November, 2008

On the cusp of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's third lavish visit to the United States, another prominent Philippine leader is currently in the US speaking to audiences about the dire economic and political situation in the Philippines.

In Cordillera, a "mabtad" is declared in times of emergency, such as when a tribe member disappears, to prompt community mobilization. The family of missing Igorot activist James Balao, on November 17, echoed the indigenous call in the House of Representatives as militant lawmakers filed a resolution seeking a congressional probe into the disappearance.

An estimated 10,000 migrants of different nationalities did not send remittances on October 29, as an act of protest against the Global Forum on Migration and Development, according to the International Migrants Alliance (IMA).

Queens, NY- On November 12, over 50 Fil-ams gathered in the bitter cold streets of New York City to pray for genuine peace in Mindanao.Several organizations, including Anakbayan NY/NJ, FiRE (Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment), and NYCHRP (New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines) from BAYAN USA openly criticized the Arroyo regime for her backward steps towards peace.

The US Chapter of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, or BAYAN USA, an alliance of 12 Filipino organizations across the US, joins the rest of the American people and beyond in celebrating the historical significance of having the first Black president elected into the executive office of the White House.