD FORMALLY ACKNOWLEDGE, APOLOGIZE AND ACCEPT HISTORICAL RESPONSIBILITY IN CLEAR AND UNEQUIVOCAL MANNER OVER ITS ARMED FORCE’S COERCION OF YOUNG WOMEN INTO SEXUAL SLAVERY DURING ITS COLONIAL AND WARTIME OCCUPATION OF ASIA, AND IN THE LIGHT OF THE LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF COUNCILORS OF JAPAN SEEKING APOLOGY, COMPENSATION AND IMMEDIATE RESOLUTION OF ISSUES CONCERNING COMFORT WOMEN.

WHEREAS, the recognition of human rights is a valuable tenet in the 1987 Philippine Constitution which states: “the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights” (Article II, Section II);

WHEREAS, it has been more than a decade since the World War II comfort women started clamoring for an official apology and legal redress from the government of Japan for the unimaginable suffering they experienced in the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army;

WHEREAS, the Japanese government recognized the issues concerning comfort women as a social problem in June 1990;

WHEREAS, after realizing the importance of the matter, the Japanese government proceeded to conduct a research, after which, it admitted its involvement in the sexual slavery case, expressed its remorse for the matter of comfort women and apologized for it in August 1993;

WHEREAS, Japanese public officials and private officials have recently expressed their desire to retract or water down its 1993 statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono on the “comfort women.” The 1993 statement of Secretary Kono expressed the sincere apologies of the government of Japan for the ordeal of the women victims of military sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army;

WHEREAS, the Japanese government claimed that it had no obligation to provide compensation for the victims since the matter was already settled when the San Francisco Treaty and other bilateral treaties were signed;

WHEREAS, the UN Report of Miss Radhika Coomaraswamy, the then Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, to the Commission of Human Rights in 1996 urged the Japanese to compensate the former comfort women while Miss Gay McDougal’s UN Report in 1998 severely criticized the Japanese government in its handling of the cases of the comfort women and strongly recommended that Japan raised the issue of compensation to the state-level;

WHEREAS, the Japanese government’s response to the mounting international pressure was the creation of the Asian Women’s Fund (AWF) which collected “sympathy money” from Japanese citizens, thereby evading its legal responsibilities as state in addressing the cases of the comfort women. The Asian Women’s Fund has raised U.S. $5,700,000 to extend “atonement” from the Japanese people to the comfort women. The said fund ended on March 31, 2007 and the fund was to be disbanded on that date;

WHEREAS, in April 1998, the South Korean government issued an announcement in which it insisted that the Japanese government decide to give the former comfort women approximately 3 million yen of monetary support;

WHEREAS, the Taiwanese government took similar measures by conferring 2 million yen for the former comfort women to substitute for AWF’s money while seeking a state level compensation and apology from the Japanese government;

WHEREAS, a bill entitled “Promotion of Resolution for Issues Concerning Victims of Wartime Sexual Coercion Act” was introduced to the House of Councilors in Japan, jointly by the Democratic Party of Japan, the Japanese Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party, and independent senators last June 9, 2004. The same bill was filed last March 21 and November 14, 2001 and January 21, 2003. However, the House of Councilors failed to adopt the bill;

WHEREAS, the main objective of the bill filed at the Japanese House of Councilors was to take immediate steps to restore the dignity and honor of women victims of wartime sexual slavery of the Japanese Imperial Army during the World War II. It aimed to provide the necessary fundamental grounds for the resolution of the issues concerning the victims of wartime sexual coercion that will improve the relationship of the peoples of the concerned nations and will enable Japan to occupy an honored place in the international community;

WHEREAS, the bill indicated measures to restore the honor which includes the announcement of the Japanese government of an apology for the violation and dignity of the victims of wartime sexual slavery and the implementation of necessary means to immediately restore their honor, including monetary compensation;

WHEREAS, the same measure will again be filed at the House of Councilors of Japan;

WHEREAS, the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea had already approved their resolution recommending the Japanese Diet to consider and enact the bill on the promotion for the resolution of issues concerning victims of wartime sexual coercion;

WHEREAS, the U.S. House of Representatives on July 31, 2007, approved its House Resolution 121 expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force’s coercion of young women into sexual slavery known to the world as “comfort women,” during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands form the 1930’s through the duration of World War II;

WHEREAS, the Government of Japan is a signatory to the 1921 International Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Women and Children and supported the 2000 United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security which recognized the unique impact of armed conflict on women;

WHEREAS, by following the step of the U.S. House of Representatives in passing Resolution No. 121, the Philippine government is demonstrating its earnest interest to help Filipino comfort women achieve justice they deserve and reclaim their dignity and that of the Filipino people;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES expresses its sense that the Philippine government urges the government of Japan to formally acknowledge, apologize and accept its responsibility over the sexual slavery of young women commonly known as comfort women by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II and provide compensation to the victims in the light of the adoption by the U.S. House of Representatives of House Resolution 121which states that Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize and accept historical responsibility in clear and unequivocal manner over its armed force’s coercion of young women into sexual slavery during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia, and in the light of the legislative initiatives in the House of Councilors of Japan seeking apology, compensation and immediate resolution of the issues concerning comfort women.

Adopted.

LIZA LARGOZA-MAZA
LUZVIMINDA C. ILAGAN
EDUARDO C. ZIALCITA
SATUR C. OCAMPO
TEODORO A. CASINO
CRISPIN B. BELTRAN

Writer Ninotchka Rosca

2007-08-17T07:05:00.000-04:00

Here is writer and activist Ninotchka Rosca's response to "Human Security" in the Philippines. Unconventional thoughts from an unconventional Filipina. Welcome home, Ninotch! Welcome home to the GabNet3!

LILA Pilipina Rallies in support of House Resolution 124

2007-08-15T13:14:00.000-04:00

Lola Narcisa Claveria, along with other members and advocates of LILA Pilipina, protest before the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines. She is still waiting for a direct and unequivocal apology from Japan.

The PHILIPPINE INQUIRER reports that Philippine Representatives Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan of the Gabriela Women’s party-list, Satur Ocampo and Teodoro Casiño of Bayan Muna (People First), Crispin Beltran of Anakpawis (Toiling Masses), Eduardo Zialcita of Parañaque, and Neil Tupas of Iloilo filed Resolution 124 following the US House of Representatives’ adoption of a similar measure.

House resolution on Japan apology to ‘comfort women’ filed (PHILIPPINE INQUIRER)

2007-08-15T13:11:00.000-04:00

By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 06:35pm (Mla time) 08/13/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- A resolution urging the Japanese government to formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept its responsibility for sexual slavery in World War II and compensate the victims was filed at the House of Representatives on Monday.

Representatives Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan of the Gabriela Women’s party-list, Satur Ocampo and Teodoro Casiño of Bayan Muna (People First), Crispin Beltran of Anakpawis (Toiling Masses), Eduardo Zialcita of Parañaque, and Neil Tupas of Iloilo filed Resolution 124 following the US House of Representatives’ adoption of a similar measure.

Last July 31, the US House approved Resolution 121 expressing its sense that the government of Japan “should formally acknowledge, apologize and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Forces’ coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as comfort women,” during World War II.

“Following the step of the US House of Representatives in passing Resolution 121, the Philippine government is demonstrating its earnest interest to help the Filipino comfort women achieve the justice they deserve and reclaim their dignity and that one of the Filipino people,” Resolution 124 said.

It has been more than a decade now, it noted, since the victims started clamoring for an official apology and legal redress from the Japanese government for the “unimaginable suffering they experienced in the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army.”

And while the Japanese government recognizes the issues concerning comfort women, the resolution lamented that it continued to assert that it had no obligation to compensate the victims since the matter had already been settled by the signing of the San Francisco Treaty and other bilateral treaties.

GABNET 3 RETURN TO THE US AFTER BEING CASUALTIES

2007-08-15T08:17:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release

August 14, 2007

Contact: Faith Santilla, faithsantilla@yahoo.com, (626) 353-2649; Milady Quito, gabnet3offthelist@yahoo.com

GABNET 3 RETURN TO THE US AFTER BEING CASUALTIES OF THE SO-CALLED PHILIPPINE “ANTI-TERROR LAW”

GABRIELA Network (GABNet) National Chairperson and USC Professor Dr. Annalisa Enrile was greeted by GABNet members, friends, family, lawyers and members of the media as she exited US Customs at the Tom Bradley International Terminal of LAX this evening. She and two other GABNet leaders, Judith Mirkinson and Ninotchka Rosca, all landed in the United States at approximately 8:30 PM local time, with Mirkinson and Rosca arriving in San Francisco.

At Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, the three human rights activists attempted to board flights back home to the US despite the fact that they had been placed on a “watchlist” by Philippine authorities. The women spent over an hour besieged by smug immigration authorities at the Ninoy Aquino Airport, until GABRIELA Women’s Partylist Representative Liza Maza and GABRIELA Attorney Alnie Foja intervened.

In spite of being denied the right to board her first flight on August 5th, US-born Enrile and the two other women were never informed of the reason their names appeared on a watchlist. The only reason they were targeted, the women speculate, is because of their efforts to defend human rights in the Philippines. “I am glad to be back home,” Dr. Enrile states, “but this will not discourage me from going back to the Philippines and exposing the tyrannical policies of the Macapagal-Arroyo regime.” Since President Macapagal Arroyo took office in 2001, there have been approximately 900 murders and disappearances of activists, clergy, labor leaders and their families, 90 of which were GABRIELA members or affiliates. The Philippines is also cited as being the most dangerous country for journalists after Iraq, according to the International Press Institute.

The timing of the intimidation and harassment of the GABNet 3 comes at a time when Macapagal-Arroyo’s controversial Human Security Act, also known as the Anti-Terror law, goes into effect. The much criticized Act contains language akin to martial law, such as the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, warrantless arrests, and so-called preventive detention.”

GABNet is a Philippine-U.S. solidarity mass organization that was established in 1989. ####

NEWS RELEASE: STILL NO JUSTICE FOR LOLAS 62 YEARS AFTER END OF WWII

2007-08-14T11:24:00.000-04:00

14 August 2007

STILL NO JUSTICE FOR LOLAS 62 YEARS AFTER END OF WWII
The elderly women of Lila Pilipina, organization of Filipino victims of Japanese war time atrocities, and members of the militant women’s group, GABRIELA held a protest action in front of the Japanese Embassy today in commemoration of the 62nd Anniversary of the Second World War.

“Justice remains elusive for the Filipina ‘comfort women.’ Many of the lola’s have died but we must continue the fight for justice. Otherwise, we will not learn from the lessons of history and more women will suffer the fate of ‘comfort women’.” This was according to Ritchelda Extremadura, Executive Director of Lila Pilipina.

“The fight for justice of the lola’s should be the fight of all Filipino women. Calling for justice means calling for an end to the victimization of women in times of war. It means calling for an end to wars of aggression,” said Joms Salvador, spokesperson of GABRIELA.

According to Salvador, studies show that 80% of those affected by war – killed, injured and traumatized – are women and children.

Meanwhile, Lila Pilipina lauds the Gabriela Women’s Party for filing a House Resolution for the Philippine Government to urge the Government of Japan to “formally acknowledge, apologize and accept its responsibility over the sexual slavery of young women commonly known as comfort women.”

“It has been decades since the first Filipino ‘comfort woman’ came out and sought justice but the Philippine government has yet to officially take a stand on the issue. It is shameful for any government which cannot stand up for its citizens aggrieved by foreign military,” said Extremadura.

The House Resolution was filed yesterday by Representatives Liza Maza and Luz Ilagan of Gabriela Women’s Party.

The protest action of Lila Pilipina and GABRIELA is also part of the Global Action Day Demonstration on the issue of “comfort women” on August 15. Simultaneous demonstrations are expected in Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, Seoul and Busan in South Korea, Australia, Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Taiwan and USA.

###

Reference:
Ritchelda Extremadura, Lila Pilipina Executive Director, 0915-5379579
Joms Salvador, GABRIELA Spokesperson, 371-2302 / 0918-6254080

Solons file resolution on comfort women issue (THE DAILY MANILA SHINBUN)

2007-08-14T01:07:00.000-04:00

MANILA -- Six lawmakers signed a resolution filed on Monday by a women’s partylist group asking Japan for a formal apology and acceptance of responsibility over the sexual slavery of young women by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.

“It has been over two decades since Filipino comfort women first found the courage to step up, reveal their ordeal and seek justice. It is indeed high time that the Philippine government take concrete steps to support our comfort women,” said Representatives Lisa Maza and Luz Ilagan of Gabriela party-list in a statement.

The resolution was also signed by Congressmen Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casino of Bayan Muna; Crispin Beltran of Anak Pawis ; Eduardo Zialcita of Paranaque and Niel Tupas of Ilo-Ilo.

”Last month, the US House Representatives has passed Resolution 121 calling on Japan to acknowledge,apologize and accept historical responsibility for its war crimes.What has the Philippine government done for our comfort women?” Maza asked.

Rep.Luzviminda Ilagan, explained that passing the resolution will help boost initiatives of Japanese legislators seeking to pass a bill entitled “Promotion of Resolution for Issues Concerning Victims of Wartime Sexual Coercion Act."
(Lourdes Ebilane/DMS)

Open Statement from the GABNet 3

2007-08-12T23:16:00.000-04:00

August 12, 2007

On August 5, 2007, agents of the Philippine government prevented one of us from boarding her return flight to the United States. The reason given was that she was on a nebulous "watchlist" and needed clearance from various and diverse Philippine government agencies. We would learn, subsequently, that two of the GABNet members visiting the Philippines – International Relations Officer Judith Mirkinson and nternational Spokesperson of the GABRIELA Purple Rose Campaign Against Sex trafficking of Filipinas Ninotchka Rosca -- were also on the watchlist, which contained over 500 names.

Considering the surrealistic situation we find ourselves in, where no one seems to be able to explain the nature of this "watchlist," the basis for being included in the "watchlist," and what the process is for getting "cleared" and off the list, even of who is actually responsible for the list, we would not be surprised if the list included imaginary men and women.

We would probably have looked at this experience as some kind of Harry Potter adventure, were it not for the perilous state of human rights in the Philippines, where some 90 women activists, organizers and leaders have been assassinated out of a total of nearly a thousand murdered, and where the second highest number of writers and media people have been killed in the world today. We are constrained to view with deep alarm the impunity with which the Philippine government has violated Dr. Enrile's civil and human rights, and the naked shamelessness with which it threatens to violate the civil and human rights of Ms. Mirkinson and Ms. Rosca, as well as various and diverse people on the so-called "watchlist," "blacklist" and "holdlist."

We are absolutely sure we are under attack because of our work as members of the US-Philippine women's solidarity mass organization GABRIELA Network which has consistently upheld militant sisterhood with GABRIELA Philippines for 18 years and with the Gabriela Women's Party since the latter's formation. We are absolutely certain that this violation of our civil and political rights is occasioned by our work in organizing women and women of Philippine ancestry; by our decade-long work against the traffic of Filipinas; and by our commitment to the securing of basic rights and the expansion of freedoms for all women, especially the women of the Philippines, as well as for the nation as a whole.

Because of this track record, certain personalities in the Philippine government have chosen to express their hatred of women and of freedom by violating and seeking to violate our human rights. We say to them, as well as pledge to those who support and continue to support us, that harassment and intimidation will fail. For far too long have working women been disempowered, dispossessed and reified. Not even by a single second will intimidation, harassment and human rights violations cause us to cease our work on behalf of the emancipation of womankind.

Governments of countries like the Philippines which survive on selling women in the international labor and sex trade markets absolutely hate and wish to destroy women like us, who insist on respect, dignity and equality for womankind. Governments of countries like the Philippines which consider women to be a disposable and surplus population absolutely hate and wish to destroy women like us who insist on an equal share of social, political and economic power for womankind. The violation of our rights as women and as human beings is therefore simply a small part of a general state of disrespect for human rights and women's rights prevalent in countries under governments like that of the Philippines.

We are deeply moved that our particular case has found resonance among peoples and organizations the world over. We thank GABRIELA Philippines, Gabriela Women's Party and most of all, our heart-sisters in GABRIELA Network for the support, outrage and clamor on our behalf. We thank ANSWER, friends in the National Lawyers Guild, the National Alliance of Philippine Women in Canada, Justice for Filipino-American Veterans, BAYAN Philippines, Pacific-Asian and North American Asian Women in Theology and Ministry, and others too numerous to name, for their support. Our most profound gratitude goes to individuals and organizations who approached this issue with respect for our persons, our situation and our work.

We wish to assure everyone we will continue to seek redress of our grievance and to assert our civil, political, human and women's rights. --###

Signed:

Annalisa Enrile
National Chairperson
GABRIELA Network

Ninotchka Rosca
International Spokesperon
GABRIELA Purple Rose Campaign

Judith Mirkinson
International Relations
GABRIELA Network

GABNet USA Chairperson Barred From Leaving Philippines

2007-08-10T10:10:00.000-04:00

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.

Here's a call to action from our sisters at GABNet. Gabriela is the grassroots feminist organization that worked hard to seek surviving "Comfort Women" in the Philippines and to encourage the victims to come forward so they might speak for themselves and for all of us. They are the original sponsoring organization for LILA Pilipina and continue to be the sponsoring organization for LILA Pilipina. GABNet is the United States extension of Gabriela. We know the lolas because of Gabriela.

Please use your words in support.

In peace, solidarity and respect,
Evelina

Dear GABNet members, allies and friends:

On August 5, 2007, GABRIELA Network USA National Chairperson Dr. Annalisa Enrile was barred from leaving the Philippines. She was not allowed to board her return flight home to the US. She was told that she is on a "watchlist." Two other GABNet women--Judith Mirkinson and Ninotchka Rosca--are reportedly on the same "watchlist."

Dr. Enrile, Ms. Mirkinson and Ms. Rosca were in the Philippines, along with other GABNet members and officers, for the 10th bi-annual Women's Solidarity Affair in the Philippines. The GABNet 3 also led the GABNet-co-sponsored human rights mission to the Philippines with US women lawyers in May-June 2006.

We are demanding that the Philippine government "release" the GABNet 3 and allow them to return home. We need your HELP in pressuring the US Embassy and the US Ambassador to the Philippines to act on behalf of these 3 US citizens/permanent resident and demand that the Philippines "release" them at once.

ACTION - WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY, AUGUST 9TH: FAX the US Embassy, American Citizen Service, 011 63 2 522-3242 and/or Ambassador Kenney, 011 63 2 522-4361. Below is a sample letter. Please re-word. And please distribute this call to action far and wide. Stay tuned for more action/s.

In militant sisterhood...

Maureen Ivy Quicho
Coordinator, GABNet Los Angeles
=======================================================
GABRIELA Network - Los Angeles Chapter
A US-Philippine Women's Solidarity Mass Organization
PO Box 3032
Cerritos, CA 90703-3032
email: losangeles@gabnet.org
web: www.gabnet.org
=======================================================

*** GABRIELA Network is a Philippine-US women's solidarity mass organization since 1989. GABNet provides the means by which Filipinas in the US can empower themselves, functions as training ground for women's leadership, and articulates the women's point of view. GABNet effects change through organizing, educating, fundraising, networking, and advocacy.

It also commemorates Gabriela Silang, known as one of the first and fiercest women generals in the Philippines who led the longest series of successful revolts against 18th Century Spanish colonizers.

GABNet-US is an all-volunteer organization of women with chapters in Chicago, Irvine, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, Portland, San Diego, and San Francisco/Bay Area,
***

An Image of Lee Yong-Soo

2007-08-03T09:28:00.000-04:00

above: 121 Coalition leader Annabel Park, surviving "Comfort Woman" Lee Yong-Soo and myself, M. Evelina Galang after the historic House of Representative vote to pass House Res. 121.

Inside the carpet was royal blue. The high domed-ceilings bore historic images the colors of antique America. We looked down into the room and saw rows of empty seats, places where the House of Representatives sat. A handful of them were scattered among the floor, sitting under bright pockets of light, settled into dark wood desks and thick carved chairs. From the gallery, I could see the back of Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, senior ranking member on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, my Coral Gables representative.

We joined fifty more coalition members on the right balcony facing the Speaker of the House. Across from us were another fifty Asian Americans. A series of tourists shuffled in and out of rows, sometimes whispering, sometimes pushing loudly on doors and backs of chairs.

Across from me, a football field away, with the House of Representatives below us Annabel Park, 121 National Coalition leader, crawled from seat to seat, strategizing with other coalition members. Lee Yong-Soo, the only surviving “Comfort Woman” present was sitting in the second row directly across from me. A pink shawl wrapped around her torso as if to mark her as our special angel. It seemed to me, there was light all around her. She looked so much smaller than the rest. A young Korean woman rested her head on the old woman’s shoulder, and whispered translations in her ear.

Below us the Representatives began to rise and speak.

The tourists came and went.

My eyes went back and forth – from the shock of Chairman Tom Lantos’ white hair, to the movement of Congressman Mike Honda running back and forth across the floor, to the steady form of Representative Ros-Lehtinen as she delivered her address. And in between the movement on the House Floor, I kept my eye on Lee Yong-Soo.

I watched the way her body shifted and the way the pink shawl fell and dipped about her body. Were the words moving her? Was she uncomfortable? Could she hear? I wondered what it was like to have these American words turned inside out and shaped into Korean and hissed into your ear? Now and then she dabbed her eye with a white handkerchief.

What would it be like to fill these empty seats up with 200,000 spirits – young girls, old women, some of them alive and breathing like Lee Yong-Soo and some of them shapeless forms of white light, now spinning balls of energy, now ghosts. What would it be like to fly the remaining lolas of LILA Pilipina to Washington DC – maybe twenty of them -- and seat them closest to the railings parallel to the Speaker of the House? They would know from the way the Congresspersons delivered their words what was the truth, if they were supporting them or fighting them.

As I listened to the speakers rise, I imagined their words loose and dancing across the room, transforming into each of the 200,000 women’s mother tongue – Tagalog, Kapampangan, Ilocano. Chinese, Korean, Japanese. Dutch, Malaysian, English.

How long they’ve waited to hear these words – in any language, at any time. How long. How long they've waited for Japan to wake up, to hear them, to apologize. Will it happen now?

Later that afternoon, I stood next to Lee Yong-Soo amid the other 121 Coalition members. Under the hot Washington sun, we held a press conference, with our spokesperson, Daniel Lee before us and the others surrounding us. I looked into her eyes and squeezed her hand. I leaned into her and I whispered as if praying, “Thank you.” I did not know her Korean words, nor did she speak my English or my mixed up version of Tagalog. Still, she pressed her face against mine. She kissed my cheek.

Call by U.S. House for Sex Slavery Apology Angers Japan’s Leader (NYT)

2007-08-03T07:53:00.000-04:00

By NORIMITSU ONISHI
Published: August 1, 2007

TOKYO, Wednesday, Aug. 1 — Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed some irritation on Tuesday at the resolution approved by the House of Representatives in Washington that calls on Japan to acknowledge its wartime sex slavery. His reaction indicated strongly that the Japanese government would not offer surviving victims an official apology.

“The resolution’s approval was regrettable,” said Mr. Abe, who caused a furor in Asia and the United States in March by denying that the Japanese military had directly coerced women into sex slavery in World War II.

News of the approval, which had been expected, came as Mr. Abe faced more calls to resign as prime minister after the crushing defeat of his governing Liberal Democratic Party in the election on Sunday for the upper house of Parliament.

On Wednesday morning, Norihiko Akagi, the scandal-ridden agriculture minister, resigned, admitting that he had contributed to Mr. Abe’s loss on Sunday.

Asked whether he would comply with the House resolution’s demand for an official apology, Mr. Abe said: “The 20th century was an era in which human rights were violated. I would like to make the 21st century into an era with no human rights violations.”

On Monday, the House unanimously passed the nonbinding resolution strongly urging the Japanese government to “formally acknowledge” and “apologize” for its military’s “coercion of women into sexual slavery.” Japan had lobbied hard against the resolution in Washington, warning that it could harm relations.

Mr. Abe has expressed sympathy for the former sex slaves. But he has consistently refused to acknowledge the military’s role in directly coercing women into sex slavery despite historical evidence and the testimony of many of the women.

Some of the former sex slaves, known euphemistically as “comfort women” in Japan, and their advocates welcomed the resolution. But they expressed anger at Mr. Abe’s response.

“Abe denies that they were the ones who violated the women,” said Jan Ruff O’Herne, 84, a Dutch woman who was forced into sex slavery in Indonesia. “I didn’t expect anything better from him than that.”

“But this resolution puts enormous pressure on the Japanese government,” Ms. Ruff said by phone from her home in Adelaide, Australia. “I’m still hoping that something will happen because the women are getting old, and we deserve a proper apology.”

Gil Won-ok, 78, a South Korean who was forced into sex slavery in northeast China, said from Seoul, “Truth survives and lies never win.”

Parliament has never endorsed an official apology and acknowledgment of its sex slavery, the central demand in the House resolution, though past prime ministers have issued letters of apology to some former sex slaves.

This spring, Mr. Abe rejected any demand for an apology. But since then, he has avoided discussing the issue in detail. He has repeated that many human rights violations occurred in the last century, angering former sex slaves and their supporters who say his comments were meant to play down Japan’s crimes.

“Abe really does not know his history,” said Nelia Sancho, leader of Lolas Kampanyera, a group supporting former sex slaves in Manila. “In order to create a world without human rights violations, each state has to learn from its past mistakes and, most importantly, it has to redress its past violations. Until that is done, the 21st century will not become an era with no human rights violations.”

Statement from Congressman Mike Honda

2007-08-01T23:38:00.000-04:00

15th District - CALIFORNIA
For Immediate Release Contact: Jennifer VanderHeide
August 1, 2007 202.225.2631

HOUSE PASSES COMFORT WOMEN RESOLUTION
Washington DC - This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed unanimously H.Res. 121, a resolution calling on the government of Japan to deliver an apology for its sexual enslavement of “comfort women” during World War II. The House of Representatives has never before considered such a resolution, which garnered 168 bipartisan cosponsors and was not opposed on the House floor during its consideration.

Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), sponsor of the bill, made the following statement upon the bill’s passage:

“Today is a truly historic occasion. I am thrilled that the Members of the House of Representatives passed H.Res. 121. In doing so, this deliberative body sent a clear message to our good friend, the government of Japan, that historical reconciliation is not just a concept to be championed, but has very real consequences in the lives of the many women institutionally victimized during World War II.

“The Japanese Imperial Armed Forces coerced some 200,000 ‘comfort women’ into sexual slavery. The women endured gang rape, forced abortions, humiliation, and sexual violence resulting in mutilation, death, or eventual suicide. To this date, they have still not received a proper apology from the government of Japan. The passage of H.Res. 121 marks an important step forward in the healing process for these women, and brings us closer to demanding accountability and justice for present-day crimes against women and young girls. One need only look to Darfur, Bosnia, and East Timor for contemporary examples of such abuses. Historical reconciliation is crucial to prevent future atrocities.

“Supporters of H.Res. 121 flew to Washington, DC for this momentous occasion from all over the country. Community advocates, joined by Ms. Yong-Soo Lee, a survivor of the ‘comfort stations,’ watched with strong emotions from the House gallery as Members of Congress spoke in support of their cause. I myself witnessed the beginnings of the reconciliation and healing process as I embraced Ms. Lee after the voice vote.

“This has been a long personal journey for me, as I have advocated for reconciliation since my time in the California State Assembly. In 1999, I authored Assembly Joint Resolution 27, which called on Congress to urge the Japanese government to issue an apology for the victims of the Rape of Nanking, ‘comfort women,’ and POWs who were used as slave laborers. That resolution was ultimately passed. I also want to recognize the hard work of my former colleague Mr. Lane Evans, who has been a longtime advocate on behalf of the ‘comfort women.’

“Stronger friendships among nations are also forged when we remind each other of our mistakes and share our lessons learned. The twentieth century was full of human rights atrocities during times of war. Only by honoring the memory of these atrocities will we be able to continue challenging nations of today to abide by shared human rights norms. I sincerely hope that the government of Japan will formally, officially, and unambiguously apologize to the comfort women with an open mind and an open heart.”

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 07/30/07 Pages H8870-H8876

2007-08-01T22:13:00.000-04:00

On Monday, July 30, 2007 I sat in the gallery with 100 other members of the 121 Coalition and I listened to our House of Representatives remark on the need to pass House Res. 121.

After knowing the women of LILA Pilipina for 8 years, after hearing the testimonies and visiting the sites of abduction in the Philippines -- the churches and schools, the town halls and private homes taken from Filipino citizens during the Japanese occupation and turned into "comfort stations," after witnessing the passing of nearly twenty lolas, and fighting in my own private way for the justice of the lolas, I sat and I listened to our leaders express their own understanding of the "Comfort Women" experience.

My heart swelled with the understanding that came from our men and women in Congress. I knew that at the very least, this historic moment was one where the 200,000 women and girls all over Asia were being recognized and honored. I knew that what we were creating a historical record denouncing these inhumane atrocities of war -- abduction and sexual abuse for the comfort of soldiers. No matter how desperately the government of Japan denies the truth, the truth is now on record.

I urge you to read the Congressional Record on House Res. 121, to hear the words of our leaders, our Representatives who have witnessed the testimonies of three women and have explored the history of the "Comfort Women" system and have read the letters and petitions of thousands of their constituents.

It is important to begin the documentation of this history of the "Comfort Women" of World War II.

It was a good day to be in Washington.

Thank you House Speaker Pelosi for bringing House Res. 121 to the floor.

Thank you Chairman Tom Lantos for your leadership and for "ushering" this bill from the House Committee on Foreign Affairs through Congress.

Thank you Congressman Eni Faleomavega, Chairman of the Asia, Pacific and Global Environment Subcommittee for your compassionate leadership.

Thank you Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, ranking senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and our Congresswoman from Florida for your keen insight and steady leadership on this matter.

Thank you Congressman Mike Honda for never giving up on this issue, for authoring House Res. 121 and honoring all 200,000 women and girls who were taken against their will.

Thank you to the 167 bi-partisan co-sponsors of this most historic bill.
Your words are powerful tools. Thank you.

Read the transcripts and see what I mean.

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE pgs. H8870-H8876 July 30, 2007

SENSE OF HOUSE THAT JAPAN SHOULD APOLOGIZE FOR ITS IMPERIAL ARMED FORCE’S COERCION OF YOUNG WOMEN INTO SEXUAL SLAVERY

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 121) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force’s coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as ‘‘comfort women,’’during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 930s through the duration of World War II, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the resolution. The text of the resolution is as follows:

H. RES. 121
Whereas the Government of Japan, during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II, officially commissioned the acquisition of young women for the sole purpose of sexual servitude to its Imperial Armed Forces, who became known to the world as ianfu or ‘‘comfort women’’;

Whereas the ‘‘comfort women’’ system of forced military prostitution by the Government of Japan, considered unprecedented in its cruelty and magnitude, included gang rape, forced abortions, humiliation, and sexual violence resulting in mutilation, death, or eventual suicide in one of the largest cases of human trafficking in the 20th century;

Whereas some new textbooks used in Japanese schools seek to downplay the ‘‘comfort women’’ tragedy and other Japanese war crimes during World War II;

Whereas Japanese public and private officials have recently expressed a desire to dilute or rescind the 1993 statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono on the ‘‘comfort women’’, which expressed the Government’s sincere apologies and remorse for their ordeal;

Whereas the Government of Japan did sign the 1921 International Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Women and Children and supported the 2000 United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security which recognized the unique impact on women of armed conflict;

Whereas the House of Representatives commends Japan’s efforts to promote human security, human rights, democratic values, and rule of law, as well as for being a supporter of Security Council Resolution 1325;

Whereas the United States-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of United States security interests in Asia and the Pacific and is fundamental to regional stability and prosperity;

Whereas, despite the changes in the post-cold war strategic landscape, the United States -Japan alliance continues to be based on shared vital interests and values in the Asia-Pacific region, including the preservation and promotion of political and economic freedoms, support for human rights and democratic institutions, and the securing of prosperity for the people of both countries and the international community;

Whereas the House of Representatives commends those Japanese officials and private citizens whose hard work and compassion resulted in the establishment in 1995 of Japan’s private Asian Women’s Fund;

Whereas the Asian Women’s Fund has raised $5,700,000 to extend ‘‘atonement’’ from
the Japanese people to the comfort women; and

Whereas the mandate of the Asian Women’s Fund, a government-initiated and largely government-funded private foundation whose purpose was the carrying out of programs and projects with the aim of atonement for the maltreatment and suffering of the ‘‘comfort women’’, came to an end on March 31, 2007, and the Fund has been disbanded as of that date:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan—

(1) should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Forces’ coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as ‘‘comfort women’’, during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration
of World War II;

(2) would help to resolve recurring questions about the sincerity and status of prior statements if the Prime Minister of Japan were to make such an apology as a public
statement in his official capacity;

(3) should clearly and publicly refute any claims that the sexual enslavement and trafficking of the ‘‘comfort women’’ for the Japanese Imperial Armed Forces never occurred; and

(4) should educate current and future generations about this horrible crime while following the recommendations of the international community with respect to the ‘‘comfort women’’.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from California (Mr. LANTOS) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes.

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.

GENERAL LEAVE

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from California?

There was no objection.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, let me first commend my good friend and our distinguished colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. HONDA), for introducing this very important resolution and for all his hard work to give voice to the so-called ‘‘comfort women.’’

Mr. Speaker, the true strength of a nation is tested when it is forced to confront the darkest chapters in its history. Will it have the courage to face up to the truth of its own past, or will it run from that truth in the foolish hope that truth will fade with time.
The Government of Japan’s unwillingness to offer a formal and unequivocal apology to the women forced by its Army to be sex slaves during World War II stands in stark contrast to Japan’s positive role in the world today.

Japan is a proud global leader and a valued ally of the United States, which makes its unwillingness to account honestly for this part of its past all the more perplexing.

The U.S.-Japan relationship, Mr. Speaker, is the bedrock of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Our reliance and friendship are based on mutual respect and admiration. And together, we have helped promote our shared values of democracy, economic opportunity and human rights throughout Asia. Yet Japan’s refusal to make an official government apology once and for all to the women who suffered as so-called ‘‘comfort women’’ is disturbing to everyone who values the U.S.-Japan relationship.

No nation can disregard its own past, neither the actions of a few nor the actions of many. Inhumane deeds should be fully acknowledged, a spotlight shined on the whole truth. This is essential to national reconciliation, and it helps the victims to heal. Withholding that acknowledgment only compounds the cruelty.

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Post-war Germany, with the most horrendous crimes in its history, made the right choice. Japan, on the other hand, has actively promoted historical amnesia.

The facts, Mr. Speaker, are plain. There can be no denying that the Japanese Imperial military coerced thousands upon thousands of Asian women, primarily Chinese and Koreans, into sexual slavery during the Second World War.

The continued efforts by some in Japan to distort and deny history and play a game of blame-the-victim are nauseating. Those who posit that all of the ‘‘comfort women’’ were happily complicit and acting of their own accord simply don’t understand the meaning of the word ‘‘rape.’’

On June 14, members of the Japanese Government took out a shocking advertisement in The Washington Post that attempted to smear the survivors of the comfort women system, including those who bravely testified before our own House Foreign Affairs Committee. The ad suggested that these women, who were forcibly and repeatedly raped by soldiers, were engaged in ‘‘licensed prostitution that was commonplace around the world at the time.’’ This is a ludicrous and infuriating assertion.

Our resolution calls on the Government of Japan officially to acknowledge and to apologize for the appalling acts that Imperial Japan committed against the so-called ‘‘comfort women.’’ It seeks admission of an appalling truth. Failure to do so would signal to others around the globe that such horrors can be perpetrated again and treated just as cavalierly as they have been in this case.

But most importantly, Mr. Speaker, it speaks out for the victims of this monstrous system who were terrorized and brutalized by men at war. It gives voice to these courageous women whom others have tried to silence through shame, bigotry, and threats of further violence.

It is appropriate that this House stand up for these women who ask only that the truth be honored. The world awaits a full reckoning of history from the Japanese Government.
I strongly support this resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise also in support of this resolution, which strikes an important balance, protecting the integrity of history and recognizing present-day reality. It also addresses an issue of great significance for the peoples of the Asia Pacific region.

The tragedy of the ‘‘comfort women,’’ the thousands of Asian and European women forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during the first half of the 20th century, was a horrific crime. For the surviving ‘‘comfort women’’ these issues are not historical; they are profoundly personal. Some of them were in our Foreign Affairs Committee when this bill was marked up. Attempts to deny or minimize these facts are a disservice to future generations.

The case of Darfur, which we spoke about earlier today, Mr. Speaker, reminds us all that the issue of the use of military force to abuse women, to abuse children through rape and exploitation is one which we need to look at and one which unfortunately continues to this very day.

At the same time, the resolution makes clear that Japan has been a vital ally of the United States and a generous benefactor of the international community through several decades. It has been a strong ally of the United States on issues relating to, for example, nonproliferation.

It was recently reported that three Japanese banks have stopped engaging in any new business with Iran and that Japanese financial institutions are restricting loans and rejecting an Iranian request to pay for oil imports in currency other than dollars.

So we are proud of the U.S.-Japan alliance and grateful for the friendship of the people of Japan. At the same time, we should also recognize that the issue of unresolved historic grievances from the Pacific war is one that cannot be ignored. It is through reconciliation of these issues that our Asian allies can work constructively together, as is the case with our European allies, and the achievement of regional harmony is in America’s vital national security interests.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to my good friend and our distinguished colleague from California (Mr. HONDA), the principal author of this important resolution.

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my unconditional and heartfelt support for those euphemistically known to the world as “comfort women.’’

Let me at the outset thank Chairman LANTOS; the vice chair of the subcommittee, ENI FALEOMAVAEGA; and the ranking member, ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN. I really appreciate your support and your strong, clear statements. Today, the House will make history as we consider the passage of H. Res. 121, a resolution I introduced which seeks an official apology for what the ‘‘comfort women’’ endured under Japan’s Imperial Armed Forces during World War II.

On this day, I must recognize my good friend and mentor and former colleague, Representative Lane Evans, whose irreproachable character gave these women hope. The legacy of his spirit has remained with me throughout this incredible journey, during which it has been my personal honor to have carried this torch, and I know that his spirit is with me today too. If he is watching, I would like to thank him for his unparalleled courage and tireless efforts to bring justice and the restoration of dignity to the ‘‘comfort women’’ survivors. Lane, semper fi.

I would also like to recognize Ms. Lee Yong-Soo, a survivor of the comfort stations who is here today with us. Ms. Lee has been a stalwart and passionate advocate for herself and her fellow survivors.

On February 15 of this year, Ms. Lee was joined by Ms. Jan Ruff-O’Herne and Ms. Kim Koon-Ja as witnesses in a hearing before the Asia, the Pacific and Global Environment Subcommittee, chaired by my good friend ENI FALEOMAVAEGA. I would also like to thank him and Chairman TOM LANTOS for their outspoken support for these women.

The survivors’ riveting and gut-wrenching testimony about the horrors they endured as former ‘‘comfort women’’ brought us all to tears and impacted me profoundly. Their courage and indomitable spirit will continue to inspire me every day.

Mr. Speaker, today the House will send a message to the Government of Japan that it should deliver an official, unequivocal, unambiguous apology for the indignity the ‘‘comfort women’’ suffered.

Too many times we’ve seen women victimized by war and conflict. The experience of these women is a vivid reminder that the human rights of women around the world are never fully secure. We know that rape, sexual abuse and sometimes murder of women and girls in war are still committed by armies in various countries. One thinks of Darfur, Bosnia, and East Timor. We must teach future generations that we cannot allow this to happen.

Mr. Speaker, encouraging our good friend and ally, the Government of Japan, to officially and unequivocally apologize is, in my mind, my heart and the minds and hearts of all those concerned about protecting human rights, the right thing to do.

I have always believed that reconciliation is the first step in the healing process, and I am proud to be here today on this truly historic occasion to continue to advocate with every fabric of my being for that principle.

I urge my colleagues to join me in support of protecting and defending the human rights of ‘‘comfort women’’ by voting ‘‘yes’’ on H. Res. 121.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS).

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 121. I want to thank Mr. HONDA, the chief sponsor for this legislation, Chairman LANTOS, Ms. ROS- LEHTINEN, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGAand others who have helped bring this to the floor.

This resolution is long overdue. I’m a proud cosponsor of this resolution because it is time for these women to tell their story to the world. It is time for the world to know how horribly humans can treat other humans in times of war and conflict, and it is time for the Government of Japan to own up to the wrongs that it committed toward these women.

During World War II, between 100,000 and 200,000 women were abducted from their homes in Japan and occupied lands, including Korea and China and the Philippines, and forced into the sex trade for the benefit of the Japanese Army. To deny this tragedy is to allow it to happen again. We prevent history from repeating itself only when we actually learn from history, not when we try to deny and obfuscate the truth.

When U.S. Government placed Americans of Japanese descent into internment camps in World War II, we were wrong; and we have since apologized to the families of those victims. This is the measure of responsible leadership.

When we implore our friends across the Pacific to apologize for their many mistakes, we ask for no more than what we as Americans are willing to do ourselves.

Japan has been a strong ally of the United States for years, and I believe both countries have benefited greatly from that relationship. However, it is a true friend that will tell another when it is wrong, and I believe the United States has an obligation as an ally to Japan to stand up against this atrocity and to reveal to the world in appropriate fashion.

It is time for the stories of the ‘‘comfort women’’ to be told. It is because these courageous women are speaking out and refusing to be silenced that the United States and the world can finally learn why this issue is so important and why we must never allow it to be repeated ever again on this planet. I urge support for this resolution.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to my good friend, the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee of Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, ENI FALEOMAVAEGA.

(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished chairman of our House Foreign Affairs Committee, my good friend and chairman, TOM LANTOS, and also our senior ranking member, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, for their leadership and efforts in bringing H. Res. 121 to the floor today. I also want to thank our colleagues, and the gentleman from California especially as the chief sponsor of this legislation, which has the support of some146 Members, both Republicans and Democrats, fully supporting the provisions of this resolution.

I also want to note, this resolution was previously passed by the International Relations Committee in the last Congress, under the able leadership of our previous chairman, the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. HYDE.

And I would be remiss if I did not also mention the name of another gentleman from Illinois, my good friend Mr. Lane Evans, who was also a champion of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 121 seeks to express the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Forces coercion of teenage girls and young women into a sexual slavery, euphemistically known as ‘‘comfort women,’’ system during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific islands from the late 1930s throughout the duration of World War II.

On February 7 of this year, the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment held a hearing on H. Res. 121, the first time ever in the history of the United States Congress that three surviving ‘‘comfort women’’ testified for the record.

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Ms. Lee Yong-Soo is with us today, and I want to especially commend her and Ms. Koon Kim Lee and Ms. Jan Ruff O’Herne for their courage and their faith and their belief that one day their story would be told and, in part, their suffering would be set right. I encourage the world to read their moving testimony, which has brought us to this moment when the United States of America will stand arm in arm with these noble women in demanding an official apology from the Government of Japan.

The comfort women system organized, managed and administered by the Imperial Army of Japan is considered one of the 20th century’s most extensive cases of human trafficking and ignored violations of human rights. It was unprecedented in its cruelty and magnitude as teenage girls and young women were raped, systematically beaten, tortured, drugged, mutilated and sometimes even murdered.

According to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army abducted and forced some 200,000 young teenage girls and young women from Korea, from China, from the Philippines, from Indonesia, from the Dutch Indies, and other women, forced them into sexual enslavement and abuse.

Today the Government of Japan contends that it has apologized and accepted responsibility for its atrocities. But it wasn’t until 1980s and the 1990s that major publications in Japan began to describe the details of the comfort women, and it also wasn’t until 1992 in response to these developments that Japan’s Chief Secretary, cabinet secretary, Yahei Kono, issued an official statement. After a 2-year period, the foreign ministry of Japan conducted this research, and it did make the admission.

I would include for the RECORD the full statement of Chief Secretary Kono regarding the 2-year study by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1993, after a two-year study by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the supervision of the Chief Secretary of Cabinet, an equivalent to the Chief-of- Staff of the White House, Mr. Yahei Kon stated:

The Government of Japan has been conducting a study on the issue of wartime ‘‘comfort women’’ since December 1991. I wish to announce the findings as a result of that study.

As a result of the study which indicates that comfort stations were operated in extensive areas for long periods, it is apparent that there existed a great number of comfort women. Comfort stations were operated in response to the request of the military authorities of the day. The then Japanese military was, directly or indirectly, involved in the establishment and management of the comfort stations and the transfer of comfort women. The recruitment of the comfort women was conducted mainly by private recruiters who acted in response to the request of the military. The Government study has revealed that in many cases they were recruited against their own will, through coaxing coercion, etc., and that, at times, administrative/military personnel directly took part in the recruitments. They lived in misery at comfort stations under a coercive atmosphere.

As to the origin of those comfort women who were transferred to the war areas, excluding those from Japan, those from the Korean Peninsula accounted for a large part. The Korean Peninsula was under Japanese rule in those days, and their recruitment, transfer, control, etc., were conducted generally against their will, through coaxing, coercion, etc.

Undeniably, this was an act, with the involvement of the military authorities of the day, that severely injured the honor and dignity of many women. The Government of Japan would like to take this opportunity once again to extend its sincere apologies and remorse to all those, irrespective of place of origin, who suffered immeasurable pain and incurable physical and psychological wounds as comfort women.

It is incumbent upon us, the Government of Japan, to continue to consider seriously, while listening to the views of learned circles, how best we can express this sentiment. We shall face squarely the historical facts as described above instead of evading them, and take them to heart as lessons of history. We hereby reiterated our firm determination never to repeat the same mistake by forever engraving such issues in our memories through the study and teaching of history. As actions have been brought to court in Japan and interests have been shown in this issue outside Japan, the Government of Japan shall continue to pay full attention to this matter, including private researched related thereto.

The Kono statement is often cited as Japan’s official apology, although it was never endorsed officially by any of Japan’s prime ministers and members of cabinets. At the time the chief cabinet secretary was considered part press secretary, part chief of staff but never an official member of cabinet, nor can he ever present himself as an acting prime minister.

2001, Prime Minister Koizumi issued a statement. However, only statements approved by the cabinet and not the prime minister, are a definitive expression of government policy in Japan. Without the approval of the cabinet, all declarations of contrition are considered only personal views.

I want to close my statement and to say this: Someone once said, ‘‘The greatness of a nation is not necessarily measured by its accomplishments, by its ability, but by its ability to face honestly its mistakes of the past and then take appropriate action to correct them.’’

I sincerely hope that this will be taken seriously by our good friends and the leadership of the Government of Japan.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman TOM LANTOS of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and our Senior Ranking Member, Ms. ROS- LEHTINEN, for their leadership and efforts in bringing H. Res. 121 to the floor today. I also want to thank our colleague, the gentleman from California, Mr. HONDA, for his sponsorship of this bill which has the bipartisan support of some 146 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

I also want to make note that this resolution was previously passed by the International Relations Committee in the last Congress under the able leadership of our previous Chairman, the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Henry Hyde. I would be remiss if I did not also mention the name of our former colleague and friend, Mr. Lane Evans also from Illinois, who championed this bill for years.

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 121 seeks to express the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force’s coercion of teenage girls and young women into sexual slavery, euphemistically known as the ‘‘comfort women’’ system, during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from 1930s and through the duration of World War II.

On February 15, 2007, the Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Global Environment held a hearing on H. Res. 121, and, for the first time ever in the history of the U.S. Congress, three surviving comfort women testified for the record.

Ms. Young Soo Lee is with us today and I want to especially commend her and Ms. Koon Kim and Ms. Jan Ruff O’Herne for their courage and their faith and their belief that one day their story would be told and, in part, their suffering would be set right. I encourage the world to read their moving testimony which has brought us to this moment when the United States of America will stand arm in arm with these noble women in demanding an official apology from the Government of Japan.

The ‘‘comfort women’’ system, organized, managed and administered by the Imperial Army of Japan, is considered to be one of the 20th century’s most extensive cases of human trafficking and ignored violations of human rights. It was unprecedented in its cruelty and magnitude as teen-age girls and young women were systematically raped, beaten, tortured, drugged, mutilated, and sometimes murdered. According to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army, abducted and forced some 200,000 young teenage girls and young women from Korea, China, the Philippines, Indonesian, Dutch, and other women—forced them into sexual enslavement and abuse.

Today, the Government of Japan contends that it has apologized and accepted responsibility for its atrocities. But it wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that major publications in Japan began to describe the details of the ‘‘comfort women’’ system and that countries occupied by Japan also began to speak out about it. I wasn’t until 1992, in response to these developments, that Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono issued a statement.

This ‘‘Kono Statement’’ is often cited as Japan’s official apology although it was never endorsed officially by any of Japan’s prime ministers and their cabinets. At the time, the Chief Cabinet Secretary was considered part Press Secretary, part Chief of Staff, and never an official member of Cabinet, nor can he ever present himself as an Acting Prime Minister.

In 2001, Prime Minister Koizumi issued a statement. However, only statements approved by the Cabinet, not the Prime Minister, are a definitive expression of government policy in Japan. Without the approval of the Cabinet, all declarations of contrition are considered only personal views.

Interestingly, as this topic has gained widespread attention as result of February’s hearing, both the Japanese government and press have ignored the fact that Members of Congress now understand both Japan’s legislative system and history of the Comfort Women tragedy. We are not ignorant, as some reporters have suggested. We know what does and does not constitute an official apology. We are also aware of the propaganda being churned out by the Japanese press intent on revising history by denying the validity of the ‘‘Comfort Women’’ controversy.

This year, Prime Minister Abe denied the existence of sexual slave camps. Then he retracted his statement because of pressure from leaders of the Asia-Pacific region. Now he says that he ‘‘respects’’ the finding of the Kono Report of 1993. What does this mean? I have a special love and affinity for the people of Japan. But more sacred to me is our obligation to emphasize the fact a systematic abduction and raping and abuse of women as a weapon of war is totally unacceptable, and I believe the people of Japan agree. In fact, it can be argued that H. Res. 121 reflects the will of the Japanese people. In the only survey that the Japanese press appears to have published on the Comfort Women issue, in 2001, Fuji TV’s Hodo asked respondents if they thought Japan has apologized sufficiently. 43.8 percent answered no, 37.2 percent answered yes.

Some may say the past is the past and that the U.S. is also an offender and violator of human rights. Maybe this is so. But nowhere in recorded history has the U.S. military command as a matter of policy issued a directives allowing for the coercion of teenage girls and young women into sexual slavery or forced prostitution. On the other hand, this is exactly what the Japanese military high command did and it is an affront to truth for any government to downplay its history.

Civilized society cannot allow history to be revised or denied under any circumstances. Regardless of what bearing this, or any other issue, may have on bilateral relations, or U.S. foreign policy, civilized society has a moral obligation to remember, to give voice to those who have suffered, to pay living tribute to victims past and present, to defend human rights.

Otherwise we run the risk of holocaust. Today, I want to commend my colleagues for their support and to call upon the Prime Minister of Japan and his Cabinet to issue a formal apology. No amount of money, not even payments set up by private Japanese contributions or the Asian Women’s Fund, can atone for the suffering of the thousands of women victimized at the hands of Japan’s Imperial Forces before and during, World War II.

While I support any woman’s right to lay claim to these funds, I do not believe the Japanese government should suggest that a monetary payment can make right a moral wrong.

So, for me, any and all discussions about the Asian Women’s Fund sufficing as an act of apology falls short of what is relevant. What is relevant is that Japan acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility for its Imperial Armed Force’s coercion of teenage girls and young women into sexual slavery during its occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands during WWII.

Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by sharing with my colleagues this statement—someone once said that, “The greatness of a nation is not necessarily measured by its accomplishments, but by its ability to face honestly its mistakes of the past, and then take appropriate action to correct them.’’

Again, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. PEARCE).

Mr. PEARCE. I thank the gentlelady from Florida for yielding time and also thank Mr. LANTOS.

Mr. Speaker, we have to ask ourselves exactly why would we be interested in this particular thing today. Some might claim that it’s an old circumstance, that it existed too far in the past. Others might say that it simply is not our right, not our position, to enter into the discussion.

As far as it being too far in the past, many times I go into the district of New Mexico, the Second District of New Mexico, and I bump into people from the Vietnam era, people my age. I was there in the 1970s, I flew in Vietnam. Many, many have hearts broken by the way a Nation treated them, and just a word of encouragement, just a word of saying welcome home, brother, brings tears that flow down men and women’s cheeks from long ago past.

We have a responsibility to impact those circumstances which were not right, which were not just, and no better person than Mr. LANTOS to be talking about this today, because he understands that. He’s a steady, quiet voice for reason. Regarding Ms. LEE, who is with us today, I would remember the words of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who said that the simple step of a courageous individual is not to take part in the lie. One word of truth outweighs the entire world.

He went on in that same talk to say that one person of truth impacts the whole world. So I think that we are called to quietly visit with our friends, the Japanese, and I think they are very good friends. I think that we, as good friends, should quietly say, Friend, it’s time to acknowledge; it’s time to apologize; it’s time to speak. Because the healing just doesn’t occur on the recipient’s part, on those persons who were wronged; the healing begins in the heart of those who have perpetrated the actions.

Admission brings a certain humbleness that each one of us begins to recognize that we are not above righteousness, we are not above rightness, that we are not above justice, truth. No single one of us is. So if we find ourselves at this curious point saying to a long-time trusted friend, It’s time to acknowledge; it’s time to apologize; it’s time to recognize what we have done and to change, it’s not a very harsh statement. It’s not one taken in anger, but it is one taken with the noblest of objectives, and that is the recognition and the healing of a long-overdue act.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished colleague from California (Ms. WOOLSEY), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 121, and I thank my colleague, MIKE HONDA, for his leadership on this issue. I particularly thank Representative Lane Evans, who was with us up until this year, and I hope he is watching today, because he was right when he first introduced this legislation, and his reasons and his legislation remains correct and right today.

Many may claim that the exploitation of the comfort women should be left in the past. That could not be further from the truth. Anyone who has met these brave women knows that they live with the haunting memories in the present every single day. The sexual exploitation, some would say enslavement, must be marked, and it must be remembered. The acts of violence the comfort women faced were inhuman, and it cannot be erased.

This should not be a day of sadness.

Today is about accountability and hope for the future. We will remember that those who did not live to see this day and, yet, are still celebrated for their courage. In their honor, we will speak for all of the world here: Never again. The lesson will be learned. Women are not prizes of war. This has been a long time coming, but there is no statute of limitations on courage and on dignity, and that is what we honor today. We honor the perseverance of comfort women. We call on governments worldwide to accept responsibility for past deeds and work towards a just future.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to my good friend from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE), a distinguished member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

(Ms. JACKSON-LEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I thank the ranking member of this committee for creating the forum to recognize atrocities that many have tried to forget.

Let me thank Mr. HONDA, the moving force of this legislation and the chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, for his leadership, and I am so glad we have all mentioned Lane Evans because of the spirit and the enthusiasm and the determination in which he authored this legislation earlier before he left Congress.

Let me also speak to Ms. LEE, who remains as a steadfast anchor for all the women who cannot speak for themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take a different approach. I hope that people do not take lightly what acknowledgment, apologies and accepting historical responsibility means. This is about sexual slavery.

I ask my colleagues to just think that if we were addressing the question today, which we have done in our Foreign Affairs Committee on sexual slavery, the holding of women, the debasing of women, the degrading of women, would most of us be rushing to the floor of the House to be able to condemn those actions that might be around us and around the world?

This is no less degrading, and its historical perspective does not diminish the responsibility of Japan and of this Congress to be able to say to these comfort women, women who were sexual slaves, that we apologize or ask Japan to apologize and hold the nation historically accountable for those actions.

Do you know that today textbooks in Japan, many of them diminish the actions of Japan and the activities that held the comfort women? These were women engaged in sexual activities allegedly to give comfort to the military. So I would simply say, having gone through a number of debates about apologies regarding slavery in America, that apologies do count. It means something for those who have suffered in a way that they can never, never find an expression for.

So I rise today to support H. Res. 121 and place it in a historical context but in the context of today. We know that if any of those issues arise before us, we would stand here in condemnation.

The comfort women’s plight is no less deserving of our Nation, and, of course, a recognition by Japan that an apology, accountability, will go a long way in soothing the deeply embedded pain for those who no longer live but for those who live and suffer.
I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 121.

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 121, which calls on the Government of Japan to formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility for its role in the coercion of young women and girls, euphemistically known to the world as ‘comfort women’, to serve as sex slaves in Japanese military comfort stations from the 1930s through World War II.

I would especially like to thank Mr. HONDA for his leadership on the issue of ‘comfort women’ and for his expression of solidarity with these exploited women and urge each and every one of my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, as you well know, the friendship and alliance that exists between the United States and Japan establishes stability and prosperity in Asia and the Pacific and is essential to our security interests in that region. This resolution calls on the Government of Japan to strengthen that tie by acknowledging the facts forever enshrined in history and by publicly denouncing these past heinous human rights abuses in one of the largest cases of human trafficking in the 20th century.

Only in recent years have these victims of Imperial Japanese brutality relayed their stories to the world. In fact, just this year, on February 15, 2007, three women who knew firsthand the unequivocal pain, suffering and horror of sexual servitude at the hands of the Japanese military testified at a subcommittee hearing chaired by Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. These women relayed heartbreaking real life accounts of years of torment, disease, and separation from their families. These women are still plagued today by the physical and emotional scars of the horrendous human rights abuses committed against them.

On April 26 of this year, my good friend and the former chairman of the Foreign Affairs
Committee, Henry Hyde and I co-authored an op-ed in the Washington Times urging ‘the Japanese people to courageously acknowledge and redress the wrongs perpetuated by Imperial Japan’ on these women and ‘to come to grips’ with the history of their past. In light of Japan’s recent wavering on the accuracy of historical fact regarding comfort women, I stand with my colleagues in urging the Japanese Government to very clearly acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear, unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Forces’ coercion of young women into sexual slavery.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 121, which calls on the Government of Japan to accept formal historical responsibility for one of the darkest chapters of World War II history in Asia and the Pacific, the Japanese military’s use of ‘‘comfort women’’, the practice of coercion of young women into sexual slavery.

I would first like to acknowledge our distinguished colleague, Mr. HONDA of California, for introducing this important resolution and for his persistent efforts in giving voice to the victims of these crimes against humanity. Japan, a loyal ally and one of U.S.’ closest partners, plays a critical role in maintaining the geopolitical balance in a still volatile region.

The Japanese government’s refusal to acknowledge the despicable wartime practice of its Imperial Army known as ‘‘comfort women’’ stands in stark contrasts to the courageous humanitarian stand the Japanese government has taken in a number of humanitarian crises around the world and to its role as guarantor for peace in the region.

Facing up to one of the darkest chapters of its history is a genuine test for the maturity of a nation. In the aftermath of World War II, the German nation and its government found the courage to account for war crimes that the Third Reich committed during the war and occupation.

There can be no denying that the Japanese military committed those crimes involving thousands of women, mostly of Chinese and Koreans descent. It is particularly disturbing that some in Japan are still trying to distort the historical record and are denying that these crimes took place. The same parties are going even a step further and blaming the victims for engaging into prostitution.

It is up to this House to call for the Japanese government to set the record straight, not just for the sake of the past, but also because rape has been used across the globe today as a weapon of war. By supporting this resolution we send a strong and unambiguous signal to the Japanese Government to acknowledge its historical responsibility. We will also state Congress’ strong l condemnation of rape as weapon of war.

While support of the resolution will finally give voice of the numerous victims of these despicable crimes, the Congress’ intent is to assure our ally Japan that the resolution aims at forging the process of healing by facing certain historical experience and is not intended as retribution against a partner and ally.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me In supporting this important resolution.

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 121, the Comfort Women Resolution—a resolution that I have supported since its initial introduction in the 109th Congress. Beginning in the 1930s, the Imperial Government of Japan orchestrated the enslavement of up to 200,000 young Korean women. Many were abducted from their homes and sent to Japanese military brothels. Others were lured from their homes under the false pretense of employment. In what was one of the worst cases of human trafficking of the 20th century, the trauma that these women suffered drove many to conceal their past, either too embarrassed or scared to speak of it.
The surviving victims deserve the recognition that they so desire.

To this day, Japan maintains that this issue is closed and the sufferings of individuals inflicted in the war have already been dealt by treaties normalizing its ties with other Asian countries. Some have pointed to Prime Minister Abe’s April 27th statement as a formal apology, yet both the Prime Minister himself and Japan’s Foreign Ministry went on record to disavow any alleged apology. It is important that the Japanese government confronts this dark part of Japanese history.

This resolution is as much about today as it is about yesterday. The world’s strength to oppose killing today is made greater by accountability, for actions present, but also past. It’s weakened by denial of accountability and obfuscation of past acts. History is a continuum that affects today and tomorrow. It’s much harder to get tomorrow right if we get yesterday wrong.

I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House today is considering H. Res. 121 which rightly recognizes the plight of Korean comfort women during the 1930s and World War II. I was proud to co-sponsor this resolution which calls on the nation of Japan to formally recognize and apologize for these crimes.

After the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930s, the army forced young women to work in brothels. In some cases kidnapped women were transported overseas for sexual servitude. At the end of World War II, these women were left scarred and in many cases far from home with no resources.

Sadly, there are some in Japan who still insist that the army was not formally involved with these crimes or that the women chose to become involved in prostitution. The evidence clearly demonstrates that this was not the case. It is far past time for the Japanese government to recognize the role the army played in these crimes.

Today, we call on them to apologize to the few women who continue to live with the shame of the crimes committed against them. While the relationship between Korea and
Japan has improved as both countries turned into thriving democracies, the issue of the comfort women continues to come between them. I hope that this resolution will promote reconciliation so that both countries can move together into a future of cooperation and friendship.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have no additional requests for time and yield back the balance of our time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. HINOJOSA). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. LANTOS) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 121, as amended.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.

The title was amended so as to read: ‘‘A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Forces’ coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as ‘comfort women’, during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II.’’

A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

121 Coalition Statement on the Passage of H.RES.121

2007-07-31T11:05:00.000-04:00

Monday July 30, 2007

With the passage of H.Res. 121, the United States House of Representatives reaffirms its promise as a powerful advocate for human rights.

We commend the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Mike Honda, and Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Tom Lantos, as well as all 167 cosponsors for their passionate, bipartisan support for this resolution.

We also want to thank Congressman Lane Evans and Congressman Henry Hyde who championed and supported H.Res.759. When H.Res 759 failed during the last Congress, many supporters felt defeated; but others did not give up. The 759 campaign became the foundation for a national movement behind H.Res.121.

We highly commend survivors Ms. Lee Yong Soo, Ms. Kim Koon-Ja, Ms. Jan Ruff O’Herne, as well as all survivors, living and deceased, who advocated for truth and reconciliation, and testified courageously about their agonizing captivity in military rape camps, also known as “comfort stations” during WWII.

We extend our gratitude to the American electorate who supported this resolution by sending thousands of letters and petitions to Congress members from all over the United States.

The so-called “comfort women” issue is not only about the past. It is also about the present and the future. Tragically, Japan’s wartime military rape camps were the precedent for human trafficking, rape, and sexual slavery that continue to this day. H.Res.121 delivers a strong message that we must protect civilians left vulnerable to violence and exploitation during armed conflicts, especially girls and women. The perpetrators of these deeds must now take notice: the world will hold you accountable.

This resolution is in no way an insult to the great nation of Japan. Rather, it is a challenge to leaders of all nations who would deny historical truth for political gain. The people of Japan have long understood that this issue can only be resolved with openness, honesty, and mutual respect. Leaders who deny history, like those who deny facts, serve no one but themselves. The people of Japan deserve an opportunity to put this terrible chapter of human history to rest, and reconcile with the world community in peace and in friendship.

Ethnic and sectarian conflicts in the Middle East serve as reminders that crimes such as these become fodder for future violence if the wounds they cause are allowed to fester without reconciliation, justice, or acceptance of responsibility.

Today, we stand with the United States House of Representatives to urge the people and the government of Japan to accept an invitation from their friends, the citizens of the United States, to officially acknowledge, apologize, and take responsibility for Imperial Japan’s role in the atrocities committed during WWII. We thank those who have sent us messages of support from around the globe, and we express our support for the citizens of Canada and Australia as they seek to pass similar resolutions. We see the success of H.Res 121 not as the end of our campaign, but as an auspicious beginning — one that will continue in partnership with human rights advocates in this country, in Japan, and around the world.

Galang Statement on the Passage of H.R. 121

2007-07-31T10:46:00.000-04:00

Statement From M. Evelina Galang,
Filipino American Coordinator, 121 Coalition

The passage of House Resolution 121 is an invitation to transcend past crimes against humanity, and a boon to the efforts of surviving “Comfort Women” who have been seeking justice for over 15 years. It is an opportunity for healing and reconciliation as well as a statement that defines what is and is not acceptable even during times of war. It is my hope that Japan accepts the invitation to bear witness to the women’s experiences and to honor and respect them by delivering a formal and unequivocal apology to all surviving “Comfort Women” of WW2.

Through the efforts of the Asian Women Human Rights Council and Gabriela, Rosa Maria Henson was among the first Filipina “Comfort Women” to step forward on September 18, 1992 and ask the Japanese government to accept full responsibility for the WWII systematic rape and abduction of over 200,000 women and girls throughout Asia.

Following Lola Henson's lead, 173 of the estimated 1000 Filipinas subjected to the Japanese Imperial Army’s “Comfort Stations” also came forward and began to reclaim their dignity through organized campaigns designed by feminist grassroots organizations such as Liga ng mga Lolang Pilipina-Gabriela (LILA Pilipina), Malaya Lolas and Lolas Kampanyera.

Of the 173 Filipinas who have come forward, approximately 84 have died. Today, only a handful of women in their 80’s and 90’s are actively involved.

The passage of House Resolution 121 demonstrates that the United States Congress and their constituents have heard these women. It is a great sign of respect and support. Let Japan follow the example of the United States House of Representatives as they pass House Resolution 121. Let them look to the women, see their faces and hear their stories. Let them acknowledge the past and take responsibility.

Novelist and University of Miami Professor M. Evelina Galang served as Florida Coordinator and Filipino American Outreach Coordinator for 121 Coalition

LILA Pilipina MAKES AN APPEAL TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

2007-07-31T10:41:00.000-04:00

On July 30, 2007, the House of Representative of the United States of America will be voting on House Resolution 121 which calls on the Government of Japan to “formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Forces coercion of young women into sexual slavery.

Lila Pilipina, an organization of Filipino women survivors of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery and Advocates and Gabriela National Alliance of Women in the Philippines welcome this development in the quest of all victims of wartime sexual slavery for their long-sought justice. While we are fully aware that the passage of this resolution cannot compel the Government of Japan to make the rightful reparations for its wartime crimes against the women abused during the Second World War, it is heartening to know that there are individuals in the government of the United States whose concern for women goes beyond time and borders.

For the people of the United States who uphold the rights and welfare of women all over the world, we urge you to support the comfort women’s fight for justice – a fight that goes beyond public apology and reparations. It is a fight, essentially, to learn from history so that it may never happen again.

We urge you to go beyond their issue. Systematic rape and abuse of women is a tool of wars of aggression. The harrowing experience of Filipino, Korean and Chinese women in the hands of Japanese Imperial Army was repeated in various other wars of aggression after WWII. Thus, we urge you to support all efforts to put a stop to the current atrocities being committed against women in wars of aggression including the ones you government is sponsoring.

Echo the Shouts of the Elderly Lolas of Lila Pilipina:

NO TO WARS OF AGGRESSION!!!

NO TO ANOTHER GENERATION OF COMFORT WOMEN!

Contact: Rechilda Extremadura, Executive Director, LILA Pilpina kuyangateng@yahoo.com
011639155379579 (cell)

The Lolas of LILA Pilipina Thank Congress

2007-07-27T23:21:00.000-04:00

I brought the lolas many gifts during the month of July. Among the gifts were letters of support written by many community members in the United States. People of diverse backgrounds and nationalities touched them -- but especially people from Filipino American communities in the Bay Area and all over Florida.

I gave them that green journal and they read all the messages of love, admiration and support and their eyes were bright. They told me they were so happy to see that people understood what they've been saying and that it is clear that people are open to understanding the experiences they had during World War II.

Your kind words helped to lighten their load.

Another gift was the development of House Res. 121 and the growing support the bill has had in New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and Orlando, and also in Congress. To date we have 167 co-sponsors. 168 counting Mike Honda. When we began to truly campaign in Florida in June, there was one out of 25 Congressmen and women who co-sponsored House Res. 121. Now there are seven: Congresspersons Alcee Hastings, Alan Boyd, Ileana Ros Lehtinen, Debbie Wasserman Schulz, Robert Wexler, Jeff Miller and Ginny Brown-Waite (thank you!). We're hoping others from this Florida delegation join them.

This growing support in the House of Representatives inspired the Lolas to send their own message to Congress. Here is a version of what they said. It's much shorter than the actual interviews and conversations we had. A longer version is still being cut together. But for now, you can witness the lolas, now in their eighties and nineties, thanking their supporters.

Remember that you can also be a supporter -- a Friend of the Lolas. Write LILA Pilipina Executive Director Rechie Extremadura at kuyangateng@yahoo.com or write me, M. Evelina Galang -- labanmgalola@yahoo.com to find out more about Friends of the Lolas.

Breathe, Annabel, Breathe

2007-07-20T22:41:00.000-04:00

In a few hours, I’ll be flying back ot the U.S. to join my many friends working with 121 Coalition. Since I’ve been gone, Annabel tells me three more Florida Congresspersons have agreed to co-sponsor House Res. 121. She says the up and coming vote has got her and the rest of the coalition so busy there’s barely time to breathe.

Breathe, Annabel, breathe. When it seems there is too much work and the politics get in the way, close your eyes and hear the women’s voices as they give us the gift of their testimonies. The women have walked the path before us, beautiful warriors with so much pain in their bones, in the muscles of their feet, so much pain in the heart. Now they guide us to this right and noble end. We are on the road to justice, to relieving the pain of the past, to reconciliation and forgiveness.

Breathe, Annabel, breathe. The women who speak and name the crimes committed against them, speak for you and me, speak for all our sisters who have been on this earth, who walk with us now and who will be borne to us.

Breathe, Annabel, breathe. It is a gift to know their faces, to fight for justice in their name. It is a blessing to be on this path.

I have been reading the crazy propaganda out there. People write me and try to tell me that the women were paid or sold or volunteered. I let them talk because I know the truth. I have sat with more than forty survivors in my life time. I have heard the stories of at least half of them. I have been to their sites of abduction, to the “comfort stations” that were (and are again) churches and houses and schools for the people of the Philippines. Too many of the women have told me how they have been yanked from the path or dragged along the road. Too many have led my own hands to their scars and I felt the wounds of war. I have seen how the effects of war still wear on them today – sixty years later.

I don’t need to fight the propaganda because the truth is in the testimony of women who should be spending their twilight years among their grandchildren – feeding them, holding them, making kwento to them about the good memories of their lives – not standing in the streets holding banners, not testifying in courts and recounting stories of sexual abuse, not fighting a cancer born of rape or venereal disease at the age of 92.

This is what I do when the politics of this struggle overwhelm me, I go back to the lolas and I hear their voices. I feel their hands on me. I see what has happened to them and I remember with my heart. I breathe as if they are sitting right next to me, being with me.

The truth is too powerful. I have witnessed first hand the plight of surviving “Comfort Women” no politician too busy to meet with the women and hear them speak can convince me of any other truth.

So breathe my dear sister, it is the way of the heart. It is the reason we fight. Not just for these women, but for all women. Not just for the women, but for men too. For humankind, diba? Forget all the other rhetoric, remember why you do this and breathe.

Friends of the LOLAS: An organization of LILA Pilipina Supporters

2007-07-18T02:49:00.000-04:00

Here is the text, in part, from a brochure about Friends of the LOLAS, an organization made up of friends and families of the Lolas who wish to participate in the fight for justice. Rechilda Extremadura, executive director of LILA Pilipina has granted me permission to share it with you. Will you join me?

Friends of the LOLAS –
• Sympathizes and supports the struggle of the Lolas for justice.
• Helps educate the public on the “comfort women” issue.
• Launches initiatives for the inclusion of the truth of “comfort women” issues in our history.
• Campaigns against historical repetitions of militarism and wars of aggression.

There is no better future without the clarifying of the past.

Until when should we speak about the past?

Join Friends of the LOLAS
The issue of military sexual slavery during World War II should be seen from the perspective of the women-victims. Justice should be delivered soon – while the Lolas are still alive. Now is the time to take more aggressive action to pressure the Japanese government to make apology and reparations.

It is the task of the present generation to prevent historical repetitions of severe violations of human rights.

WHAT I CAN DO TO HELP (in the Philippines):

A. Organize Forum/Symposium/Educational discussion.
B. Organize study tour on historical markers, “comfort sites” and related areas.
C. Conduct research on documents and related materials on “comfort women” issue.
D. Write letters to editor and articles about the issue.
E. Write to head of local government units, the Congress, the Senate, and the President to encourage actions for the Lolas’ demands.
F. Join in the legislative meetings and public hearings on the issue.
G. Gather signatures on the campaign to record the truth of “comfort women”system in Philippine history textbooks.
H. Join the Lolas in their regular rallies and other protest actions at Japanese Embassy.
I. Attend the integration programs with community visits to the Lolas.
J. Volunteer to spend your free time by doing work for the Lolas House (e.g.translation of documents in Japanese texts, write press releases,provide free medical/counseling services to the Lolas.)
K. Build networks (agencies or individuals) in support for the Lolas’ campaign for redress.
L. Launch income-generating projects such as running, biking or painting and donate proceeds for Lolas’ programs and activities.
M. Support the Lolas’ income-generating projects (i.e. buy gifts made by Lolas.)
N. Organize art workshops such as quilt, card, bag making, etc. with the Lolas.

For more information or to join Friends of the LOLAS: email Rechilda Extremadura at lilafcw@pworld.net.ph or at kuyangateng@yahoo.com.

You can also send donations or write to LOLAS’ HOUSE (through August 1, 2007):
49 Matimpiin Street, Central District, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1100. Telefax: (632)-433-5061

LOLAS’ HOUSE (after August 1, 2007)
29B Mapagbigay St., Piñahan, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1100.

Dancing Queens

2007-07-17T03:26:00.000-04:00

As I walk into Lolas’ House, a community center for surviving Filipina “Comfort Women” in Quezon City, each woman grabs my face and kisses me. Each one I talk to worries about me and each one wants to know what is going on with me.

I have been in Manila for two weeks. Each day I’ve taken out my tripod and my video camera and I’ve taped the stories of Filipina “Comfort Women” of WWII, lovingly and respectfully called lolas, or grandmothers by people all over the world. My little digital camera click click clicks away at their beautiful faces. I do it so we have a record of their stories, an image of their bright light and the music of their voices. So no one will forget.

What I cannot record, but I wish I could, is what it feels like to know each of them and to love them – and better yet to know what it feels like to be loved by them. This is a blessing that I wish on all of you – to know their characters and their love, to be able to call them Lola and really meant it.

The business at hand is their past and their current struggle for justice, so that history will not repeat itself, but what brings me back to them and what commits me to tell their stories is the love that we share.

Since I’ve returned, so many have debated on the ways I have changed and not changed in five years – some think I’ve lost weight, some say I grown fatter, some think I’m taller, or lighter or darker or younger or older – it is a source of delight for them to consider the changes.

They take my hand and they see one husband written in the lines of my palms – but only if I want him. One lola advises me, “Kahit pangit ang itura niya, pwede na kung mabait siya.” It’s better, in fact, if he’s not handsome, but good to you, loving to you, she tells me.

I know, lolas. You told me that last time. That’s why I sent the other boyfriend away. Guapo pero ang isip niya laging sa sarili niya. Handsome, but only thinking of himself.

This answer satisfies them greatly.

During my last visit on July 14, we have a party. We bring food and they roll out the videoke machine and there’s much laughter and singing and dancing. Before we begin, Richie Extremadura, the Executive Director of LILA Pilipina, reads an email from 121 Coalition leader Annabel Park. There are now 160 co-sponsors for House Res. 121 – 161 including Mike Honda. The Lolas know Mike Honda. They know that passing this bill in the U.S. Congress is one step closer to achieving justice. If House Res. 121 passes, they will have a lot of work ahead of them. We take a moment to be serious, to tape a message to the U.S. Congress, but after that, it’s party party party!

88 year old Lola Ashang boogies. She shakes her hips and waves her arms at me. She knows all the words to “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” We dance together and she swings me across the dance floor.

Lola Pilar stands up and says, “I dedicate this song to Evelina Galang.” And she sings an old Tagalog song acapella style, inserting my name into the song. It is a love song, a song of heartbreak at the departure of a beloved one. She breaks into tears and all the lolas are laughing and teasing her but she continues to sing and cry and smile at once. My heart breaks.

Lola Puring holds me as she cries and tells me that even though she’s in great pain, she has come to Lolas’ House because they said I would be leaving for America. “I might die before you return,” she cries. “When will I see you again?”

In the past, I’ve brushed this worry away, but there are only twenty of my forty lolas still breathing. I know it won’t be long until they will all move onto a higher plane.

Lola Dolor tells me that when I'm in America and I feel someone brushing my arm softly, like this, she says, brushing my arm, “Wala na si Dolores.” Dolores is gone.

No, no, I tell her. When I'm in America and I feel someone brushing my arm like this, I say brushing her arm, Dolores is here! This makes her laugh.

There is a moment when we are all dancing and singing Abba’s “Dancing Queen” at the top of our lungs and I realize that I must be present right now and remember what this feels like – to dance among these strong women warriors, to laugh with them, to be counseled by them and to understand what it means to be women who have traveled a long and arduous battle for justice.

They have taught me so many things, my lolas. I think most importantly, they have taught me how to take care of myself, to know how to stand up for myself, and to understand that to give without receiving is to suffer. For so many years, the lolas were silent. They gave so much and they held onto the secrets of their past. When they came forward they began to understand the value of respecting the self. Standing up to the Japanese government has been an act of courage and love – not only for themselves but to all of us.

I am so sorry that Prime Minister Abe could not accept my invitation to visit the Lolas at Lolas’ House. He might have grown to know them, to see each face, to hold a hand and examine the lines there, or to look into the eyes to see the past and the faith which has helped them to transcend their pain. To hear their stories is to witness the evidence. To love them is to know the truth.

AN OPEN LETTER TO MIKE HONDA

2007-07-12T17:46:00.001-04:00

July 10, 2007

Dear Congressman Mike Honda,

I thought you’d like an update on my research. I’m back in Quezon City, Philippines continuing to document the stories of surviving Filipina “Comfort Women” of World War II.

Back in 1999, when I first met the women of LILA Pilipina, there were about forty survivors in an active campaign to regain their dignity from the crimes committed against them by the Japanese Imperial Army during WW2.

Organizers of LILA Pilipina – some of whom you have met – would gather with women in Quezon City, Novotas and Antipolo and together they would strategize and plan their campaign. I remember first walking into the houses of surviving lolas – so many of them sitting in chairs around the sala, waiting for the meeting to begin. As they waited they chatted with one another, or they sang songs to one another or they’d put on a cassette tape and dance with each other as they waited for everyone to arrive. Sometimes there were twenty to thirty lolas at those meetings and so loud were they, that if you did not know any better, you might think you were walking in on a fiesta of old women.

But soon, the meetings would begin and the lolas would grow serious, and these same women would soon be on the streets, rallying and protesting in front of the Japanese embassy or lined up along the roads waving banners and flags at the current visiting Japanese Prime Minister. These same women would fly to Japan to share their testimonies with many Japanese citizens eager to hear their stories.

Eight years later, and the women are half the number they were before. Most of them are in their mid to late eighties and very fragile. In this first week back, I have met with about twenty surviving “Comfort Women.” I have traveled with Rechilda Extremadura, LILA Pilipina’s director back to Quezon City, to Navotas and to Antipolo where Ms. Extremadura has been sharing your work and success with House Resolution 121 with them. The lolas know you very well. I have played the news clips and other short documentaries that 121 Coalition has produced on my laptop. We have translated the resolution for the women and they are eager for the bill to come to the House floor for a full vote.

It saddens me to know so many of these fighting lolas have passed on without seeing the great effects of their fight, that some may still die without hearing a formal apology from Japan. In speaking with them, some have shared their responses to Shinzo Abe’s current remarks. They want to know why he thinks telling the President of the United States he feels sorry for the women is the same thing as speaking directly to them and telling them he is sorry his government condoned the systematic rape and enslavement of their lives? Shouldn’t he be directing his conversation to them?

Speaking their stories has allowed them to unburden their hearts, fighting for what’s right has relieved them of the shame they have felt for so many years, but their hearts are still broken over the brutal abuse they have suffered then as military sex slaves, and now as human beings asking to be recognized and treated with respect and dignity. So many I speak with are concerned that to ignore this opportunity to address the past is to condone the behavior and to make room for it to happen again.

The lolas of LILA Pilipina are well aware of the many supporters and friends they have gained in the United States through the life of House Resolution 121. They understand that many of our “Kongristas” have co-sponsored the bill and their hearts are full knowing that no matter what happens their stories will remain alive in the work you and so many others are doing.

I write to applaud your campaign and the work of your colleagues. It is my hope that House Resolution 121 passes without hesitation for the need to reconcile, heal and forgive, the need to learn from the mistakes of war and to transcend the past can only be attained when we are willing to review our history and take responsibility for our actions.

Sincerely,

M. Evelina Galang
Assistant Professor, English
University of Miami

AN OPEN LETTER TO MIKE HONDA

2007-07-12T17:46:00.000-04:00

HOUSE RESOLUTION 121! LABAN NA!

2007-07-10T11:51:00.000-04:00

Greetings from Manila -- The Filipina "Comfort Women" are in this fight to the finish. They've been fighting this battle publicly since 1992 and are so pleased that Mike Honda has authored House Res. 121.

When they read the notes many people sent them in the green book as well as letters to Congress and petitions, they told me "Na kakatuwa kami." Their hearts are full knowing that so many Americans understand the need to right this wrong and to fight for Human Rights by recogninzing the past.

Below is a letter from Annabel Park of 121 Coalition. Please join the campaign to really make sure House Res 121 passes in the next few weeks.

Continue to fight the good fight and remember the lolas and all the other 200,000 women and girls who were taken. Let Congress really know that this is not just a Korean American issue. It's an atrocity that affected many. While the Hill has mainly Korean Americans lobbying (and we're grateful to them too) the public is foolish and they assume that the faces on the Hill only represent their own nationality. In fact the many hard working lobbyists fight for every single woman and girl taken during World War II and every war that's ever been and every war that ever will be. I thank our 121 Coalition colleagues on the Hill and I ask you to join them in any way you can. It is so important to let Congress and the general public know how widespread the "Comfort Stations" were.

Read Annabel's note and man your fax machines! You know if I was in the U.S. right now, I'd be the first to fax everyone (several times).

One last note: When I first began my research in 1999, I had met over 40 women in Manila, this visit there are only 20 left. They are old and fragile and dying. It's likely that Japan is waiting for them all to pass away. Well, old and fragile, yes, but spirited too. Malakas pa ang loob nila! They tell me they won't stop fighting ever. Even after they pass away, their children have vowed to carry on the good fight They know there is war today and that there is still the danger of rape and aggression on innocent girls, that is why their fight is strong -- no matter how old, how skinny or how forgetful they have grown -- they are still grandmothers looking out for the granddaughters of this earth. Help them secure justice in the name of Human Rights.

With great respect,
Evelina

M. Evelina Galang
www.mevelinagalang.com

________________________________

From: parkinstein@gmail.com on behalf of Annabel Park
Sent: Mon 7/9/2007 8:48 PM
To: annabelpark@mac.com
Subject: 121 Coalition Call to Action

Hi everyone,

This is indeed an exciting time. There is tremendous momentum on the Hill in support of H.Res.121. As you all know, on June 26th, after a very exciting and fruitful discussion, H.Res.121 passed the House Committee on Foreign Affairs 39-2. Rep. Tancredo and Rep. Paul were the only two members who opposed the resolution.

The discussion during the markup was substantive and there were many impassioned speeches made on behalf of the resolution from Chairman Lantos, Rep. Ackerman, Rep. Crowley, Rep. Jackson-Lee, Rep. Watson, Rep. Scott among others. Many referred to the importance of an apology from the standpoint of having personal experience of injustice as a Jewish American, Irish American, African American and just a caring American. It was a moving experience seeing our democratic process in action and working as it should in favor of what is right. We posted some of the speeches on YouTube on our website: support121.org

Within two hours of the vote, Speaker Nancy Pelosi released a statement commending the resolution and concluding: I look forward to the House of Representatives passing this resolution and sending a strong message that we will not forget the horrors endured by the comfort women. They have waited far too long, but it is not too late to recognize their courage.

This is all very encouraging, but the struggle is not over yet. The House vote has not been scheduled and H.Res.121 must compete with many resolutions and bills for the attention of House leaders. It is still possible that the vote may not take place in July and we will have to wait until after the August recess. To wait until September or October would be a terrible blow for the resolution.

We need to keep working hard until the resolution has passed the House. We cannot assume anything right now except than many people on the Hill express support of the resolution. Until the resolution passes, we cannot stop our efforts.

It is now time to step up our efforts to make sure that we stand up for the victims of Japanese military "comfort stations" and people all over the world counting on US citizens to stand up against war crimes, government-sanctioned trafficking, rape, torture and brutality.

We must muster up our energy and resources for the last stage of the campaign. Here is the 121 national action plan.

1. Organize or participate in a Fax Campaign calling on the House leadership to schedule the vote:
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-8)
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-5)
Minority Leader John Boehner (OH-8)

2. A Fax campaign to thanking and then requesting cosponsorship of the resolution from member of the Foreign Affairs committee who voted "Yes" during the markup but are not yet cosponsors. If you are in their district or even state, please fax them a letter. If you know anyone who is in their state or district, please contact them. If you get a definitive answer one or another, please let me know so that we don't waste our and their time and resources. Let's make this a coordinated event.
Rep Russ Carnahan (D-MO)
Rep Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ)
Rep Ron Klein (D-FL)
Rep Brad Miller (D-NC)
Rep Robert Wexler (D-FL)
Rep J. Gresham Barrett (R-SC)
Rep Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
Rep John Boozman (R-AR)
Rep Steve Chabot (R-OH)
Rep Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
Rep Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE)
Rep Luis Fortuno (R-PR)
Rep Elton Gallegly (R-CA)
Rep Robert Inglis (R-SC)
Rep Donald Manzullo (R-IL)
Rep Ted Poe (R-TX)
Rep Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA)
Rep Joe Wilson (R-SC)

3. A Fax Campaign to increase support from Republicans. Right now, we have 25 Republican cosponsors. Let's do better. Let's start with the above list from (2) and then expand. We will post a target list of Republicans on our website by tomorrow.

For their contact information, go to: Congress.org. We will also post all the details of this action plan including contact information and sample letters by tomorrow morning. Please keep checking the website for updates. It's going through some updates and changes in the next couple of days.

4. New York and DC teams will hold a lobby day on Thursday, July 12th. Please try to join us. We will meet around 10am at the Rayburn building. This is not open to the press. Please email or call me for more information: annnabelpark@mac.com/703-944-9661

5. DC team will be lobbying nearly everyday. Our ongoing target list includes Reps from FL, NC and CO where there have been substantial letter-writing and petitions from local chapters. Let us know if we should focus on any other states and districts.

6. News:
-- Rep. Edwin Perlumutter (D-CO) is our 152nd cosponsor. Thank you everyone who wrote to him in Colorado. Special thanks to Daniel Oh and John Sie of Colorado.
-- Lee Young Soo, survivor who testified in Congress in February and who participated in Dignity March in April, returned to the United States today. She is in Los Angeles this week until Sunday for events and interviews and then in DC next week. (It was after I heard her tell her testify in February that I decided that I must get involved in the campaign for H.Res.121. She changed my life.)

Thank you so much for your hard work and passionate enthusiasm! Please contact me anytime to discuss this action plan.

Regards,
Annabel

FRIENDS OF LOLAS

2007-07-05T18:37:00.000-04:00

I arrived at LOLAS' HOUSE on the fourth of July. They were singing into a mic to images on a videoke machine. They were so involved that they didn't even see me standing there, but when they did, OH BOY! So many hugs and kisses.

That afternoon I shared with them the great news from the United States supporters -- the Friends of the Lolas in America -- working so hard to pass House Resolution 121. I shared with them the names and faces of the local UM Chapter of 121 Coalition and the work of 121 Coalition at large. We talked about Mike Honda and the rest of the "Congristas" in Washington DC.

As I spoke in my broken Tagalog, LILA Pilipina director, Rechilda Extremadura translated the more difficult ideas and phrases. Meanwhile, the lolas read the messages many of the supporter sent to them in the green book. One lola told me it made her feel so good to see how "fat the hearts" of the supporters are in America.

They are really grateful for the efforts of House Resolution 121. They hope it passes and that Japan takes note.

They hope that rather than speaking to the press or to President Bush or to members of the Diet that the Japanese government talks to them directly.

They are so glad for our efforts, but that is not to say are sitting still in Manila. The lolas of LILA Pilipina and their friends and family -- Friends of Lolas -- are still campaining hard.

They are happy that so many of us have joined their efforts.

More soon.
(If you are interested in starting a Friends of Lolas Chapter in your area, email me at labanmgalola@yahoo.com)

NANAY in Miami Support the Lolas of LILA Pilipina

2007-07-01T01:17:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday the 27th, UM 121 Coalition team visited the National Alliance of Nurturing for the Aged and Youth -- otherwise known as NANAY -- the tagalog word for mother.

N A N A Y, Inc. is a charitable organization made up of individuals who are committed to providing psychological, social, health and emotional support for youth and elders 60 years of age or older. Its major goal is to preserve cultural heritage and to assist, support and promote the welfare and well-being of youth and elders in the community, irrespective of race, sex or creed.

Perhaps this was the most intense of the public readings of survivors' testimonies. Many of the women were living in the Philippines during the war -- some too young to remember, or old enough to know they were being hidden, but too young to understand why.

After the readings, we sat with the women as they dictated their letters to us, or wrote letters to Congresspersons in their native dialects. While many understood the effect that the "comfort women" issue had on the Philippines, many of the letters took note of the women taken from so many countries.

As one of the coordinators translated some of the letters, she pointed to half finished sentences or ambiguous terms. "It means they know," she told me. "They know and they cannot say it or they don't want to remember it."

I offer some of the women's translated letters here.

Dear Representative,

I am happy here at our Nanay Center -- that we can celebrate together. However, there are other conditions (that the writer refuses to remember).

Please support House Resolution 121.

A. Patria
North Miami, FL

Dear Representative,

I am 87 years old now, but when I reflect on all the things that happened to our womanhood, the time of the Japanese war, I am moved to beg you to support House Resolution 121 -- to be united in the cause.

J. Paguio
North Miami, FL

Dear Congressman,

I want to ask help for the old women. Please support House Resolution 121.

Thank you a lot.
E. Sandagon
Miami, FL

Dear Congressman,

Please support House Resolution 121 so the Japanese government will apologize to the comfort women in all countries the Japanese occupied in the second world war.

Thank you very much for your kind support for the resolution.

Sincerely yours,
C. Tablizo
North Miami, FL

Dear Representative,

I am saddened ... Would you please support House Resolution 121 -- to pass it among you ...

N. Cruz
Miramar, FL

Honda Applauds Committee

2007-07-01T01:10:00.000-04:00

US Rep. Mike Honda
15th District (CA)
___________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: Contact: Daniel Kohns 202.225.3327
June 26, 2007 daniel.kohns@mail.house.gov

HONDA APPLAUDS OVERWHELMING COMMITTEE PASSAGE OF ‘COMFORT WOMEN’ RESOLUTION
Very Confident of Full House Approval

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding today’s House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ 39-2 passage of H. Res. 121, Mr. Honda’s resolution calling on the Government of Japan to “formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner” for coercion of young women into sexual slavery before and during World War II:

“Today’s overwhelming vote was a resounding victory not only for the hundreds-of-thousands of former ‘comfort women’, but is a tremendous affirmation of Congress’ commitment to upholding universal human rights. I am immensely grateful to Speaker Pelosi for her steadfast support of this legislation, and to Chairman Tom Lantos, Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and subcommittee chair Rep. Eni Faleomavaega for their leadership and enthusiastic support of this resolution. They, and the 37 other members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs who voted in favor understand the importance of recognizing this gross human rights violation. On behalf of the comfort women, I was deeply moved by their compassion. I look forward to my resolution moving to the House floor in the near future, where I am very confident it will pass by a wide margin.”

###

Public Reading of Sworn Testimonies at University of Miami

2007-06-28T08:08:00.000-04:00

121 Coalition campaign to raise awareness and support for House Res. 121, the "Comfort Women" resolution, continues. Now more than ever is the time to share the stories of survivors with those unfamiliar with the "Comfort Women" arm of WW2 History.

If and when House Res. 121 comes to a full vote, Congress must know that constituents understand and support the bill. Through the witness of the women's stories, we are moved to act.

The Miami chapter of 121 Coalition read excerpts from the sworn testimonies of survivors Lee Yong-Soo of Korea, Cristeta Alcober of the Philippines, Jan Ruff O'Hearn of Indonesia, Maria Rosa Henson of the Philippines, and Kim Koon Ja of China and screened the testimony of Dolor Molina at Hecht Residential College on Monday, June 25th -- the night before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs voted 39-2 to pass House Res. 121 onto Congress.

In response, students, faculty and administrators wrote letters to their Congressmen and women in support of House Res. 121. Here is a letter from one of the UM students:

Dear Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen,

I have recently read House Resolution 121 and strongly support it. While my personal experience with the cause to support the "comfort women" is minimal, I did grow up in a Jewish home with countless education on the Holocaust.

When I was guest to my first presentation on "comfort women," it conjured all the memories of listening to Holocaust survivors with scars, disabilities, and numbers on their arms to prove it. Still to this day, there are people who believe that the Holocaust did not occur.

When M. Evelina Galang spoke about how the Japanese government denies that these women were harmed, it tore me apart and mirrored the atrocities of the Holocaust.

In order for these events to never occur again, we must first admit that they happened in the past. I strongly encourage you to support House Resolution 121 so we never again have to experience our fellow humans going through and experiencing this pain.

Benjamin Viples
Resident Assistant
Stanford Residential College
University of Miami

Now more than ever, our Congresswomen and men need to hear from their constituents to understand that we support House Resolution 121 and the potential to heal, reconcile and move on.

House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Congressman Tom Lantos

2007-06-27T07:13:00.000-04:00

Remarks of Chairman Lantos on H. Res. 121, regarding Comfort Women, at committee markup

I would first like to commend my friend and neighbor in California, our distinguished colleague, Congressman Honda of California, for introducing this important resolution and for all his hard work to give voice to the victims in this matter.

The Government of Japan's unwillingness to offer a formal and unequivocal apology to the women forced to be sexual slaves in World War II stands in stark contrast to its role in the world today. Japan is a proud world leader and a valued U.S. ally, making its unwillingness to honestly account for its past all the more perplexing.

Japan is clearly our greatest friend in Asia and one of our closest partners in the world. The U.S-Japan relationship is the bedrock of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Our alliance and friendship are based on mutual respect and admiration, and together we have helped promote our shared values of democracy, economic opportunity, and human rights in Asia and throughout the world.

Yet, Japan's refusal to make an official government apology to the women who suffered as so-called "comfort women" is disturbing to all who value this relationship.

The true strength of a nation is tested when it is forced to confront the darkest chapters in its history. Will it have the courage to face up to the truth of its past, or will it hide from those truths in the desperate and foolish hope they will fade with time?

Post-War Germany made the right choice. Japan, on the other hand, has actively promoted historical amnesia.

The facts are plain: there can be no denying that the Japanese Imperial military coerced thousands upon thousands of women, primarily Chinese and Koreans, into sexual slavery during the war.

The continued efforts by some in Japan to distort history and play a game of blame-the-victim are also highly disturbing. Most recently, on June 14th, members of the Japanese government took out an advertisement in the Washington Post that smears the survivors of the comfort women system, including those who testified before our Subcommittee on Asia, Pacific, and Global Affairs.

The advertisement suggests that these women, who were forcibly and repeatedly raped by soldiers, were engaged, and I quote, in "licensed prostitution that was commonplace around the world at the time." This is a ludicrous assertion totally counter to the facts.

Our resolution calls on the Government of Japan to officially acknowledge and apologize for the appalling acts that Imperial Japan committed against the "comfort women." It is a resolution that seeks admission of a horrible truth in order that this horror may never be perpetrated again.

But most importantly, it speaks out for the victims of this monstrous act, who were terrorized and brutalized by men at war. It gives voice to these courageous women whom others have tried to silence through shame, bigotry, and threats of further violence.

It is appropriate that this House stand up for these women, who ask only that the truth be honored.

Finally, let me clear up the intent of Congress: we do not want our good friend and ally Japan to believe we regard them in perpetual punishment for their refusal to acknowledge the comfort women episode. We want a full reckoning of history to help everyone heal, and then move on.

I strongly support this resolution and I urge all of my colleagues across the aisle to do so likewise.

as reported by THE NELSON REPORT 6/26

Congratulations, Congressman Honda!

2007-06-26T21:50:00.000-04:00

Rep. Michael Honda, D-Calif., gives a thumbs-up and says thank you to his colleagues after legislation was passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 26, 2007, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize and accept historical responsibility for its Imperial Armed Forces coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as "comfort women", during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II. Honda is the principal sponsor of the bill.
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Photo Credit: AP Photo

121 COALITION WELCOMES PASSAGE OF H.RES.121 IN HCFA

2007-06-26T17:45:00.000-04:00

"National Coalition Rises to Defend Human Rights and Support H.Res.121"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2007

(Washington, DC) 121 Coalition, a national coalition representing nearly 200 civic organizations committed to defending the human rights of "Comfort Women" survivors, enthusiastically welcomes today's passage of H.Res.121 in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The resolution, introduced by Rep. Michael Honda last January, has garnered the support of 149 bipartisan co-sponsors and today's vote is an indication that this historic resolution is headed for passage by the full House of Representatives.

“We commend the leadership of Chairman Tom Lantos for championing H.Res.121 before the full committee,” said Annabel Park, National Coordinator for the 121 Coalition. “We now respectfully ask Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer to schedule consideration of H.Res.121 on the House Floor as soon as possible.”

Members of the coalition feel that passage of H.Res.121 will send an important message to the Government of Japan that the remaining "Comfort Women" survivors deserve justice and the restoration of their fundamental dignity, and that truth, reconciliation, and stability in the region require Japan’s acknowledgment of historical responsibility for WWII-era policies.

From 1932 through the end of World War II, the Government of Japan organized the systematic trafficking, enslavement and brutal rape of 200,000 girls and women during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands. H.Res.121 calls on the Government of Japan to officially acknowledge and accept responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for organizing and maintaining this system of sexual slavery.

121 Coalition, comprised of human rights and pan-Asian civic organizations from across this nation, remains deeply committed and fundamentally united in our support for this important human rights and women's rights issue.

CONTACT:
Annabel Park, National Coordinator - (703) 944-9661/annabelpark@mac.com
Chejin Park, Greater New York Coordinator - (646) 417-3520/chejinpark@gmail.com
Daniel Lee, Los Angeles Coordinator – (310) 713-0089/dslee@leeohlaw.com
Evelina Galang, Florida Coordinator – (786) 385-6952/labanmgalola@yahoo.com

www.Support121.org

Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Boston |Chicago |Colorado | Kansas | Los Angeles | Florida| Michigan | Minnesota | Nebraska | Greater New York | North Carolina | Philadelphia| San Francisco-Bay Area | Vermont | Greater Washington | Washington State

PELOSI -- Supporting the 'Comfort Women' Resolution

2007-06-26T17:00:00.000-04:00

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616
Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in support of a resolution calling on the Japanese government to formally acknowledge and apologize for its Imperial Armed Forces’ coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known as ‘comfort women,’ during its occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands during the World War II era:

“Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee made a strong statement in support of human rights by passing a resolution in support of the comfort women, who were coerced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Armed Forces during the World War II era.

“Congressman Mike Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus,is to be commended for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the comfort women and for those fighting for justice and human rights around the world.

“Japan is a valued friend and a crucial ally to the United States. As a responsible member of the international community, Japan is taking a leadership role on issues such as protecting the environment and providing humanitarian assistance for the poorest people in the world. Yet, in this case, the Japanese government needs to do more. It has been more than half a century since the horrors of World War II occurred, but it is not too late to recognize the mistakes of the past and educate future generations so that history will not repeat itself.

“Out of 200,000 women that were exploited as comfort women by the Japanese Imperial Army, only a few hundred are still alive. This resolution calls on the government of Japan to accept responsibility for the coercion of young women into sexual slavery during the war by making an unambiguous statement of apology.

“I look forward to the House of Representatives passing this resolution and sending a strong message that we will not forget the horrors endured by the comfort women. They have waited far too long, but it is not too late to recognize their courage.”

# # #

Thank You, Congressman Lantos

2007-06-24T01:11:00.000-04:00

Congressman Tom Lantos
400 S. El Camino Real
Suite 410
San Mateo, CA 94402
June 19, 2007

Dear Congressman Lantos,

I write to you with great respect and gratitude. I have been working with 121 Coalition in support of House Resolution 121 since Prime Minister Abe spoke on March 1, 2007 and denied the Japanese Imperial Army’s responsibility to the 200,000 women and girls who were abducted and subjected to systematic rape and enslavement during WW2.

As a writer, a scholar and an activist who believes in the dignity of human life, I have been diligently campaigning and educating almost everyone I meet about the stories of the surviving “Comfort Women” of WW2. By now you’ve received many letters and documents from me. In May, I joined Annabel Park from 121 Coalition and Eric Byler and together the three of us conducted a major outreach to the Filipino American community in your district.

I cannot tell you how pleased I am to hear your announcement, that your committee will be marking up House Resolution 121 on June 26th. Thank you! With you guiding the bill through Congress, I know that we are certain to have a positive outcome.

These past few months, 121 Coalition has had a great opportunity to talk to Americans and share with them the beautiful and tragic stories of the women who have come forward with such great courage. What I am hoping is that through the knowledge of these women’s experiences and through this opportunity to reconcile and forgive, we, as a global community will learn to better honor, respect and care for one another. More than anything else, this is an issue of human rights. Thank you for seeing this bill through.

In two weeks, I return to Manila to continue my research on the lives of the surviving Filipina “Comfort Women” of WW2. I am excited to bring them your great news. When I talk with them, what seems to matter most is that their stories be recorded and used to make a better future. They are so old and they fight so hard, yes, for their own peace of mind, but also for the well being of the daughters and granddaughters of all people. One of their favorite sayings is, “Never again.”

Thank you for your great work, seeking justice, equality and the dignity of human rights.

Sincerely and with great gratitude,
M. Evelina Galang

House Committee of Foreign Affairs Full Committee Mark Up of Lesgislation, Tuesday, June 26, 10AM in 2172 Rayburn

2007-06-23T16:02:00.000-04:00

FULL COMMITTEE MEETING NOTICE
Committee on Foreign Affairs
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-0128

Tom Lantos (D-CA), Chairman

**REVISED**

June 22, 2007

TO: MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

You are respectfully requested to attend an OPEN meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, to be held in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building, for the purpose of marking up the following legislation:

DATE: Tuesday, June 26, 2007

TIME: 10:00 a.m.

MARKUP OF:

H.R. 1400, Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007;

H.R. ____, Food Security and Agricultural Development Act of 2007;

***H.R. 2003, Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007;

H. Res. 121, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force's coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as "comfort women", during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II;

***H.R. 2798, To reauthorize the programs of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and for other purposes;

H.R. 176, Shirley A. Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational
Exchange Act of 2007;

***H.R. 2293, To require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on efforts to bring to justice the Palestinian terrorists who killed John Branchizio, Mark Parson, and John Marin Linde;

***H.R. ____, Library of Congress Public Diplomacy Collection Act of 2007;

***S. 377, U.S.-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Act of 2007;

***H. Res. 208, Honoring Operation Smile in the 25th Anniversary year of its founding;

H. Res. 287, To celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first use of the name "America", and for other purposes;

***H. Res. 294, Commending the Kingdom of Lesotho, on the occasion of International Women's Day, for the enactment of a law to improve the status of married women and ensure the access of married women to property rights;

H. Res. 378, Honoring World Red Cross Red Crescent Day;

H. Res. 380, Resolution commending Idaho on winning the bid to host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games;

***H. Res. 426, Recognizing 2007 as the Year of the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons in Colombia, and offering support for efforts to ensure that the internally displaced people of Colombia receive the assistance and protection they need to rebuild their lives successfully;

H. Res. 427, Urging the Government of Canada to end the commercial seal hunt;

***H. Res. 457, Calling on the Russian Federation to withdraw its military forces, armaments, and ammunition stockpiles from the sovereign territory of the Republic of
Moldova;

***H. Res. 467, Condemning the decision by the University and College Union of the United Kingdom to support a boycott of Israeli academia;

***H. Res. 482, Expressing support for the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland;

***H. Res. 497, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of the People's Republic of China should immediately release from custody the children of Rebiya Kadeer and Canadian citizen Huseyin Celil and should refrain from further engaging in acts of cultural, linguistic, and religious suppression directed against the Uyghur people, and for other purposes;

**H. Res. 500, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in opposition to efforts by major natural gas exporting countries to establish a cartel or other mechanism to manipulate the supply of natural gas to the world market for the purpose of setting an arbitrary and nonmarket price or as an instrument of political pressure;

H. Con. Res. 136, Expressing the sense of Congress regarding high level visits to the United States by democratically-elected officials of Taiwan; and

***H. Con. Res. 139, Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States should address the ongoing problem of untouchability in India.

***NOTE: Measures have been added.
**NOTE: Measure has been assigned a bill number.

By Direction of the Chairman

The Committee on Foreign Affairs seeks to make its facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. If you are in need of special accommodations, please call 202/225-5021 at least four business days in advance of the event, whenever racticable. Questions with regard to special accommodations in general (including availability of Committee materials in alternative formats and assistive listening devices) may be directed to the Committee.

LOVE LETTERS TO THE LOLAS

2007-06-20T01:33:00.000-04:00

I've been passing around a blank book wherever I go. I intend to give the book to the lolas when I visit them in Quezon City this summer. We are filling the blank book with love letters. Here are some of them:

Dear Lolas,
Your courage, your lives, your example should guide us. Although history cannot be changed, hopefully it will never be repeated.
With admiration,
Octavio

Dear Lolas,
As you heal, live in Divine Love and Light.
Gaary S.

Dear Lolas,
I want to let you know that you are an inspiration to women. Never be silent. Your courage, strength, sense of dignity ... it has set an example to guide me. History can never be changed, but it can be avoided. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. Thank you for sharing your stories. You'll be in my heart and in my prayers.
with love and admiration,
Dayana

Dear all of my grandmas!
You are most brave women in the entire world! God bless you, and I will always pray for you.
With love,
Sun Park

Querida Lolas!
I was made aware of your painful experiences during WWII. Although I had been to the Philippines, until now I was not aware of your pain. Being a child of a revolution in Cuba I know of the pain others suffer for the authority imposed on them with an abuse of power. But I know that only you that has suffered so can relate. I deeply sympathize with you.
Oscar

Dear Lolas,
Don't let anyone revise history. Don't let a wrong be corrected by another wrong. Filipino pride is priceless.
P.M. Sian

Dear Lolas,
I am a Pinay writer from New York. Your stories of survival are a testament and inspiration to all Pinays worldwide and at home. Thank you for speaking up and for carrying the stories in your hearts and on your backs. Be brave and continue to fight with love, patience and truth. MAKIBAKA!
Best wishes and love,
C.A.

Dear Lolas,
I signed the petition and I support you. Hope this is cheerful to you.
love,
Blanche!

A Message from 121 Coalition Leader Annabel Park

2007-06-17T23:56:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

On Saturday, after a reception in Los Angeles, Congressman Tom Lantos spoke to the press and announced that H.Res.121 will be marked up on June 26th. He said he will take responsibility for shepherding it through the Foreign Affairs committee and then a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. He predicted that it will pass by a wide margin.

We still have a great deal of work ahead of us. It is not over and it is not yet time to celebrate. This is a very critical moment.

A markup does not insure that the resolution will be voted on. Speaker Pelosi and Congressman Hoyer must decide to send the resolution for a vote on the House floor.

We need to continue getting more co-sponsors and showing members of Congress that the resolution has wide support and that it will pass.

It is critical that we get more co-sponsors this week. Please, push hard for calling on Representatives to co-sponsor.

Right now, we have 141 co-sponsors of the resolution (including Congressman Honda). Let's set two goals.
--Have H.Res.121 come to the House floor for a vote with over 200 co-sponsors
--Have it pass unanimously.

That will send a very strong message around the world.

Let's keep working hard until resolution has passed. And then we celebrate. Hard.

Thank you!

Annabel
support121.org

Woman Warriors of Great Dignity

2007-06-13T23:54:00.000-04:00

They are not victims.

They are survivors, but not just any survivors, superhero survivors.

Not everyone wants to hear what they have to say.

Some people don't want to go through the trauma. Some people don't like hearing about abuse. Life is hard enough without having to hear about sexual abuse.

Some people hear it and the stories sink so deep into their skin that they react in wild and visceral ways. They look away, but are still willing to help.

Some react by holding up the women in their own way -- signing a petition, writing a letter, sharing the issue with their friends, speaking to their Congressperson. I like to give hugs. I like to listen to the way their voices rise and fall.

Here's what I suggest, that we bear witness. That if the women are strong enough to stand before their families, their governments and the Japanese government and speak their truth, then I respectfully ask us all to bear witness. Listen.

The truth is not always easy, but it opens up the heart in most amazing ways.

And each of us can do our best to help in the way we know best, in the way that keeps us whole. It's different for everyone -- isn't that right, Annabel Park?

(Above, Lola Ashang and I at the 10 year anniversary of the founding of LILA Pilipina.)

A ten year old girl in Orlando wrote me. She wants to take the petition around her neighborhood and ask her friends and family to support House Resolution 121. Look at her, a ten year old superhero riding her bike from house to house with a clipboard in her hand.

This is a struggle for healing. This is a matter of dignity. This is about respecting ourselves and each other.

It is one for the history books. It is a testimony told and relived with every retelling, not to dwell on the past, but to open up the future.

(Above, Lola Josefa and Lola Dolor stand with comadres after a local rally in Manila during the year 2002.)

Superheroes speak their truth in front of large crowds. Before embassy gates. Into camera lenses. In classrooms. On the streets. In churches. At family gatherings. Superheroes whisper the truth in bedrooms to their loved ones, name their truth to their own hearts. Not victims. Not just heroes but Woman Warriors of Great Dignity. Superheroes. The lolas.

UM 121 Update: FIL AM Outreach in Florida

2007-06-11T14:49:00.000-04:00

(above UM Miami 121 Coalition [front row left] Carole Villamaria, Elaine Ruda, Marra Wilcox [back left] M. Evelina Galang, Rita Wong, Amberley Reynolds in West Palm Beach.)

The UM 121 Coalition Chapter road-tripped to West Palm Beach and Orlando this past weekend, setting up booths complete with posters, books and Lola Remedios' autobiographical mural.

The goal was to raise awareness among the Filipino American community of Florida, sharing experiences of all surviving WW2 "Comfort Women" and in particular, the experiences of more than 1000 young Filipinas taken hostage and enslaved by the Japanese Imperial Army during Japan's WW2 occupation in the Philippines.

(above: UM 121 volunteers Elaine Ruda and Professor Rita Wong speak with community leader Dr. Pio Sian. He himself recruited many signatures for the petition to support H. Res. 121.)

UM 121 Coalition circulated a petition from the Florida Filipino American community and their friends. The petition addresses Florida's 25 Congressmen and women and asks them to support House Resolution 121.

Currently, House Resolution 121 has 132 Congressional co-sponsors, but only Congressman Alcee Hastings from Florida co-sponsors the bill. UM 121 hopes to outreach to all Floridian constituents and ask them to write their representative.

Over the weekend, with the help of several inspired community members, UM 121 gathered 500 signatures from the community attending Philippine Independence Day celebrations. In Orlando, three sisters donned Laban for the Lolas t-shirts and armed with clipboards and flyers, lobbied for the aging lolas. They must have retrieved fifty signatures alone.

At the end of the day, the girls wrote the following message to the lolas:

Hi Lolas!
I'm sorry that I don't know Tagalog that well! I hope the few signatures my little sisters and I collected helped.
From (and God bless you!) Panganay Ate Gem-Gem, age 13
P.S. Salamat po for standing up against the WWII Japan soldiers.

Dear Lolas,
Thanks for standing up during the war! Many people helped and signed the petition. You are well appreciated.
love,
Gabbie (age 10)

Hi!
From Marigrace (age 7)

In West Palm Beach, a young American in his early thirties determined to make his mind known, deliberately walked to the center of the booth and signed the petition. Then looking across the table, he picked up the pen and wrote the following letter:

In the town of Tay Tay, in 1982, I first experienced the horrific remnants of the Japanese occupation of Luzon. I spoke with an elderly woman who had been imprisoned near Antipolo. She no longer had her nose, eyes or ears. Later my father explained that she was tortured for helping to fight the Japanese.

I will never forget the woman or the delicious pan de sal that she somehow was able to bake.

Please support House Res. 121.

S.B.
Hobe Sound, FL 33455

(above: Community members Cesar Mancall, Jun Pascua, and Arlene Pascua support House Res. 121 at Expo Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach. At the end Dr. Joy Bruce, founder of NANAY and a passionate member of Miami's 121 Coalition.)

The weekend was a great success and just the beginning to a new awareness in the stae of Florida. House Resolution 121 is not about the past, it is about the present and the future. It is about human rights and what we consider honorable behavior. House Resolution 121 is an opportunity to heal and to reconcile and the UM Chapter of 121 Coalition hopes you will support this measure too.

The following text is the petition to the 25 representatives of the state of Florida. If other communities are interested in circulating a similar text, email labanmgalola@yahoo.com and I can send you the documents:

House Resolution 121: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force's coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as "comfort women", during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II.
Sponsor: Rep Honda, Michael M. [CA-15] (introduced 1/31/2007)

Dear Florida Congressional members of the United States House of Representatives,

We are the Filipino American Community of the state of Florida and we are writing to you to ask you to support House Resolution 121.

During WW2 the Japanese Imperial Army wreaked havoc on the Philippines. Many Filipino Veterans fought for the United States Army and died in battle or were injured for life. But Filipino soldiers who fought side by side with American military are not our only WW2 casualties. Over 1000 women and girls, usually between the ages of eight and twenty were abducted and forced into Japanese “Comfort Stations” where they were subjected to systematic rape and enslavement.

For example, seventeen-year-old Pilar Frias had two bouts with the Japanese soldiers before she was taken captive in the province of Bicol. After raping her five times, soldiers tied her at the waist and dragged her along with three other girls. Strung together by hemp rope, the four girls were raped every night, five times a night, a different soldier every time.

Many of those 1000 girls and women like Pilar Frias have suffered the trauma of WW2 for their entire lives – their bodies, their minds and their spirits have never fully recovered.

We are a community that respects our elders and takes great pride in the spirit of family. It is time to take care of a generation of Filipinos who suffered a war that was not theirs.

House Resolution 121 is a resolution about human rights, about respect and justice. It is a statement that encourages Japan to take full responsibility for these war crimes and to make a full and unequivocal formal apology to the 200,000 women and girls of Asia who suffered these atrocities. Of these women 1000 of them are our ancestors, our mothers and grandmothers of the Philippines and it is our belief that these women deserve some peace of mind. It is our belief that taking a stand against these war crimes sends a clear message to everyone that this behavior is intolerable, inhumane and unjust.

As your constituents of the state of Florida, we the undersigned urge you to support House Resolution 121.

Sincerely,

UM Faculty and Students Recognize Philippine Independence Day by Supporting “Comfort Women” Resolution

2007-06-07T00:20:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release

June 6, 2007 (MIAMI, FL): The University of Miami Chapter of the national 121 Coalition will be hosting events June 9-27 to increase awareness and enlist support for House Resolution 121 — a resolution introduced by Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) that calls upon the Japanese government to apologize for rape camps that enslaved over 200,000 girls and women during WWII. Primarily girls under 18, some as young as eight, the so-called “Comfort Women” were subjected to systematic rape and enslavement at “Comfort Stations” set up in Korea, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Because most of the survivors are in their 80’s, this may be the last chance for Congress to act before they pass away. Public readings of sworn testimonies from survivors will be presented as part of Philippine Independence Day celebrations, offering 85,000 Filipino Americans in Florida a chance to recognize the courage of Filipino “comfort women” and advocate for House Resolution 121.

Currently, the resolution has 132 Congressional co-sponsors, but none from the Florida delegation. Amberly Reynolds, a UM student who lives in Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s district in Miami, is urging her representative to co-sponsor the resolution. “As the senior Republican on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ros-Lehtinen has great influence on the fate of this resolution,” Reynolds said. “It’s our job to let her know that her constituents are looking to her for leadership.”

The University of Miami’s 121 Coalition will be presenting English translations of “Comfort Women” testimonies at the following events:

June 9: Philippine Summer Festival
9am-8PM
South Florida Fair Expo Center
9067 Southern Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33421
Enter Gate 12 and proceed to Expo West

June 10: Philippines Independence Day Celebration
11:30 am - 6:30 pm
Orlando Marriott Hotel Downtown
400 West Livingston Street
Orlando, FL 32801
* the hotel is across from the Bob Carr performance center

June 16: Kalayaan 2007
10AM-6:30PM
Miramar Regional Park and Corporate Pavillion
16801 Miramar Pkwy.
Miramar, FL 33027
(954) 883-6950

June 25: Student night at the University of Miami, Coral Gables
8PM
Hecht Residential College
UM Coral Gables Campus

June 27: National Alliance to Nurture the Aged and the Youth
3PM
NANAY COMMUNITY CENTER
659 N.E. 125 Street
North Miami, Florida 33161
(305) 981-3232

University of Miami professor and novelist M. Evelina Galang has conducted extensive interviews with “Comfort Women” survivors in Manila. “For 50 years they were silent, and now they have come forward with great strength and dignity. It is important that the international community hears their stories and responds before it is too late. We are hoping that Rep. Ros-Lehtinen and all Florida Congress people take this opportunity to exercise bipartisan cooperation in the name of human rights, women’s rights, truth and reconciliation.”

The 121 Coalition is a national human rights group representing nearly 200 civic organizations. Galang has set up a blog with video clips of women’s testimonies as well as resources from around the world, at www.labanforthelolas.blogspot.com.

#####

For more information, contact M. Evelina Galang at labanmgalola@yahoo.com. Or visit www.support121.org.

APA Coalition Backs Honda's ‘Comfort Women’ Resolution

2007-06-05T06:43:00.000-04:00

17 May 2007

Asian Pacific American leaders from Washington, D.C., Miami, New York, and Los Angeles are converging in San Francisco to support Rep. Mike Honda’s (D-San Jose) House Resolution 121.

Cultural events starting May 15 aim to increase awareness of the resolution, which calls upon the Japanese government to accept responsibility for World War II “rape camps” that enslaved more than 200,000 girls and women.

The 121 Coalition is meeting with Bay Area leaders of the Rape of Nanking Redress Coalition and the Global Alliance for Preserving the History of World War II in Asia to strategize about how to organize the Asian Pacific American community here in support of Honda’s resolution.

The May 15 event was held at the Filipino Community Center in San Francisco. A screening of the coalition’s latest short film was followed by readings of sworn testimonies from surviving Filipina “comfort women.”

Scheduled speakers included Bay Area community leaders Barbara Reyes Bermeo, Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales, Claudine del Rosario, Korina Jocson, Jocyl Sacramento, and Michelle Ferrer.

The 121 Coalition is focusing on congressional districts represented by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and Rep. Tom Lantos (D-San Mateo), chairman of the House Committee of Foreign Affairs, without whom the resolution cannot come to a vote.

Coalition leader Annabel Park of Silver Spring, Md. believes the movement has the potential to bring the APA community together in a manner not previously seen.

“This resolution presents an opportunity to unite behind a positive message that is about healing and reconciliation, and the affirmation of women’s rights,” she said. “It’s also an opportunity to create a lasting network of Asian Pacific American activists.”

Park, who is Korean American, collaborated with Chinese American filmmaker Eric Byler (“Charlotte Sometimes,” “Americanese”) and Filipina American author M. Evelina Galang (Her Wild American Self, One Tribe) on a series of YouTube mini-documentaries featuring testimonies by former “comfort women.” All three were present for a screening of one of their films and readings of testimonies by Bay Area community leaders and artists.

Galang, who traveled from Miami for this week’s hastily scheduled events, said the “comfort women” issue is not widely known in the Filipino community.

“For 50 years the women were silent, and now they have come forward with great strength and dignity,” she said. “It is important that the community hear their stories and that these stories become a part of our history.”

Galang hopes that knowing the women’s stories will motivate and mobilize the community to sway its congressional representatives.

Byler worked with Park doing ethnic outreach for Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) during last year’s election.

“Last fall we were going to our parents and grandparents saying, ‘Ending the war in Iraq is important. Fighting prejudice is important,’ ” Byler said. “Afterwards, we asked them, ‘What’s important to you?’ I think many of them are still haunted by World War II issues because there are remaining questions as to which version of history will be passed on.”

Global Petition to Support House Resolution 121 hits 2140 and Goes to Washington

2007-06-03T23:41:00.000-04:00

Last week I sent the global on-line petition to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. There were 2140 international signatures on the petition and comments from all over the world. When the petition reaches another 2000, I'll send another batch. Here's the cover letter that went along with the 125 page document of signatures, addresses, countries and comments from citizens in the United States, the Netherlands, Guam, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and many other countries.

You can still sign the international petition to support House Resolution 121. Go to the petition to support "Comfort Women" House Resolution and make your thoughts known. Or just visit the petition and browse through the comments of the signatories. It will fill your heart.

Peace,
Evelina

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
H-232 Capitol
Washington, DC 20515-6501
May 23, 2007

Dear Speaker of the House Pelosi,

Please find enclosed a worldwide request to support of House Resolution 121.

Soon after I drafted the petition on March 13, 2007, I received an email from a private Japanese citizen who asked me if he could translate it into Japanese and post it on his website. Since then, the global community has responded with an outpouring of heartfelt concern. At this moment, the petition bears 2140 international signatures.

It is true that some of these signatures are from your district, and most of them, while from U.S. citizens are not. A significant number of names here are from the global community.

The document enclosed is more than a simple petition. If you read the comments written by international citizens, you will see how urgently our community feels the need to resolve this issue on a global scale. Many of the signatories write from countries that have been directly affected by the Japanese Imperial Army’s World War II practice of systematic rape and abduction of over 200,000 women and girls throughout Asia and the South Pacific. As you read the comments from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Guam and the Philippines, you will see that many victims and their families who have never had a time or place to voice their distress, to mourn or to demand justice are writing here and now. They are petitioning the United States of America to support the surviving “Comfort Women,” their mothers and grandmothers, on their behalf. No other government has taken this lead to support women living with the effects of WWII, years after they have been abused. This is an opportunity for the United States to take a leadership role worthy of a first world nation.

The document also makes clear that a number of private citizens in Japan believe that an apology is the right and noble thing to do. Their personal apologies reflect that they desire their government to take full responsibility and to deliver an honest and sincere apology.

In this document, surviving “Comfort Women” can see for themselves that despite Japan’s reticence, the world understands what happened during WWII. The global community knows what the Japanese Imperial Army did. No amount of denial will keep the truth down. At least this much, we can give the old women. But you can do so much more by bringing House Resolution 121 to a full vote and by passing it.

For me, the author of the petition, the document’s request to pass House Resolution 121 reads like a love letter to our women and girls. It is a means of serving justice, of honoring and respecting those who have had to endure these atrocities. And given the times we are living in, it delivers a strong message to today’s generation that we will not repeat a history where the dignity and life of human beings are sacrificed for the “comforts” of war.

Sincerely on behalf of the signatories on the petition to support House Resolution 121,

M. Evelina Galang,
Writer and Assistant Professor of English
University of Miami

Cc: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
Congressman Mike Honda
Chairman Tom Lantos
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer
Congresswoman Ileana Ros Lehtinen
LILA Pilipina-Gabriela

An Apology from Japan's Government to "Comfort Women" is a Global Concern

2007-06-02T07:29:00.000-04:00

Click on image to read the text of Canada's House of Common Motion 291.

121 Coalition UM Chapter Hits the Road

2007-06-01T06:39:00.000-04:00

Our UM Chapter hits the road next week. We're going to attend several Florida Philippine Independence Day Celebrations in the next few weeks. Look for us at the locations below. If you want us to come to your Florida community, let us know.

June 9: Philippine Summer Festival
9am-8PM
South Florida Fair Expo Center
9067 Southern Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33421
Enter Gate 12 and proceed to Expo West

June 10: Philippines Independence Day Celebration
11:30 am - 6:30 pm
Orlando Marriott Hotel Downtown
400 West Livingston Street
Orlando, FL 32801
* the hotel is across from the Bob Carr performance center

June 16: Kalayaan 2007
10AM-6:30PM
Miramar Regional Park and Corporate Pavillion
16801 Miramar Pkwy.
Miramar, FL 33027
(954) 883-6950

June 27: National Alliance to Nurture the Aged and the Youth
3PM
NANAY COMMUNITY CENTER
659 N.E. 125 Street
North Miami, Florida 33161
(305) 981-3232

If you want us to come to your festival, community gathering or if you'd like us to present the stories of surviving "Comfort Women" and House Resolution 121 to your organization, email me, M. Evelina Galang, at labanmgalola@yahoo.com. We are open to all communities, organizations and churches. Laban for House Res 121!

How Did You Come to Meet the Lolas?

2007-05-29T17:53:00.000-04:00

People have been asking me how I came to work with LILA Pilipina. All weekend long I have been sharing this story with individuals, so I’ll write about it here. From the start this has been about learning from the courage and the wisdom of our elders. From the start it has been about that search for the lessons our grandmothers give their dalagas as they grow from being rambunctious little girls, to strong intelligent women. From the start the thing that we are between girl and woman – dalaga or tween or teen – has been a source of curiosity to me. It has always been about what the past can teach us about the future.

When my book of short stories, Her Wild American Self (Coffee House Press) came out in April of 1996, many young women and girls began writing me about their own experiences growing up Filipina in America. It wasn’t as easy as it looked, it turns out. One young woman in particular, was in high school. She had been suicidal – frustrated that no adult, especially her mother could understand the pressures of being born of two conflicting cultures, of desperately wanting to be a part of one or the other or both, depending on the moment. She wanted her mother to read the book to see how she felt. Her mother was resistant.

In the 1990’s, there was a survey that the Center of Disease Control in Atlanta conducted (twice really) and it claimed that in San Diego, the rate of teen suicide was highest among Filipina American teens. Girls. Pinay. Our little sisters. Of course this statistic was disturbing and somehow surreal because our culture loves our daughters and only wants the best for them so it seemed impossible, and yet it was true and I was hearing versions of this truth in the letters I was receiving from my readers.

Then one night, in a theater in Minneapolis, I saw Pearl Ubungen’s performance of Bamboo Women, an interpretative dance of the testimony of Lola Amonita, a surviving Filipina “Comfort Woman” of WW2.

Pearl's dance was my first introduction to “Comfort Women.” It is only right that a friend would gently bring me to the women through body and dance. What struck me as I watched Pearl’s body flow to the old woman’s words was a strength, an energy, a will bigger than the experience – and that grace gave Lola Amonita the strength to survive. Then come to find out, she was not the only one.

I began to explore this issue, first in books and newspapers and in the archives of the Douglas MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia. There was not much written. What was there was vague. George L. Hicks had written a book about “Comfort Women” but there were no faces, no names, only numbers, only figures. The concept of “Comfort Women” remained abstract and distant and it did not answer my question.

I wanted to know what was the lesson that these old women, these lolas, had that our young girls, so ready to give up on life, might learn. I searched and found little.

In Washington DC, I discovered the Washington Coalition for Comfort Women Issues. I traveled to McLean, Virginia and I had tea with Dong Woo Lee-Hahm who showed me photographs of Korean "Comfort Women" and handed me several thin books of testimonies.

I learned how far reaching this war crime was: 200,000 women and girls all over Asia, but she had no information on Filipina “Comfort Women.”

Soon I was lead to Gabriela Network in New York. They did not have first hand information, but they had a contact, LILA Pilipina-Gabriela in Manila. LILA Pilipina was an organization of survivors born of Rosa Maria Henson, the first lola to come forward publicly. They had begun their own campaign and were seeking justice on their own behalf. Here it was.

In 1996, Lola Maria Henson’s autobiography, Comfort Woman: Slave of Destiny, was published. I was so excited because I was making plans to travel to Manila and I was determined to meet her. But it’s interesting to see what happens when one holds a secret, a shame for so long and finally lets it out in the open to breathe and be. For Lola Henson it was as if the moment she spoke the words, committed them to the page and left evidence of her experiences, that was enough and soon after the publication of her life story, she died.

In 1999, I brought five Filipina American dalagas with me to Quezon City to meet the lolas of LILA Pilipina. We met over forty women. We kissed each one. We held their hands. We danced with them. We laughed with them. We were in search of that lesson.

After reading Lola Henson’s book, one of my students called me, still crying. “I can’t believe how hard she fought to live. I treat my body like shit,” she said, “I just give it away. I can’t believe I’ve been so disrespectful.”

I have a friend who says that sometimes she comes to this blog just to see the women's faces. “I just look at their faces, they are so luminous and beautiful. There’s not a sign of bitterness.”

I shot most of these pictures and I smile when my friend says this because I know that when I hold a lens to my eye, they are looking at me with love, and that love is here, on this blog. This atrocity has not gotten the best of them. Their faith in a higher source is so great. Every time I spoke with one of the women about her experiences and I asked her how she was able to survive, she’d answer, “Sa awa ng Dyos.” Through the mercy of God. Through the Grace of God. The surviving “Comfort Women” are a gift from God, their wisdom, their strength, their dignity has seen them through. They are asking to be recognized, to be heard. They have great lessons of love waiting for each of us. All we need to do is look into their eyes and see it.

This is how I came to know the lolas of LILA Pilipina, this is how I have fallen in love with each and everyone of them, this is how I’ve come to promise them to do my best to fight on their behalf. When people say, how can you listen to such stories? How can you handle it? I think of their faces, what Giovanna calls luminous and beautiful. I think of their hearts and everything I have learned from them. That is how I handle it. And of course, Sa awa ng Dyos.

Filipino-American Coalition of Florida Supports House Res. 121

2007-05-28T07:45:00.000-04:00

I went on an amazing weekend conference to West Palm Beach and met with several of the key Filipino American leaders in the state of Florida who represent over 85,000 Filipino American constituents. I was so impressed with their dedication and their agenda concerning the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill, the Immigration Bill and the development of disaster action plans to support local residents in the preparation for and aftermath of hurricanes as well as an outreach program to natural disasters in their ancestral land, the islands of the Philippines. Most exciting is the leadership's desire to educate their communities on the upcoming presidential candidates, the issues and their creation of an action plan to raise voter participation among the Filipino American community in the state of Florida. They are hoping to join forces with the larger Asian Pacific American voting community and working to make some strong and positive changes.

I felt at ease sharing with them the stories of the lolas. Many of the leaders identified with the stories of Lolas Remedios, Prescilla, and Cristeta for they too were children of Leyte. They were in awe because they admitted that growing up there, they had not heard these stories. Of course, the women had been silent for 50 years after the war. Many of us never knew of their stories until recently.

I suppose this is why it is so important to share their lives and their fight for justice. People don't know, but once you hear the stories, like the key leaders of the Filipino-American Coalition of Florida, your hearts go ablaze, and you know the right thing to do.

Here is their hand-written letter to House Speaker Pelosi. Another letter is being drafted to all Congress persons in the state of Florida. And leaders have promised to educate their communities and begin their own letter writing campaigns.

The organizations of the Filipino American Coalition of Florida are also joining 121 Coalition in support of House Resolution 121.

Community is a beautiful thing, no?

May 27, 2007
Honorable Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi
H-232 Capitol
Washington DC 20515-6501

On Behalf of the Filipino-American communities in Florida, which make up one of the fastest growing populations in the state, we would like to urge your good office to support House Resolution 121, encouraging Japan to take full responsibility and make a formal apology to the 200,000 women and girls of Asia who were subjected to systematic rape and enslavement during WW2, from the Japanese Imperial Army.

Sending a clear message that the trauma inflicted upon these "comfort women" is intolerable, inhumane and unjust -- is the least we can do to make up for the atrocities.

Sincerely,

Filipino-American Coalition of Florida

Council for Filipino American Organizations (representing ten Filipino American organizations)

Bataan Corregidor Memorial Foundation

Fil-Am Council of North East Florida (representing 9 Filipino American Organizations)

Knights of Rizal- North East Florida

Filipino Americans of Osceola and South Orlando

Bayanihan Ladies Association

Knights of Rizal - Central Florida

Vismindaluz - Central Florida

Ladies From Rizal- Central Florida

Filipino American Veterans Association, Central Florida

Kahirup Association of Central Florida

Philippine Chamber of Commerce of Orlando

Faith Foundation of Orlando

National Alliance to Nurture the Aged and Youth (NANAY, Inc. Miami)

Philippine-American Federation of South Florida

HARMAN COSPONSORS RESOLUTION CALLING ON JAPAN TO APOLOGIZE FOR TREATMENT OF “COMFORT WOMEN”

2007-05-26T00:26:00.000-04:00

PRESS RELEASE
2400 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515 http://www.house.gov/harman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Adam Blickstein
May 26, 2007 (202) 225-2156

Washington, DC – Representative Jane Harman (D-Venice) signed on as a cosponsor of H.R. 121, legislation calling on the Government of Japan to acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility for the coercion of as many as 200,000 young women into sexual slavery, known as “comfort women,” during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Said Harman: “I appreciate the efforts of the thousands of constituents who made me aware of this issue. It was important to consider carefully the foreign policy ramifications of this bill, and I wanted to be sure that it would not place additional strain on our Asian relationships. I became convinced, however, that the treatment of the so-called ‘comfort women’ was so repugnant that cosponsoring this bill was the right thing to do.” She added: “Once again, my constituents have demonstrated their strong convictions on an issue of national significance.”

###

Violeta Lanzarote, Batad Iloilo

2007-05-22T17:51:00.000-04:00

Born August 7, 1925
Abducted at the age of 17

They brought me to their garrison and put me into the one of the three divisions. I was raped first on the day I was captured. When I was in the division, one Japanese soldier came. He threatened me, pointing his gun at me and pushing me down on the floor. When I started shouting on my back, he put a paper inside my mouth and tore up my clothes then raped me. On the first night, another Japanese soldier raped me.

The next morning I bled so much. The Japanese who noticed my condition called for the help of a doctor and gave me the capsule of medicine. But after that, they ordered me to cook rice. On the second day also, four Japanese soldiers raped me.

By the third day I felt so sick that I took medicine after cooking rice for the Japanese. From then on I had to cook rice every morning.

After the third day, four or five soldiers raped me every day. Almost all of them were ordinary soldiers but some times Japanese officials.

Manila Town Heritage Center

2007-05-19T14:57:00.000-04:00

Annabel Park and I were running all over the Bay Area this week, sharing stories of the lolas with the Filipino American Community. We would introduce the subject and screen the mini-documentary of Lola Dolor and then students from San Francisco State University would read survivors' testimonies. Our final event was in the historical site were the International Hotel, a hotel for Chinese and Filipino immigrants, once stood.

At the Manila Town Heritage Center, a small but powerful group came together to share the testimonies of surviving Filipina "Comfort Women" on Thursday, May 17, 2007.

All week long, it moved me to watch the faces of the youth and the adults who had never imagined their lolas' in the same position as Lola Dolor or Lola Prescilla, or Lola Christeta. Yet, as the stories unfolded many of the people we talked to all over the Bay Area, especially the students at City College and San Francisco State, began to share the memories of their grandmothers.

We encountered more than one family member whose mother or grandmother or great aunt was also a survivor of the Japanese Imperial Army's rape camps.

Those U.S. families with ancestors who survived Japanese "Comfort Stations" can really do something to support their lolas, their aunties and their mothers -- especially if the descendants are living in the 12th and 8th districts in California. You can write Congressman Lantos. You can write House Speaker Pelosi.

During a visit to Congressman Lantos' district office, Evelyn Szelenyi, District Director told us that hand written letters from voters in Lantos' district are the most effective tool they have to pass H.R. 121. "One letter," she said, "is like 100 voices. One phone is like 10."

Your words matter. Your Congress person will listen. It takes two seconds to write a short note expressing your concern. That one letter, imagine, is as good as 100 voices. Let yours be the one to move Congressman Lantos or House Speaker Pelosi.

So important are those letters that while I was in the Bay Area speaking, I told each crowd that I would personally hand deliver their letters to the district offices. In all we gathered about 120 letters for both offices. 1200 voices revealed their need to see justice for the surviving "Comfort Women" and their families.

Think about it, if there were 200,000 women and girls all over Asia taken by the Japanese Imperial Army and at least 1000 of them were Filipina, and of that number only 173 of them have come forward, what happened to the remaining 827 (at least if not more)?

The students nodded at me and said, "They're living among us still."

Our leaders want to do the right thing, but they cannot move without your consent. They cannot act unless they understand this is what their constituents need.

We should all be writing Congress, but those in the Bay Area may truly change the course of history. Congressman Lantos is the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Congresswoman Pelosi is our Speaker of the House. They are the key leadership who will guide this resolution to its natural end. See to it that they know what you want, give them direction. Let it be known (and here I am talking to my brothers and sisters in the Filipino American Community) that we support the women who despite these atrocities have been graced with the strength to carry on, to live lives with dignity and love. They deserve their justice.

I include some of the letters written this week to Lantos and Pelosi. They speak for themselves:

Dear Congresswoman Pelosi,
I am a Filipina American citizen who lives in your district and I have read House Resolution 121 asking for a formal apology by the Japanese government to the Asian women who were raped and abused during WW2. I support House Resolution 121 because my lola (grandmother) suffered from the abuse and humiliation of Japanese soldiers during the war, especially when they invaded the Philippines and established garrisons to capture Filipino women. My lola's memories and experiences are my history and her struggles are my struggles. I ask that you please support House Resolution 121 and demand that the House of Representatives, Senate and Congress come to a full vote and pass it.

Sincerely,
R.M.A.
San Francisco, CA 94112

Dear Congressman Lantos,
I am a Filipina American woman and I have read and support House Resolution 121. I am saddened by the state of events that have occurred in the lives of these women. I would like to have a resolution passed because these women have lived a lifetime in secret and deserve a semblance of dignity and honor. As a woman who has endured sexual abuse, I can honestly say that an apology will allow these women to be free of their past, a freedom long overdue. Please support House Resolution 121 because it could have been your mother, grandmother, wife or daughter.

Sincerely,
E.M.
San Francisco, CA 94117

Dear Congressman Tom Lantos,
I am a Japanese American citizen who lives in your district. I have read House Resolution 121 and support it because as a woman, I know that it is my responsibility to be by any woman's side through any struggle. This resolution is important to me and I ask you to support it too. Please mark up House Resolution 121.

V.M.
Daly City, CA 94015

Dear Nancy Pelosi,
I am a Filipino immigrant and I have been living in the U.S. for 15 years. My grandparents petitioned my family to come to the U.S. due to his service in WWII. This resolution is personal to me because the stories of these women deserve to be heard. Please bring House Resolution 121 to full vote.

A.A.
Hayward, CA 94544

House Resolution 121 is at a crucial phase. We would like the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Tom Lantos' committee, to mark it up. In the next few days your letters and phone calls are a strong and powerful tool. I urge you to express yourself. Write to them. Call them. Email them. Not just Pelosi and Lantos but all members of Congress.

House Speaker Speaks

2007-05-17T11:23:00.000-04:00

May 7, 2007

As we work on legislation to improve lives for the future, we must remember the challenges from the past. World War II set the stage for courageous acts of heroism, but at the same time generated acts of grave injustice and discrimination. I salute the Filipino Veterans who fought bravely during World War II and join them in their fight for full veterans' benefits. I recognize the courage of the remaining "comfort women" and will work to ensure that their rights are protected.

From the statement of House Speaker Pelosi on the occasion of Representative Mike Honda's lead on a special order on the Floor to commemorate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Let us applaud the Speaker's great and noble intentions.

Filipino American Lit at SFSU Activates Their Voices and Their Pens

2007-05-17T04:59:00.000-04:00

I walked into Allyson Titiangco-Cubales' Filipino American Lit final and it was WILD. There were 50 students hungry for the truth. Six students read the testimonies of six surviving Filipina "Comfort Women" and then the whole class, including some who were not even part of the class and who had traveled from other parts of the Bay Area, sat down in their desks and wrote. Below is a letter from Michelle Ramos to her Congressman and the Chair of the House Committee of Foreign Affairs, Tom Lantos. See the truth in the shape of her words ...

Dear Congressman Lantos,

I am writing you in concern of the injustice toward the "Comfort Women" of the Japanese Imperial Arm during WWII. For years their stories have been held silent and not recognized. Women and girls as young as twelve were taken and used for sexual service night after night. Abduction and systematic rape have extreme consequences to the physical and mental body of a woman -- and as a woman I cannot even imagine such horror pitted toward me or anyone else. There were so many women, but where are their stories? Many women did not survive from this and many others are so scarred that talking about these experiences surfaces painful memories. Just having heard these stories brings a flood of tears and pain that strikes my heart -- No one deserves to be raped! I as well as these women know that they deserve at least an apology from the Japanese government -- it won't fix the past, but it will start building a bridge for healing.

I am a resident living in your district and I urge you to mark up HR 121. These women deserve to be recognized because injustice should not stay silent.

Sincerely,
Michelle Ramos
San Francisco 94132