A prominent women’s organization in the Philippines, GABRIELA, has voiced strong opposition to the upcoming joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, scheduled to begin next month.
Clarice Palce, the Secretary-General of GABRIELA, called for the expulsion of all U.S. troops from Philippine soil and the immediate termination of key military agreements, including the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Palce highlighted the historical implications of U.S. military presence, stating that the bases and EDCA sites \"pose a grave threat to the safety, welfare, and rights of Filipinos, particularly women and children.\" She emphasized that increased military activities and the presence of foreign troops have led to the troubling rise of \"militarized prostitution\" in the region.
The Balikatan exercises, which are slated to run from April 22 to May 8, are expected to involve approximately 11,000 American troops alongside 5,000 Philippine soldiers. Palce criticized the drills, arguing that they undermine Philippine sovereignty by effectively turning the country into an expansive U.S. base with unrestricted movement for American forces.
GABRIELA’s stance reflects growing concerns among various sectors in the Philippines regarding the long-term impact of foreign military presence on national autonomy and social stability.
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Philippine women group condemns joint Philippine, U.S. military drills
cgtn.com
