GABRIELA

GABRIELA commemorates

the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

November 25, 2008

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Photos courtesy of GABRIELA

November 25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women In December 1999, the 54th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 54/134 declaring November 25th the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The origins of November 25th go back to 1960, when the three Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic were violently assassinated for their political activism. The sisters, known as the "Unforgettable Butterflies," became a symbol of the crisis of violence against women in Latin America. November 25th was the date chosen to commemorate their lives and promote global recognition of gender violence, and has been observed in Latin America since the 1980s. (http://www.unifem.org/news_events/event_detail.php?EventID=190) The Mirabal sisters were four Dominican sisters, three of whom were assassinated by the dictator Rafael Trujillo. Patria Mercedes Mirabal (February 27, 1924 – November 25, 1960), María Argentina Minerva Mirabal (March 12, 1926 – November 25, 1960) and Antonia María Teresa Mirabal (October 15, 1935 – November 25, 1960) — were natives of the Dominican Republic who fervently opposed the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Bélgica Adela "Dedé" Mirabal-Reyes ^[1] was not assassinated the day her sisters were. As of 2007, she currently lives in Salcedo, Dominican Republic. She resides in the house where the sisters were born and works to preserve her sisters' memory through the "Museo Hermanas Mirabal" which is also located in Salcedo and was home to the girls for the final ten months of their lives. The Mirabal women grew up in an upper class, well-cultured environment. All became married family women. The father of the Mirabal sisters was a successful businessman. When Trujillo came to power, their family lost almost all of their fortune. They believed that Trujillo would send their country into economic chaos. Minerva became particularly passionate about ending the dictatorship of Trujillo after talking extensively with an uncle of hers. Influenced by her uncle, Minerva became more involved in the anti-Trujillo movement. Minerva studied law and became a lawyer, but because she did not permit Trujillo's romantic advancements, he ordered that while she would be issued a degree she was not to receive her practitioner's license. Her sisters followed suit, and they eventually formed a group of opponents to the Trujillo regime, known as the Movement of the Fourteenth of June. Inside that group, they were known as "The Butterflies" (Las Mariposas in Spanish). They are known as Las Mariposas because that was the underground name that Minerva was recognized as in political dealings. Two of the sisters, María Argentina Minerva Mirabal and Antonia María Teresa Mirabal, were incarcerated and tortured on several occasions. Three of the sisters' husbands were incarcerated at La Victoria Penitentiary in Santo Domingo. Despite these setbacks, they persisted in fighting to try to end Trujillo's dictatorship. After the sisters' numerous imprisonments, Trujillo decided to get rid of the sisters. On November 25, 1960, he sent men to intercept the three women after the women had visited their husbands in prison. The unarmed sisters were led into a sugarcane field, then executed along with their driver. Their car was later thrown off of a mountain known as La Cumbre, between the cities of Santiago and Puerto Plata. Trujillo believed at the time that he had removed a significant problem. Having the three sisters killed backfired, however: the deaths of the Mirabal sisters caused a general public outrage throughout their native country. The resultant publicity of the deaths caused the Dominican Republic to become more interested in the Mirabal sisters and their cause. This public support and awareness contributed to Trujillo's assassination six months later in 1961. ►►



			The Mirabal sisters were buried in Ojo de Agua, an area outside the city of Salcedo in Salcedo Province, on the property of their second home where they lived the last ten months of their lives. This home has also been turned into a museum in their honor and is open to the public. There is also a library, bookstore, and souvenir shop located on the property. The three sisters are buried together, and Manolo, Minerva's husband, is also buried with them. The surviving sister, Dedé, lives near the museum. One of her sons, Jaime David Fernández Mirabal, served as vice-president during Leonel Fernández's first term as president of the republic between the years of 1996 and 2000. Minou Tavarez Mirabal, the eldest daughter of Minerva Mirabal, served as a Congresswoman from 1998 until 2006 and was recently reelected for four additional years (until 2010). (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirabal_sisters)



Gabriela's case against Gloria


MEDIA STATEMENT November 25, 2008 Source: Emmi de Jesus, Secretary General for the GABRIELA National Council 371-2302 / 0917-3221203 On the Intensifying Political Harassment on GABRIELA The international community will commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) on November 25, a date which marks the death of three sisters – Patricia, Minerva and Maria Teresa Mirabal - in the hands of the tyrannical rule of General Rafael Trujillo in November 25, 1960 in the Dominican Republic. Remembering the historical significance of IDEVAW as rooted in the women's struggle against state instigated violence on women, the national leadership of GABRIELA National Alliance of Women in the Philippines through its National Council, commemorates this day with indignation over the intensifying attacks on women human rights defenders and in particular, against our organization, our members and our leaders. Last September 25, Mary Grace Delicano, a member and staff of GABRIELA Negros was arrested on a ridiculous charge of robbery in band. Warrants of arrest were also issued on Helen Asdolo, secretary general of GABRIELA Southern Tagalog and Amy Sto. Tomas, coordinator of GABRIELA Cavite for their alleged involvement in various crimes. This adds to the growing list of human rights violations on women under the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. From January 2001 to September 2008, 107 women were victims of extra-judicial killings, 31 are victims of involuntary disappearance, 271 were victims of illegal detention and 22 are political prisoners. The Arroyo regime's Oplan Bantay Laya 2 intensifies the political persecution of legitimate organizations such as GABRIELA. Our local chapters nationwide are being harassed by members of the military. The AFP-produced video "Know Your Enemy" that, among others, brands GABRIELA as a communist front continues to be shown in public gathering in communities nationwide. GABRIELA local chapter leaders and members are being hounded by soldiers deployed in urban communities nationwide. Ironically, this political harassment is intensifying as GABRIELA nears our 25th anniversary next year. Thus, on this day, November 25, the women of GABRIELA convey, in the strongest possible terms, our rage against the Arroyo government's political repression of women activists. At the same time, we forewarn the powers-that- be that GABRIELA was born under the harsh rule of the Marcos dictatorship and from one tyrannical rule after another; GABRIELA not only survived but flourished and continues to thrive. ###			News Release 25 November 2008 Reference: Joms Salvador, Spokesperson, 371-2302 / 09189182150 BRIBERY, POLITICAL REPRESSION TO GAG GMA CRITICS AMIDST POVERTY, CORRUPTION AND CHA-CHA "From bribery to political repression, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is using all means to gag individuals and groups who vehemently protest her administration amidst worsening poverty, widespread corruption and GMA's bid for term extension via charter change." This was the statement today of the militant women's group GABRIELA. "While money is being used to silence lawmakers, President Arroyo uses force against the militants, and GABRIELA leaders and members are among her targets," said Joms Salvador, spokesperson of GABRIELA. According to Salvador, three GABRIELA members are among the recent victims of the government's political repression. Last September 25, Mary Grace Delicano, a member and staff of GABRIELA Negros, was arrested for her alleged involvement in a robbery case. Last month, warrants of arrest were issued against Helen Asdolo, secretary general of GABRIELA Southern Tagalog and Amy Sto. Tomas, coordinator of GABRIELA Cavite, for their alleged involvement in various crimes. Asdolo and Sto. Tomas are charged together with other activists tagged as Southern Tagalog 72. "These violations add to the growing list of human rights violations on women under the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. From January 2001 to September 2008, 107 women were victims of extra-judicial killings, 31 are victims of involuntary disappearance, 271 were victims of illegal detention and 22 are political prisoners," said Salvador. On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) today, the women's group also brought forth the continuing political repression of women who staunchly criticize the Arroyo government. "Our local chapters nationwide are being harassed by members of the military. The AFP-produced video `Know Your Enemy,' that, among others, brands GABRIELA as a communist front, continues to be shown in public gatherings in communities nationwide. GABRIELA local chapter leaders and members are being hounded by soldiers deployed in urban communities nationwide," said Salvador. "Ironically, this political harassment is intensifying as GABRIELA nears our 25th year of service and advocacy for women's rights and welfare," added Salvador. The women's group said they will bring up these cases of political harassment on their set dialogue with Commission on Human Rights Chair Atty. Leila de Lima on November 28.###

PRESS STATEMENT November 26, 2008 Reference: CRISTINA PALABAY, SECRETARY GENERAL (0917-5003879) ON THE NOVEMBER 25 INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN With women all over the world, Gabriela Women's Party, the sole political party of women with representatives in the 14th Congress of the Philippine House of Representatives, commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, bringing to the fore our outrage against the intensifying violence, repression and political persecution that Arroyo regime has unleashed against women activists and women human rights defenders all over the country. As Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's extremely unpopular government face anew another impeachment complaint, we see no end to its attempts to silence and immobilize its critics and dissenters, with its unrelenting attacks against human rights workers, leaders and activists. There is no doubt that terror is its defense as well as its method in its attempts to stay in power while escaping accountability and denying our people the clamor for land, decent jobs and social justice, especially in this time of global financial and economic crisis. Since President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo assumed office in January 2001, up to September 2008, 107 women have fallen victims to extra-judicial killings, 31 have disappeared, 271 were victims of illegal detention and 22 are political prisoners. All of them leaders if not members or supporters of progressive people's organizations and militant partylist groups. To date, the terror tactics of the Arroyo regime and its butchers and human rights violators in the AFP, PNP, DOJ and the IALAG has taken to the wholesale filing of trumped up charges against activists and human rights defenders in its continued implementation of its anti-insurgency campaign Oplan Bantay Laya. Currently facing possible arrest for fabricated cases of arson, conspiracy to commit rebellion, multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder is Gabriela Southern Tagalog Secretary General and Gabriela Women's Party 5th Nominee Helen Asdolo and Gabriela provincial coordinator for Cavite, Amelita Sto. Tomas. Along with 70 others from Southern Tagalog, including 18 more women, they have been accused of participating in a raid conducted by the NPA in March 3, 2006 in Puerto Galera, Mindoro Oriental. In Negros, Gabriela staff and volunteer Mary Grace Delicano, was illegaly arrested for her alleged participation in a raid conducted by the New People's Army in Bgy. Malasibog, Escalante City in 2006. Similarly, Emilia and Marycris Quirante have been arrested after a .38 caliber pistol was purportedly found in an unspecified area of their home in Bgy. Trinidad in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental. Indeed, November 25, this historical day that marks the death of Patria, Teresa and Minerva Mirabal, the Mariposas that fought the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s, remains significant for Filipino women who stand in defiance of President Arroyo's terror.			PAHAYAG SA MIDYA Nobyembre 25,2008 Sanggunian: Jenelyn A. Nagrampa Secretary General 0918-5384949 PAIGTINGIN ANG PAGLABAN SA TUMITINDING PAMPULITIKANG PANUNUPIL SA KILUSANG KABABAIHAN! Ngayong Nobyembre 25,2008, ang ika-48 taong paggunita sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Pagwawakas sa Karahasan Laban sa mga Kababaihan at Bata. Ito ang pag-alala sa karumal-dumal na kamatayan ng tatlong magkapatid sa Dominican Republic na sina Patria, Minerva at Maria Terese o kilala sa tawag na "Las Mariposas" (The Butterflies) sa ilalim na mapanupil na batas militar ni General Leonides Trujillo noong Nobyembre 25,1960. Ang tumitinding atake na ito sa mga kababaihan ay nagpapatuloy sa diktadurya ng isang rehimen na pinamumunuan ng isang babaeng presidente.Mula Enero 2001 hanggang Setyembre 2008, mas dumami ang naging biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao – 107 ang biktima ng extra-judicial killings, 31 ang biktima ng sapilitang pagkawala, 271 ang biktima ng iligal na pagkakakulong at 22 naman ang mga political prisoners. Ang mga paglabag sa karapatang-pantao kasabay ng tumitindig militarisasyon sa kanayunan at kalunsuran ay dulot ng Oplan Bantay Laya 2. Dito sa Bikol, ang Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur at Masbate, ang napipintong paglunsaran ng Balikatan Exercises ng mga tropang Amerikano. Ngayon pa lang inaatake na ng matindi ang Ikatlong Distrito ng Albay. Inoobliga ng mga militar ang mga mamamayan kasama ang mga bata at nanay na magbantay sa mga checkpoints o mas kilala sa tawag na BDS o Barangay Defense System. Asahan na natin na kapag nagtuloy-tuloy ang Balikatan Exercises ay mas dadami ang magiging biktima ng karahasan tulad ng rape, sexual harassment at prostitusyon katulad ng nangyari noon sa Subic, Pampanga. Mula mismo sa datos ng Phil. National Police-Women and Child Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) sa unang kwarto pa lamang ng 2008 ay umabot na sa 1,633 kaso ng karahasan laban sa kababaihan.Umabot naman sa 236 ang kaso na idinulog sa GABRIELA mula Enero hanggang Hunyo 2008,kung saan pinakamarami pa rin ay pambubugbog sa asawa. Sa kabila ng mga atakeng ito,patuloy pa rin ang paglaban ng mga kababaihan sa mga karahasang ito lalo na sa papalapit na ika-25 taon anibersaryo ng GABRIELA sa taong 2009. Isinusulong ngayon sa Kongreso ang HB 1020 na nagdedeklara sa Nobyembre 25 bilang National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Nais nating kahit sa isang araw ng buong taon ay malaman ng mamamayan na ang karahasan sa kababaihan ay isang public issue na dapat na pinag-uusapan at hindi isang personal na bagay na tinatalakay lamang sa tahanan. Isang paraan din upang basagin ang kultura ng katahimikan para lumabas at magsalita ang mga kababaihang biktima ng karahasan. Kung kaya, sa araw na ito,mahigpit nating kinokondena ang tumitinding atake sa mga tagapagtanggol ng karapatang pantao,partikular sa kilusang kababaihan lalung-lalo na sa tumitinding pampulitikang panunupil sa ating rehiyon. Patuloy na magpapalawak at mag-oorganisa ang kilusang kababaihan para wakasan ang karahasan laban sa mga kababaihan at bata.

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