Philippines killings protested

On November 16, 45 people rallied outside the Philippines consulate in the CBD to demand an end to the killings and harassment of political and trade union activists in the Philippines.

Since President Gloria Arroyo came to office in Janurary 2001, at least 750 Filipino unionists, human rights lawyers, priests, journalists and leftist political activists have been assassinated.

The protest rally, organised by the Philippine Australia Union Link, was mainly comprised of construction workers, but also included delegations from the manufacturing and fire-fighters unions. The demonstration finished with a handing of petitions to a Philippines consul representative.

A candlelight vigil was held the same evening outside the Philippines consulate in Perth.

From GLW issue 691