Migrante Europe

Category: Countries

  • Migrants, refugees to hold Berlin Speak Out Street Event vs. GFMD

    Migrants, refugees to hold Berlin Speak Out Street Event vs. GFMD

    [BERLIN, 26 June 2017] Nothing About Us, Without Us! Migrants and refugees from Europe and around the world will hold the SPEAK OUT STREET EVENT on Wednesday, 28 June, in Berlin, Germany, as a counter-action to the UN Global Forum on Migration and Development and as an activity of the 7th International Assembly of Migrants and Refugees (IAMR7).

    The 28th of June 2017 is the official opening of the 10th Summit Meeting of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD). It will be attended by high­level and senior government policy makers, and will talk about issues and policies on migration and social development. Those who are directly affected by these policies — the migrants and refugees – are not part of the GFMD. They and their allies are organizing a counter-event and will gather at the Brandenburg Gate at 9:00am for the SPEAK OUT STREET EVENT. At around noontime, they will march to the venue of the GFMD Summit at the German Federal Foreign Office.

    The migrant and refugee communities will claim their space and assert their right to be seen and heard. It is important to give space to the voices that challenge the legitimacy and capacity of the GFMD to effectively address the problems and respond adequately to the challenges of migration and development. These grassroots and frontline communities will share their perspectives and solutions to the problems confronting them and engage with policy­makers in the parliament of the streets, bearing witness to their effective exclusion from decision­making processes that affect them principally but which take place behind closed doors.

    The 10th GFMD Summit is taking place amidst a global migration and refugee crisis that has witnessed the flight of millions of people fleeing extreme poverty, from countries destroyed by resource wars and wars of aggression, and devastated by the impacts of climate change.

    Under the guise of creating “legal, orderly and safe migration pathways and channels”, discriminatory and racist policies of pre­selection allow only ‘highly­skilled and knowledge migrants’ to access and enter the territories of European Union member states. This right is denied to majority of those who are the most impoverished and who seek a better life, or those who are victims of various forms of persecution.

    This policy also effectively discriminates and criminalizes the majority of migrants and refugees who have already entered and established their right of abode in the European Union. Taking place in Germany where its schizophrenic policy has received close to a million migrants and asylum-seekers in 2015, at the same time as it prepares to deport over 200,000 migrants, among them, the undocumented, the ‘economic migrants’ and rejected asylum‐seekers. Those profiled as ‘irregulars’ face arrest, detention and massive deportation.

    The SPEAK OUT STREET EVENT will send a strong message to the high-level and senior government policy makers as well as the general public regarding the continued marginalization of refugees, migrants and immigrants affected by forced migration and human trafficking. Spearheading the event is the International Migrants Alliance (IMA), in cooperation with the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM), GABRIELA Germany, IBON International, the International League of Peoples’ Struggle, the International Women’s Alliance, MIGRANTE Europe, and supported by Churches Witnessing With Migrants (CWWM), COURAGE, Coalition Against Trump, Democracy in Europe Movement 25 – Berlin, Die Linke International,  and Solidarity International. The SPEAK OUT STREET EVENT is an activity of the 7th International Assembly of Migrants and Refugees (IAMR7).

  • Mensahe ng Pakikikisa: Pangkalahatang Assembliya ng MIGRANTE at Gabriela sa Saudi Arabia!

    Mensahe ng Pakikikisa: Pangkalahatang Assembliya ng MIGRANTE at Gabriela sa Saudi Arabia!

    Maalab na pagbati ang ipinapaabot ng Migrante-Europe sa mga opisyales, kasapian, delegado at mga panauhin ng Pangkalahatang Assembliya ng MIGRANTE at Gabriela – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!

    Ang krisis pang ekonomiya at ang kawalan ng makabuluhang pagkakakitaan sa Pilipinas ang pangunahing dahilan upang araw-araw libo-libong manggagawang Pillipino ay sapiliting iiwanan ang pamilya at kumonidad at makikipagsapalaran sa ibayong dagat. Ang Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ang isa sa mga bansang nagiging destinasyon ng migranteng Pilipino.

    Ang tumiding krisis pampulitika at pang-ekonomiya sa kaharian ng Saudi Arabia at Middle East maging sa loob at labas ng bansa, ay nagreresulta rin ng pagiging bulnerable ang manggagawang migranteng Pilipino at kanilang pamilya sa mga pagsasamantala, pang-aapi at pangaabuso.

    Ang lumalalang krisis pang ekonomiya sa buong mundo ay nararamdaman din dito sa Europa. Ang pagsara maraming pabrika at pagbawas ng pamahalaan ng maraming bansa sa Europa sa kaukulang budget para sa panlipunang kagalingan ng mga mamamayan ay may direktang epekto rin sa kabuhayan at karapatan ng maraming migranteng Pilipino.

    Ang mga nararanasan ninyo at ng inyong mga pamilya, kaibigan at kapwa manggagawang Pilipino sa Saudi Arabia ay kahalintulad din sa karanasan ng maraming migranteng Pilipino saan mang daku ng mundo at ito ay mga buhay na patunay na hindi migrasyon ang sagot sa kahirapan at kawalan ng kabuhayan sa bayang Pilipinas. Ang pagpupustura bilang makamanggagawa at makamigranteng Pilipino ng Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ay kabaliktaran ng “labor export policy” ng kanyang pamahalaan.

    Ang Tema ng inyong pagtitipon “MAPANGAHAS NA PUKAWIN, ORGANISAHIN AT PAKILUSIN ANG PINAKAMARAMING BILANG NG MANGGAGAWANG MIGRANTE AT PAMILYA UPANG IPAGLABAN ANG KANILANG KARAPATAN AT KAGALINGAN AT PARA SA TUNAY NA PAGBABAGONG PANLIPUNAN SA ATING BAYAN“ ay makabuluhan at napapanahon. Eto ay nanganghulugan ng matibay na pagkakaisa ng pinakamalawak na bilang ng migranteng Pilipino at ng kanilang pamilya at lumahok sa pagtataguguyod ng batayang interes at kagalingan ng manggagawang Pilipino sa Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Eto ay nanawagan ng isang kongkretong pagsulong para sa ganap na panlipunang pagbabago sa ating bayan. Ang inyong tema ay hindi lamang panawagan para sa inyo mga kabababayan at kapwa ko migranteng Pilipino sa Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Eto rin ay panagawan para sa amin dito sa Europa at sa mga migranteng Pilipino sa ibat ibang bahagi ng mundo.

    Ang inyong kolektibong pagtugon sa panawagan ng inyong Tema ay malaking ambag sa ating pangkalahatang pagsusulong para sa ganap na panlipunang pagbabago sa ating bayan. Ang inyong pagtugon ay magbibigay din ng inspirasyon sa lahat ng nakikibakang migranteng Pilipino sa ibat-ibang bahagi ng mundo upang ibayong isulong ang paggiit ng ating karapatan sa trabaho at kabuhayan. Ang ating samasamang pagkilos at pakikibaka bilang migrante Pilipino saan mang dako tayo ng mundo ay ambag at pakikiisa natin sa lumalawak na kilusang pagbabago ng iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan Pilipino para sa lupa, sahod, trabaho at karapatan.

    Mabuhay ang Pangkalahatang Asembliya ng MIGRANTE at GABRIELA – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!
    Mabuhay ang migranteng Pilipino!
    Mabuhay ang Sambayang Pilipinong nakikibaka para ganap na panlipunang pagbabago!

    Reference: Father Herbert Fadriquela, Jr.
    [email protected]
    25 ng Hunyo, 2017

  • Pahayag ng Migrante Italya sa ika-119 taong araw ng kalayaan ng Pilipinas

    Pahayag ng Migrante Italya sa ika-119 taong araw ng kalayaan ng Pilipinas

    Isang daan at labing siyam na taon mula nang ideklara sa Kawit, Cavite ang kasarinlan ng Pilipinas. Kalayaan na kung saan magpahanggang sa ngayon ay nanatiling salitang salat sa tunay na kahulugan. Nakawala ang ating mga kamay sa pagkakagapos sa pamamahala ng dayong Kastila subalit itinali naman ang ating mga leeg sa kontrol ng mananakop na mga Amerikano. Ibinenta ng isang mananakop ang ating pagkaalipin sa  isa pang mananakop sa pakikipagtulungan ng mga elitistang  nagkunwaring mga may malasakit sa kapakanan ng taong bayan. Pinatay, pinarusahan, kinulong at itinuring na mga rebelde ang mga tunay na rebolusyonaryong Pilipinong lumalaban. Binaluktot ang mga aral at kwento ng kasaysayan at itinuturing na mga bayani ang mga takwil na elitistang masugid na naglingkod sa dayuhang pamumuno.

    Independensya, kasarinlan at kalayaan, mga salitang makalipas ang isang daan at labing siyam na taon ay nananatiling mga salitang may kanya kanyang kahulugan sa bawat administrasyon ng gobyernong naluklok sa kapangyarihan. Ang kahulugan ng kalayaan sa malawak na mamamayang naghihirap ay kaiba sa kahulugan ng maliit na minoryang nakakadama ng kaginhawaan.  Ang kalayaan para sa mga naghahari sa lipunan ay kaiba sa kalayaan ng mga pinaghaharian. Ang pagbibigay kahulugan sa salitang ito ang isa sa pinag-uugatan ng kahirapan ng malawak na sektor ng lipunang Pilipino kabilang tayong mga migrante sa labas ng bansa.

    Mismong si pangulong Duterte sa panahon ng kanyang kampanya ay kumilala sa pangangailangang makawala tayo sa dikta at kontrol ng Amerika. Ibinabandila ang kanyang Independent Foreign Policy ngunit magpahanggang sa kasalukuyan ay patuloy ang pakikialam sa atin ng Amerika sa pamamagitan ng mga mapagkunwaring mga kasunduan at tratado tulad ng Mutual Defence Treaty, Visiting Forces Agreement, at Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement. Sinusuhayan ito ng mga ayuda at utang pinansyal sa ating bansa na pangunahing pinakikinabangan ng mga burukrata kapitalistang mga namumuno sa  gobyerno.

    Patuloy na hinahadlangan ang implementasyon ng mga makabayang programa tulad ng pamamahagi ng lupa. Sinasagkaan at kinukutya ang mga progresista at makabayang lider na siyang mga karapat-dapat na namumuno sa gobyerno tulad nina Gina Lopez, Sec. Judy Taguiwalo, at Sec. Rafael Mariano. Nilalait ang mga organisasyong masang nagsusulong ng kanilang mga lehitimong kahilingan sa batayang karapatan ng libreng pabahay, edukasyon at sahod. Maging tayong mga migrante ay pinaiikot sa pamamagitan ng planong doblehin ang singil sa ating pasaporte kapalit nang pagtugon nila sa matagal na nating kahilingang gawing 10 taon ang bisa nito.

    Patuloy na namamayagpag ang dominasyon ng Imperyalismong Amerika sa pamamagitan ng mga neoliberal na patakaran sa ekonomiya ng bansa. Dahilan kung bakit patuloy na nakapako ang sweldo at nananatiling kontraktwal ang ating mga kapatid na manggagawa sa Pilipinas kung saan dumarami ang nagsisilikas sa ibang bansa upang maghanap ng magandang kinabukasan para sa kanya kanyang pamilya. Neoliberalismo ang nagtatali sa dapat sanay maayos na distribusyon ng budyet ng bansa kung bakit kulang ang pensyon ng ating mga magulang upang makabili ng gamot o ang mataas na gastos sa pagpapaospital.  

    Tagos hanggang pulitika ang dominasyong ito. Ang usapang pangkapayapaan na dapat sana’y magluluwal ng paglutas ng mga batayang suliranin ng mamamayang Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng Comprehensive Agreement on Socio Economic Reforms ay patuloy na sinasabotahe. Lumilikha ng mga kaganapan upang yanigin ang kaayusan ng ating bansa, tulad ng paglikha ng mga kaguluhan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalaganap ng terorismo. Dalubhasa ang Imperyalismong Amerika sa larangang ito kung saan ginamit sa napakaraming bansa na tumutol sa kanyang dominasyon.

    Hangga’t ang salitang KALAYAAN ay hindi buo at ganap ang  kahulugan, ang salitang ito ay patuloy na aalingawngaw sa kawalan tulad ng naunang sigaw ng ating magigiting na rebolusyonaryong ninuno na nagbuwis ng buhay mula nuong naunang ika-isang daan  labing siyam na taon at higit pa.  

    KAMTIN NATIN ANG TUNAY NA KALAYAAN !  IPAGLABAN ANG ATING MGA KARAPATAN !

    IGIIT ANG NAGSASARILING PATAKARANG PANLABAS ! WAKASAN ANG DIKTA NG DAYUHAN !

    Para po sa may mga katanungan o nagnanais na makipagtalakayan, kayo po ay aming inaanyayahan na dumalo sa ika – 18 ng Hunyo 2017 sa Parco Conca de oro sa ganap na ika – 2 ng hapon.

    Ugaliing Makinig sa UGNAYAN sa HIMPAPAWID – tune in sa www.radiocittaperta.it tuwing Lingo 11:00am – 12noon

    Umangat-Migrante Rome/Migrante-Milan /Milan-OFW Kapit-Bisig/Migrante-Firenze /Migrante-Bologna/Migrante-Caserta

  • Pakikiisa ng mga Migrante sa Pransya sa Mindanawons at bawat Pilipino

    Pakikiisa ng mga Migrante sa Pransya sa Mindanawons at bawat Pilipino

    Nagkakaisang Pilipino sa Pransya

    Pahayag ng Pakikiisa

    May 27, 2017

    Kaming mga migrante dito sa Pransya ay nagpapaabot ng simpatiya at pakikiisa sa mamamayan ng Marawi at sa buong sambayanang Pilipino. Malayo man sa bansang Pilipinas, hindi maalis ang aming pangamba para sa seguridad ng ating mga kababayan na naaapektuhan ng nagaganap na palitan ng putukan sa paggitan ng Maute group at militar. Mahigpit kaming nakikiisa hindi lamang sa mga taga-Mindanao bagkus ay sa lahat ng Pilipino saan mang sulok ng Pilipinas at sa buong mundo dahil ngayon mas kinakailangan ang pagbubuklod-buklod at hindi ang pagkakahati-hati.

    Nais din naming ipahayag ang aming pangamba at umaapela sa mga kinauukulan na huwag umabuso sa kapangyarihan matapos magdeklara ng Martial Law sa buong kapuluan ng Mindanao. Masakit para sa aming mga migrante na malayo sa sariling bayan at mas lalo pang sumisidhi ang aming pangungulila at pangamba na makita na nadadamay ang mga ordinaryong mamamayan, lumikas sa kanilang tirahan at nanganganib ang kanilang kabuhayan at mismong mga buhay dahil naiipit sa nagaganap na sagupaan.

    Kinikilala namin ang mabilis na naging aksyon ng Pangulong Duterte na bumalik ng bansa para alamin ang sitwasyon kasabay nito ay ang pagapela na masusi pang pag-aralan ang bawat kaganapan. Matiyak sana na hindi magiging daan ang pagdedeklara ng Martial law para tumaas ang bilang ng mga pagabuso sa karapatang pantao.

    Para sa bawat Pilipino, nahaharap muli tayo sa panahon na kinakailangan ng masusing pagaaral sa bawat impormasyong lumalabas sa telebisyon at social media. Alamin ang tunay na ugat ng kaguluhan sa ating bansa. Balikan ang kasaysayan sa ugat ng pagkakaroon ng kaguluhan at terorismo at alamin ang malalim na kasagutan o solusyon.

    Panawagan naming mga migrante ang pagkakaroon ng pangmatagalan at makatarungang kapayapaan sa bansang Pilipinas. Lupa para sa mga magsasaka at pambansang industriyalisasyon sa bawat mamayang Pilipino.

    Marie Mercado
Secretary General, NPSP 
Email: [email protected] 
Mobile No. (+33) 771808910 

Revd Fr. Herbert F. Fadriquela Jr. 
Chairperson, Migrante Europe 
Chaplain to the Filipino Community Diocese of Leicester Church of England 
Email: [email protected] 
Mobile No. +447456042156 

Ann Brusola 
Secretary General, Migrante Europe 
Email: [email protected] 
Mobile No. (+39) 3278825544

  • Mensahe ng pakikiisa para sa Ikalawang Kongreso ng Migrante Milan

    Mensahe ng pakikiisa para sa Ikalawang Kongreso ng Migrante Milan

    Mayo Uno 2017
    Via Teocrito 50 Angolo Via Cirenie 10, Milano

    Isang maalab na pagbati mula sa Migrante Europe ang ipinapaabot ko sa lahat ng kasapi ng Migrante Milan sa inyong Ikalawang Kongreso. Akoy nagagalak at umaasang sa inyong pagtitipon, mahalagang mabalikan ninyo ang naging gawain ng inyong organisasyon at nagkakaisang mapag-usapan at planuhin ang susunod na mga hakbang sa inyong gawaing paglilingkod partikular sa migranteng Pilipino at sa buong sambayanang Pilipino.

    Malaki ang naging papel ng Migrante Milan sa pagpapatampok ng mga isyung kinakaharap ng mga migranteng Pilipino sa ibat ibang panig ng mundo at mamamayang Pilipino sa ating bayan. Mula sa isyu na may direktang epekto sa ating mga migrante tulad ng “tanim-bala” at tahasang pagbukas ng mga “balikbayan boxes”, “travel tax at terminal fee” at tuwirang pagsingil ng SSS contribution sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers, ay naging aktibo rin kayo sa pakikiisa sa mamamayang Pilipino sa ating bayan lalo na sa mga kapatid nating katutubo sa kanilang pakikibaka para karapatan sa lupang ninuno; pakikibaka ng mga maralitang lungsod para sa karapatan sa trabaho at makatarungang sweldo at programang pabahay; at noong nakaraang ikalawa at ikatlong usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng Gobyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas at ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines dinala nyo ang tinig at inihapag ang hinaing ng migranteng Pilipino sa magkabilang panig.

    Ang inyong napiling tema sa kongresong ito ay napapanahon. Ang inyong pagtitipon sa Pandaigidigang Araw ng Manggagawa ay nagpapatunay lamang sa inyong pagkilala bilang bahagi ng uring manggagawa. Akoy naniniwala na mas lalong hihigpit ang inyong pagkakaisa sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pag-aaral sa ating panlipunang kalagayan at pagpapalalim sa ating pag unawa sa mahalagang papel ng migranteng Pilipino sa pangkalahatang hangarin ng sambayang Pilipinong makamtan ang ganap at tunay na kalayaan at panlipunang pag unlad ng ating bayan.

    Hayaan nyong ibahagi ko sa inyo ang aral mula Ebanghelyo tungkol sa paglalakbay patungo sa Emmaus ng dalawang kaibigan ni Hesus na kanyang sinahamahan matapos na sya ay nabuhay na muli. Bagamat tinuruan sila ni Hesus habang sila ay naglalakad, hindi sya nakikilala ng mga eto maliban na lamang noong habang silay naghahapunan at pinagpiraso piraso niya ang tinapay at ibinahagi niya sa eto sa kanila.

    Bilang mga kasapi ng Migrante Milan, samahan po ninyo ang ating mga kapwa migrante sa kanilang paglalakabay. Tulungan ninyo sila sa pag unawa sa ating kalagayan at lipunan at sa pag aaral sa mahalang papel ng mga manggagawang migrante sa panlipunang pagbabago at pag-unlad ng ating bayan. Subalit inyong pakatandaan mga kasama, na ang pag aaral sa kalagayan at sa lipunan ay hindi sapat. Mas madaling maunawaan ang mga aral at turo at kayo ay sumusulong kung ang mga eto ay nailalapat sa mga praktika at gawa.

    Pagsumikapan nawa ninyong makikilala ang Migrante Milan bilang sentro ng paglilingkod sa mga migrante at mamamayang Pilipino. Maging katulad nawa ang Migrante Milan ng mga pinagpiraso pirasong tinapay upang abutin ang mas malawak na bahagi ng migranteng Pilipino sa Milan, sa Italya at maging sa buong Europa bilang ating mahalagang ambag sa pagsusulong at tagumpay ng pakikibakang Pilipino para sa ganap na kapayapaang nakabatay sa katarungan, pambansang demokrasya at kalayaan.

    Mabuhay ang Migrante Milan!
    Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!
    Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

    Father Herbert Fadriquela
    Chairperson
    Migrante Europe
    +447456042156

  • Migrante Europe welcomes achievements of 4th round of peace talks

    Migrante Europe welcomes achievements of 4th round of peace talks

    Press Statement
    07 April, 2017

    [Rome, 07 April] Migrante Europe today expressed optimism on the resolution of the roots of the armed conflict in the Philippines, after the 4th Round of formal peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) was concluded on an upbeat note on 6 April, in the seaside town of Noordwijk, in the Netherlands.

    On 5 April, the two Parties signed the Agreement on an Interim Joint Ceasefire, aimed at providing “a conducive environment for the GRP and NDFP negotiations, encourage the forging of a more stable and comprehensive Joint Ceasefire Agreement, and provide an enabling environment for the (signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms or CASER)”.

    In a formal ceremony presided by the Royal Norwegian Government facilitator Elisabeth Slattum, both parties recognized that the document was a product of three “very difficult” days of negotiations.

    Migrante Europe looks forward to the immediate formulation and approval of both Parties of the ceasefire’s guidelines and ground rules that shall govern the presence of armed units and elements of both Parties in local communities, and the creation of buffer zones to avoid armed confrontation. The guidelines and ground rules shall include agreement on what constitutes prohibited, hostile, and provocative acts. It will also provide for the creation of joint ceasefire monitoring committees and verification mechanisms to oversee the ceasefire’s implementation and handle complaints and alleged violations.

    One of the major victories in the 4th Round is the firming up of the agreement of the two Parties on the free distribution of land as the basic principle of genuine agrarian reform. In the next round of talks, the Parties are planning to discuss and finalize the remaining items under Agrarian Reform and Rural Development, National Industrialization and Economic Development, Environmental Protection, and Rehabilitation and Compensation. They also agreed to accelerate the process of concluding the CASER which can be signed before the end of the year.

    “We are hopeful that after the signing of the interim joint ceasefire agreement, more peace deals can be reached between the two parties despite the peace-spoiling by minions of US imperialism in the military establishment, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Department of National Defense.” said Fr. Herbert Fadriquela, Migrante Europe Chairperson.

    AFP all out war in civilian communities
    Meanwhile, Migrante Europe condemned the spate of killings of leaders of people’s organizations and human rights defenders in the Philippines.

    “It is alarming that despite the 4th Round of Peace talks in the Netherlands, aerial bombings and encampment of military troops in civilian communities continue in Mindoro, Agusan del Norte and Davao Oriental provinces.” said Father Herbert.

    Just recently, armed  troops of the AFP occupied Barangay Baglay in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental, as well as other villages in Abra, Marilog, Davao City, and Sultan Kudarat. Residents are being prevented from going to their agricultural lands or worse, are being forced to evacuate their communities for fear of military repression and killings.

    “AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año must be made to answer for the series of killings perpetrated by state security forces of Renel Mirabeles of Bagong Silang, Sipocot, Camarines Sur (March 30), Jeffrey Santos of Mati, Davao Oriental (March 30) and Danilo Nadal of Pantukan, Compostela Valley (April 2),” asserted Fr. Herbert.

    Records from human rights group Karapatan show that, since February 2017, close to 50 peasants and members of indigenous peoples’ communities have
    been killed by operating troops of the AFP. State security forces claim that the unarmed civilians are part of the NPA mass base.

    Migrante Europe appeals to President Rodrigo Duterte to sincerely abide by previously signed agreements.

    “We urge President Digong to always ensure that the rights and welfare of every Filipino citizen are recognized, upheld and protected”, stressed Fr. Herbert.

    Filipino migrants hold simultaneous activities around Europe in support to the 4th Round Peace Talks

    In Rome, concerned Filipinos and members of Umangat Migrante and Gabriela Rome Chapter danced “zumba for peace” last Sunday, in solidarity to the 4th round of peace talks. Filipino organizations and friends of the Filipino people in other cities of Europe also held photo opportunities and forums.

    Alan Jazmines, of NDFP delegation 4th Round Peace Talks, The Netherlands

    On Tuesday, 4 April 2017, Migrante den Haag organized a peace forum in the The Hague, participated in by their members and the Filipino communities in the Netherlands.

    In Copenhagen, Denmark, a discussion group was also organized about the current peace talks.

    Migrante Milan organized a “Dinner for Peace” with Filipinos and Italians in support to the 4th Round of peace negotiations.

    “We urge the Filipinos in Europe and around the globe to make a united stand to support the peace negotiations between the GRP and NDFP, and vigorously campaign for a just and lasting peace in the Philippines,” concluded Fr. Herbert.##

    For references:

    Revd Fr. Herbert F. Fadriquela Jr.
    Chairperson, Migrante Europe

    Chaplain to the Filipino Community
    Diocese of Leicester
    Church of England

    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No: +447456042156

    Ann Brusola
    Secretary General, Migrante Europe

    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No. (+39)-3278825544

  • Pahayag ng Pakikiisa para sa ika-19 na Anibersaryo ng Umangat Migrante

    Pahayag ng Pakikiisa para sa ika-19 na Anibersaryo ng Umangat Migrante

    Sa pangalan ng Migrante Europe, ipinapaabot ko ang isang maalab na pagbati sa mga opisyales at buong kasapian ng Umangat Migrante sa iyong ika 19 na taong anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag.

    Ang kulang kulang dalawang dekadang paglilingkod ng Umangat Migrante sa pagsusulong ng interes at kagalingan ng mga Pilipinong migrante sa Roma at sa pakikibaka ng mamamayang Pilipino para sa isang masagana, mapayapa at malayang Pilipinas.

    Mahalaga ang orgnisasyon sa buhay ng mga migrante at maging sa ibat-ibang sector ng lipunang Pilipino. Sa pamamagitan ng organisasyon nagkakaroon tayo ng pagkakataong tayoy ay magkahalubilo, magkabalitaan, magkasayahan, magtulungan, magdamayan. Pero higit sa lahat, mahalaga ang organisasyon sapagkat itoy nagiging isang malakas na boses ng nagkakaisaang kasapi ng organisasyong upang ang mga hinaing at mga magkahalintulad na problema ay maipaabot sa kinauukulan, at ang mga kolektibong plano ay naisasakatuparan. Sabi nga ng isang kabataang-istudyante sa panahon ng Martial Law, nasa pagkakaisa ang lakas, nasa pagsulong ng pakikibaka ang tagumpay.

    Ang buhay ng mga migranteng Pilipino at maihahambing natin sa mga karakter sa kwento ng Mabuting Samaritano. Marami sa atin ang naging katulad ng manlalakbay na inabuso, ninakawan, sinugatan. Marami sa atin ang may ibat ibang reaksyon at pagtingin sa kalagayan ng manlalakbay. May ilan sa atin ang walang pakialam sa nangyayari sa panlipunang kalagayan. May ilan sa atin ang piniling umiwas sa nakikitang mga problema kahit may direktang epekto ito sa kanyang kalagayan. May ilan sa atin ang naging mabuting samaritano. Ang kwento ng mabuting samaritano ay hindi nagtatapos sa pagtulong at pag-aruga sa inabuso, ninakawan at nasugatang manlalakbay. Ang hamon ng kwento ng mabuting samaritano ay kung papaanong ang dinadaanan ng mga manlalakbay ay magiging ligtas sa anumang panganib, mapayapa at maaliwalas.

    Sa araw ng inyong pagdiriwang sa pagkakatatag ng Umangat Migrante dalangin ko na sana patuloy at determinado nyong harapin ang hamon ng kasalukuyang panahong at kalagayan.

    Members and friends of Umangat-Migrante Rome on its 19th anniversary

    Pagpalain kayo ng Panginoon Diyos sa inyong patuloy at aktibong paglahok sa pakikibaka ng migranteng Pilipino at mamamayang Pilipino para sa isang ganap na panlipunang pagbabago sa ating bayan na ang bawat mamamayan ay nakakatamasa ng panlipunang katarungan, ligtas sa anumang gutom at kapahamakan, may katiyakan sa trabaho at disenteng sahod, may lupang sinasaka ang bawat magsasaka, may paggalang sa karapatan ng mga katutubo na kolektibong paunlarin ang kanilang pamayanan – isang bayang may ganap na kapayapaan at kalayaan!

    Mabuhay ang Umangat Migrante! Mabuhay ang Migranteng Pilipino!
    Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

    Father Herbert Fadriquela
    Chairperson
    Migrante Europe

  • March for Justice and Dignity, Paris

    March for Justice and Dignity, Paris

    Solidarity Statement
    March 18, 2017

    Greetings of Solidarity!

    The Nagkakaisang Filipino sa Pransya (United Filipino in France) and Migrante Europe express our warmest greetings of solidarity to the organisers and participants to the March 19 event as we join the growing voice of oppressed and exploited and its defenders and advocates calling for Justice and Dignity for all.

    Throughout the world today, the phenomenon of peoples’ movement is undeniably changing the character and shape of the world, both locally and abroad, and it is characterized both by voluntary and forced migration.

    In the case of many Filipinos, migration is a product of extreme poverty and joblessness brought about by the unjust social system in the home country. The deepening and worsening economic challenges in the Philippines have aggravated the growing number of land-based and sea-based Filipino workers. There are more than 4,000 migrant Filipinos that leave the country each day and they can be found in around 182 countries worldwide.

    Migrant Workers and Seafarers are giving substantial contribution to the economies of both the host and their home countries.

    We left our homes and families to take care of other homes and families. We left our noble profession in the home country to work abroad in a hope that we will enjoy the real fruits of our labor. We work as nanny, we prepare food and drinks, we maintain the cleanliness of houses and offices, we care for the elderly and vulnerable people, we groom other’s pets and make them fit, we tend the ships that transport goods and people to feed the world and sustain the world economy.

    But in spite of our social contribution, many of us experienced discrimination, abuse in work places. While some of us received the right wages and others don’t, we all pay the right taxes.

    We are here today to assert our rights and make clear our role in the social development of the French society and the world.

    Living as Migrants here in France has made us vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, which makes as even more alarmed and concerned on the harsh realities endangering our communities.

    We link our hands with against the war on the poor and migrants. More than ever, now is the time to close our ranks and unite to free ourselves from racism, police violence and humiliation. As a sign of support, we will be present on March 19, 2017.

Rise Up Against Racism!
Rise Up in the Name of Justice and Dignity!
Long Live International Solidarity!

    Nagkakaisang Pilipino sa Pransya (NPSP)
    Migrante Europe

    March for Justice and Dignity, 19 March 2017

    For references:

    Marie Mercado, Secretary General, NPSP
    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No. (+33) 771808910

    Revd Fr. Herbert F. Fadriquela Jr.
    Chairperson, Migrante Europe

    Chaplain to the Filipino Community
    Diocese of Leicester
    Church of England
    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No: +447456042156

    Ann Brusola
    Secretary General, Migrante Europe
    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No. (+39)-3278825544

  • Migrante Europe seeks justice for Jennifer Dalquez

    Migrante Europe seeks justice for Jennifer Dalquez

    Press statement
    March 16, 2017

    Migrante Europe joins the worldwide call to seek justice and save the life of Jennifer Dalquez. Jennifer was sentenced to death on May 20, 2015 by the Al Ain Court in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for defending herself against her employer who attempted to rape her.

    Jennifer, 30 years old, is married and mother to two children. She was born and raised in a poor community of General Santos City, in the southern island of Mindanao.

    Jennifer came to the UAE in December 2011 to work as a domestic worker. She reported that her first employer tried to rape her. Later, she worked as a cashier in a restaurant and then as a doctor’s assistant. Additionally, she performed rounds of cleaning work at different households on a part time basis, to acquire more savings as she was planning to go back to the Philippines for good on January 2015.

    According to Rajima Dalquez, Jennifer’s mother, it was in the course of Jennifer’s part-time cleaning that she met her last employer. An Emirati police officer contacted her to clean their home. Hard at work, the police officer attempted to rape Jennifer at knifepoint. She fought back and was able to get hold of the knife. In trying to defend herself, she killed the rapist. Five days later, on December 12, 2014, Jennifer was arrested and was charged for murder.

    The court of appeals in Al Ain Judicial Court has postponed its ruling on Jennifer’s case from February 27, to March 27th.

    Her fate now lies in the hands of her victim’s two children, who will attend the March 27 hearing at the court’s order. During the hearing, if the two children will swear that Jennifer killed their father, then the Court of First Instance will sentence her to death, and if not the “dia” or blood money shall apply.

    “Self defense is a natural right and no woman should ever be denied the right to defend herself against a violent, sexual predator. Jennifer should never be denied the right to save herself, knowing that she was in the face of grave danger,” stated Fr. Herbert Fadriquela Jr., Migrante Europe Chairperson.

    Jennifer is among 92 overseas Filipino workers currently in death row, according to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. In the Middle East alone, there are about 7,000 overseas Filipinos languishing in jail, clamoring for assistance from the Manila government. Philippine migrants’ organizations, such as Migrante International, have long demanded the provision of greater government resources to distressed migrants, given the migrants’ crucial role in keeping the Philippine economy afloat.

    According to the latest update of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the cash sent by overseas-based Filipinos increased by 18.4% in November last year from a year ago. This brought total remittances for the first 11 months of 2016 to $26.9 billion, a 5.1% increase from the same period in 2015.

    Fr. Herbert added: “We call on the Duterte government to allocate legal assistance funds as stipulated in the Magna Carta for Migrant workers amounting to P100 million ($2.27million) for distressed OFWs.”

    “We hope for a dialogue with Philippine embassies in Europe, through Migrante leaders and other concerned groups, to discuss urgent issues of OFWs particularly the proper and concrete allocation of PhP5 billion of unreimbursed terminal fees for the benefit of migrant Filipinos and their families,” Fr. Herbert continued.

    Migrante Europe and its members across Europe will organize protest actions and pickets to call for justice and clemency for Jennifer Dalquez and for all unjustly jailed Filipinos around the globe, particularly in the Middle East. In the United Kingdom, Filipino migrants will conduct a candle light vigil in front of the UAE Embassy on March 25 to save the life of Jennifer Dalquez.

    For references:

    Revd Fr. Herbert F. Fadriquela Jr.
    Chairperson
    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No: +447456042156

    Ann Brusola
    Secretary General
    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No. (+39)-3278825544

  • Picket lines in first and third world countries

    Picket lines in first and third world countries

    By Marie Mercado
    Manila Today

    Champs-Elysees in Paris is among the famous streets in the world for upscale shopping. It is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris from Place de la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaulle (where the Arc de Triomphe is located). It is home to French world-renowned luxury brands such as Louis Vitton, Chanel and Hermes.

    But what’s a more delightful sight on this very popular avenue? Two months have passed when a strike was held at one of the biggest shop here. Staying longer to observe the ongoing strike, a man was wearing a sign board containing their demands, it was of course written in French so a newcomer like me didn’t understand it immediately. A lady was giving away fliers so I got one and translate it using Google Translate online. I found out that they were fighting for just wages, better benefits and an end to the discrimination of employees in their corporation.

    It was quite interesting and surprising to have witnessed the scene as there were no policemen on sight to arrest or intimidate the protesting workers. I can’t help but feel shocked about how these French people enthusiastically fight for their rights and how they seem to have more freedom to do so. What’s even more shocking is they do gain a lot of sympathizers even from people they don’t personally know. It dawned to me that fighting for human rights is just but normal to French culture. They don’t tag strikers as ‘bayaran’, ‘reklamador,’ ‘tamad’ or ‘panggulo lang’ but have a common understanding of how no one should be cowered in the face of injustice, no one should keep silent. People here take time to listen and interact. They take these actions seriously. One can see the manifestation daily, even in the metro or in the roads, how French people do struggle to live up to their national slogan Liberté, égalité, fraternité (liberty, equality, brotherhood).

    A friend of my mother who works to help Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Paris get work permits said that working conditions in France is probably the best in the whole of Europe. She herself has gone to work as an undocumented OFW in many European countries in the past, but decided to stay in Paris for it being most generous to the workers. Even if she is not a fan of these protests and strikes, she does recognize and attribute the “best working conditions in Europe” in France to the workers’ militant struggle.

    I recognized how far behind the working conditions it is in the Philippines, the reason I am here to work. Minimum wage is lower than half of the cost of living. Contractualization is prevalent, where workers were paid lower than minimum wage or required to work longer than nine hours or have no social benefits or retirement benefits. Many workers work in hazardous conditions, those that were only found out in the case of the fire in Kentex factory in Valenzuela that killed more than 70 and the fire in HTI Complex in an export processing zone in the Philippines where an independent fact-finding mission show that more than 1,300 workers are still missing after the fire.

    The appreciation for workers standing up for their rights is also so far behind. In the Philippines, when you visit an ongoing picket, policemen or security guards also gathered maybe 5 to 10 meters away or trying to break up the picket, like the terrible acts of opening fire at unarmed farmers at Hacienda Luisita in 2004 and Kidapawan in 2016. Workers are always also intimidated to not fight for their own interests—even if it meant their own subsistence and survival—by saying that the economy would fall and businesses would close if the workers were given even a bit of a wage raise. Then after days or weeks of strike, you will read news about harassment happening or strikers being assaulted and for some instances it can go to a much worse news like a leader or member of the union being killed, like the long-drawn out picket of Nestle workers in Laguna where two successive union presidents were killed. These events happened even Supreme Court ruled in favor of the demands of the peasants and workers.

    Curious as always, I checked the Facebook page of the strikers I have witnessed in Champs Elysees to get an update on how they are doing.  Based on their post last February 13, 2017, after 60 days of struggle of the Fnac employees in Champs Elysees they received good news since an agreement has been reached but according to them, there will still be a meeting with the management to address their other demands.

    Compare that to the more than 400 striking workers of the Manila Cordage Company and Manco Synthetics in Calamba City, Laguna who after four months of launching their strike was reported attacked by at least 60 armed guards in their picketline. Their only demands were regularization on the job and wage increase.

    Contractualization and very low wages remains to be a huge problem in our country. Last May elections, then presidentiable candidate Rodrigo Duterte vowed to put an end to contractualization. Now that he has assumed power and is in office for more than six months, we have yet to see him keep his promise.