Migrante Europe

Category: Press release

PRESS STATEMENT OF MIGRANTE CENTRAL VISAYAS ON NATIONAL MIGRANT WORKERS’ DAY

June 7, 2018

Today, we commemorate the National Migrant Workers’ Day. Today, we give high commendation and honor to our Overseas Filipino Workers. However, today, we also demand justice for all OFWs and all Filipino people who are forced to leave their families and loved ones in order to seek for job opportunities abroad and in order to suffice the economic needs of their families because of insufficient employment, depressed wages, and severe working condition in our country.

We value this day as a result of the unified global protest of our OFWs and the Filipino people after the death of Flor Contemplacion, a persecuted domestic helper in Singapore. 23 years have passed since President Fidel V. Ramos signed into law the Republic Act No. 8042 otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995- AN ACT TO INSTITUTE THE POLICIES OF OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT AND ESTABLISH A HIGHER STANDARD OF PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF THE WELFARE OF THE MIGRANT WORKERS THEIR FAMILIES AND OVERSEAS FILIPINOS IN DISTRESS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, there is still no significant development in the situation of our OFWS. The government claims that the Labor Export Program will bring development to our nation, however this remains a myth and gets even worse under the administration of President Duterte.

No change has come
During the first month of President Duterte in office, his administration was welcomed with the issue of about 60,000 OFWs in Saudi Arabia who have been greatly affected and lost their jobs and benefits during the economic crisis in Saudi.

As a response to the clamor of OFWs, the Duterte administration sent a team in Saudi Arabia to address the situation of our fellow Filipinos. Out of 60,000 affected, the government only targeted to help 11,000 OFWs and only 9 companies. The budget used came from OWWA trust fund from the money of our OFWs and not even a centavo came from the pocket of our government. Not all have been given proper services by our government, only 20% have been aided. Thousands have been left unpaid and did not receive their benefits.

Instead of rescuing our OFWs from Saudi, the Philippine government encouraged them and even facilitated their transfer of work despite the looming economy and the shut-down of big companies.

Another also happened in Kuwait, a home to 270,000 OFWs who are mostly women working as domestic helpers. 10,800 were undocumented OFWs who wished to avail the amnesty program. Worst, many OFWs died in Kuwait including Joanna Demafelis. A lot have also been reported to be rape victims, physically abused, and more.

Despite the increasing crisis on the welfare of our OFWs, there was no deployment ban set by our government. Moreover, the Duterte Administration even set a talk with China and Russia being the alternative destination of our OFWs who came from Kuwait.

Worsening Economic Policies and Programs
As the year started, Filipino people have been attacked by the anti-poor and anti-people tax reform dubbed as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law or TRAIN LAW. There have been an abrupt and incessant hike of prices of basic commodities and services while no stable jobs created in our country and wages of our workers remained to be meager.
Our OFWS is one of the sectors who gets direct impact especially in the increase of collection of basic documents that are required for their work abroad such as birth certificate which costs P155 per copy from P140 and CENOMAR which costs P210 from P195.
While it is noted that no increase in the documentary stamp tax on remittances, monitoring on remittance centers such as the Western Union automatically deducted 0.15% DST for every 200 USD transaction of the BSP.
The TRAIN Law of Duterte is meant to collect additional tax from the Filipino people as a source of debt payment under his Build, Build, Build Projects which will result to displacement of lives and livelihood, and destruction of our environment. In Cebu, it is masked under the MEGA Cebu project. It is expected that because of these projects, more and more Filipino will be forced to work abroad.
Moreover, this year, thousands graduated from the first batch of the K12 program of the government. As promised by the government to implement the reform in the education curriculum in order to at par with foreign nations, the K12 program only delivered graduates who will add to the long list of sources of cheap labor for foreign market.
The development always uttered by our government is nothing but absurd development only intended for the rich businessmen and families in the country. The policies and programs implemented are not meant for our national development rather, these will only result to forced migration of our people. Our OFWs and the rest of the Filipino people are always neglected. RA 8042 remains to be a decoration and a document but cannot really uphold its mandate to protect the rights and promote the welfare of our OFWs.
Genuine development does not need to provide labor force to be sent overseas. Genuine development means jobs created in the country for national development to be felt even in the grassroots level; and that means genuine agrarian reform for our farmers, the sector where majority of our OFWs are coming from, and national industrialization as the key for job employment in our own country.
Today, as we remember the National Migrant Workers’ Day, we shout in full conviction: “Serbisyo, hindi Negosyo! Proteksyon, hindi Koleksyon! Trabaho sa Pinas, hindi sa Labas! STOP the LABOR EXPORT PROGRAM!”

Reference:
Ms. Connie Bragas-Regalado
Migrante Coordinator for Central Visayas and National Council Member, MIGRANTE Philippines
CP#0933 650 3487.

7 June 2018
Migrants Of The World Unite, Resist And Fight!

Press Statement

“Today, as we commemorate the 17th year of International Migrants Day, let us remember all migrants from different parts of the globe who are forced to flee their homes and their countries for urgent need and survival. Let us remember that every person deserved a free and dignified life, and so the migrants and refugees,“
– Fr. Herbert Fadriquela Jr. Chairperson, Migrante Europe

While many people, the global elite and the privileged are enjoying the freedom of movement, but not for millions of people who are daily facing discrimination, inhumane labor condition, anti-migrants and anti-people policies not just from their host countries but from the countries of their origin.

With Donald Trump’s policy of fear against immigrants in the United States, as his critics described it as cruel and unconstitutional, about 800,000 young immigrants future are in uncertainties. Mr. Trump’s deporting criminals is in his top priority list. The Trump government definitions of criminals are undocumented workers and their families, students, and simple people who used to have normal daily lives, but now, under Trump’s government, their normal lives and dreams were shuttered and much worse, if you are a Muslim, any moment you will be suspected or accused as security threats.

Migrants in UK Dec. 17, 2017

How is EU coping with migration and refugees, after the tragedy in Lampedusa with 359 confirmed deaths when the boat carrying migrants from Libya to Italy sank in the said island? With unprecedented influx of migrants and refugees in 2015 and 2016, today European Union intensified efforts to prevent African migrants from traveling north. In Italy, with the blessing of European Union, Italy is off shoring its Mediterranean migration problem to Libya. In spite of reported cooperation funding and investment of millions of Euros to improve conditions in Libyan camp, the migrant detention center at Abu Salim is reportedly horrifying and degrading. Detainees are subjected to forced labor, beatings, torture and rape.

While in other parts of Europe, the ongoing refugee crisis and attacks by armed extremists in Belgium, France, and Germany reinforced xenophobic, Islamophobic and anti-immigrant sentiment, manifest in attacks on Muslims, migrants and even members of advocacy groups and activists in many EU states.

After the deadly attack in France in 2015, President Francois Hollande declared the state of emergency; it was renewed and extended until July 2017. Under the emergency law, police carried out almost 4,000 warrantless raids, and placed 400 people under house arrests. Mostly targeted were Muslims and led to abuses of the rights to liberty, privacy, freedom of movement, and discrimination.

In the United Kingdom, after Brexit, Britain intends to approach the politically charged issue of immigration, dramatically refocusing policy to put British workers first. The determination to end free movement to skilled EU migration, end the role of the European court of justice in family migration and may create a hostile environment for long-term EU migrants without residence permits.

Philippine migration

As of April 2017, the number of overseas Filipinos abroad was estimated at 2.2 million, excluding undocumented workers, which are doubled in number.

Migrants in Italy Dec. 16, 2017

The Philippine government has long lauded the fact that, every day, some 6,000 Filipinos are sent abroad to work. The remittances they send back keep the Philippine economy afloat. Instead of addressing poverty or lack of jobs at home, the government continues to implement the corrupt Labor Export Policy (LEP) in connivance with the host governments like the United States and other countries to maintain a steadily increasing flow of cheap, temporary migrant labor.

Exorbitant fees to OFWs are just unnecessary like the mandatory Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). The Duterte government had promised to scrap OEC and instead to issue an iDOLE or OFW card to be granted free of charge. But in reality is not really free and does not really replace the OEC.

In Clark International Airport, the collection of 600 pesos terminal fee to OFWs continues, in spite the fact that DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello issued an order for travel tax and terminal fees exemption to OFWs; lamented Migrante Firenze Chair. Richard Torres Garcia.

Events and protest on International Migrants Day in Europe

Amidst of ongoing political repression and threats against migrants, no state forces succeed in blocking the courageous migrants on the streets to shout, to protests, to resist and to fight for their fundamental rights.

Last Saturday, December 16, the Umangat Migrante and Gabriela Rome members joined the march of thousands of migrants in Italy that paralyzed the usual busy traffic of the city of Rome. Outrages migrants carried the placards and banners calling for the rights of migrants

without borders, right to citizenship of children born in Italy, a general amnesty and regularization of undocumented migrants.

In the United Kingdom yesterday, OFWs led by Filipino Domestic Workers Association (FDWA) gathered and call to stop the criminalization of undocumented migrants, and reminded politician and governments that migrants are people and not commodities.

The exodus of people from poorest countries to overseas, particularly Filipinos will rapidly increase as long as the root causes of forced migration remain unsolved, if national industrialization is just an unfulfilled promise, and if the future of the country is being handed to foreign capitalists.

Migrants of the world unite, resist and fight!

Stop exploitation and commodification of migrant workers!

Trabaho sa Pilipinas, hindi sa labas ng bansa!

For reference:
Fr. Herbert Fadriquela Jr.
Chairperson, Migrante Europe

Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Anglican Chaplain for the Filipino Community
Diocese of Leicester UK

Mobile: +44 7456 042156

19 December 2017
The Diminishing Respect for Human Rights in the Philippines

Filipino migrants and solidarity friends in Rome Dec. 7, 2017

Press Statement
10 December 2017

“Is the promised of change possible by the Duterte government, while the nation becomes the bloodshed of unjust killings and terror? In a state where life and dignity of every person have no more values but hatred for the poor and oppressed?” Fr. Herbert Fadriquela, Chairperson Migrante Europe

On the 18th month of Duterte’s Presidency, he turns the state into much alarming human rights situation. His anti-poor campaigns, the war on drugs and withdrawal on peace talks, have put the most marginalized sector of Filipinos in vulnerability and abuse; indeed the European communities became vocal on strong criticism against Duterte’s arrogance and madness, his dictatorship, and fascist rule.

Most Filipinos remain poor despite Duterte’s anti-poverty pledge “to transform the Philippines into a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society.” Recently, when the urban poor headed by Kadamay who trooped to NHA to demand the distribution of idle houses, they were confronted by violent dispersal by the state security forces and results to the serious injuries to protesters and the illegal arrest and detention of a Migrante campaign staff.

It is estimated that 44% of the urban population live in slums (UN-Habitat). In Manila, 3.1 million are homeless. An estimated 1.2 million children sleep rough, with more than 70.000 in Manila. A genuine housing program for the poor and homeless is the economic, social and cultural right to adequate housing and shelter. Economic prosperity is an illusion when a great number of populations are denied proper housing right.

Duterte’s notorious war on drug triggered an international alarm and global protests of human rights advocacies group and Migrante chapters abroad. As of August 2017, the death toll has now reached 13,000. An estimated 3,451 “drug personalities” have been killed in gun battles. Another 2,000 more died in drug-related homicides, including attacks by masked gunmen on the motorcycle and other assaults, while the 8,200 homicide cases are under investigation.

Since June 2016, when Duterte took office, there have been at least 30 minors killed. The killing of Kian de Los Santos, 17 years old and a son of an OFW, who witnesses said was falsely accused of being a drug dealer, heightened mass protests, and outrages over Duterte’s ruthless war on drugs.

Much worse, following Duterte’s issuance of proclamation 360, formally terminating peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) last November 23, members of human rights fact-finding mission in Negros Oriental were attacked by suspected state forces that claimed the lives of Elisa Badayos, regional coordinator of KARAPATAN, and peasant organizer Eleuterio Moises. With the government tagging CPP-NPA as a terrorist group and accusing progressive militant organizations of conspiracy, there will be more killings, illegal arrests, and detention of activists and mass leaders.

According to KARAPATAN, from July 2016 to November 2017, there were 924 illegal arrests without detention and 256 arrests in detention. Currently, there are 449 political prisoners facing trumped-up charges, including Bishop Carlos Morales, who was arrested last May.

Bishop Morales, the Bishop of Ozamis in the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, or Philippine Independent Church (IFI), was charged with “illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions.” According to the World Council of Churches (WCC), Bishop Morales is a respected church leader from the IFI, a member church of the World Council of Churches, and is well known for his activism for dialogue, justice, and peace in Mindanao.

Amid the crackdown and mass arrest, the human rights advocacy groups and broadest Filipino mass organizations and abroad including Migrante Europe will continue its fight against all forms of repressions and oppression by the present regime.

From December 10, the International Human Rights Day and the International Migrants Day on December 18, Migrante Europe and its chapters, members, and allied organization will hold protests, significant events to denounce the human rights violations committed by the state security forces and the Duterte government against the Filipino people.

The following cities in Europe will hold protest and actions on the said occasion above:

December 10 – AALST Belgium –Stop the Killings
December 10 – Migrante France
December 11 – Migrante The Hague, Netherlands – Filipino Against Corruption
And Tyranny
December 11 – Brussels – Stop the Killings International
December 16 – Rome – Italy wide protest for Migrants and Refugees on “Rights without Borders.

9 December 2017
Filipino migrants condemn the murder of Fr. Tito Paez

Press Statement | 04 December 2017

LONDON – Migrante-Europe condemns in the strongest possible terms the murder of Father Marcelito “Tito” Paez, Central Luzon coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP-CL), earlier today, 04 December 2017. Father Tito was driving along a road in Jaen town, Nueva Ecija, at around 8:00 pm Manila time, when he was attacked by armed assailants on a motorcycle. He was rushed to a hospital in San Leonardo town but died while being treated.

Earlier today, Father Tito facilitated the release of political prisoner Rommel Tucay from the Nueva Ecija Provincial Jail in Cabanatuan City. Tucay, an organizer of the Peasant Alliance of Central Luzon (AMGL) was arrested from his house in March this year by elements of the 56th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

Father Tito belongs to the Diocese of San Jose City and was the former parish priest of Nampicuan and Guimba towns, in Nueva Ecija province. He is well known for his progressive advocacies. In the 1980s he was one of the leaders of the Central Luzon Alliance for a Sovereign Philippines (CLASP), which campaigned for the removal of the US military bases in Central Luzon and other parts of the country. He also took active part in the campaign against the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

For leading church activities for the poor and other victims of human rights violations, Father Tito had been threatened and harassed by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and paramilitary groups under past governments, especially that of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Father Tito is the first Roman Catholic priest to be assassinated under the Rodrigo

Duterte government. In addition, human rights group KARAPATAN reported as of October 2017 that there are 104 cases of political killings, four massacres, 20 incidents of forced evacuation among the Lumads, and 17 aerial bombings under the Duterte administration.

We call on the Duterte government to uphold the rule of law and go after these dastardly armed elements targeting the civilian population. We demand that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes be identified, arrested, prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law.

We express our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Father Tito. The legacy of his service to the poor and downtrodden will live on in the hearts of the people.

We call on migrant Filipinos and friends of the Filipino people in Europe to heighten our vigilance against the ever-increasing brutality of the Duterte government. Let us join the Filipino people in the home country and in many parts of the world on 10 December 2017, the International Human Rights Day to condemn the increasing fascist character of the Duterte government. Let us gather in front of the Philippine Embassies and Consular Offices in the countries in Europe to continue raising our voices against these atrocities. With our linked arms, let us strengthen even more our solidarity with the Filipino people in their continuing fight for genuine democracy, economic and social development and national liberation.

Justice for Father Marcelito “Tito” Paez!
Justice for all victims of political killings in the Philippines!
Justice for all victims of human rights violations in the Philippines!

4 December 2017
Migrante Europe holds dialogue with DOLE Sec. Bello

Press Statement | February 16, 2017

Leaders of Migrante Europe held a dialogue with Secretary Silvestre Bello III (Department of Labor and Employment, DOLE) and Dr. Jun Cruz, Director of OWWA in Holiday Inn, EUR Parco Dei Medici, Rome last January 24, on the sidelines of the 3rd round of peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Ann Brusola, Secretary General of Migrante Europe, took part in the dialogue. She said that her group was looking forward for positive news after almost six months when they presented the Migrant’s Agenda to Sec. Bello and the GRP negotiating panel in Oslo, Norway, during the first round of peace talks.

Among the urgent issues which Migrante Europe presented to Sec. Bello were: protection for undocumented Filipino migrants; lobbying for the regularization of the undocumented; legal assistance for those who are in distress and victims of abuse; and the unconditional scrapping of unjust and excessive fees like airport terminal fees, Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), travel tax, and consular fees.

Sec. Bello III explained that the government of President Rodrigo Duterte wants to make things easier for overseas Filipino workers. According to Bello, under Pres. Duterte’s administration, all government agencies and offices related to procurement and processing of documents is now situated in one building. He further added that Filipinos abroad keep the Philippine economy afloat. The government accumulated PhP5 billion from unreimbursed terminal fees, about PhP19 billion for the OWWA fund, and US$28 billion a year from the remittances of Filipino migrant workers.

Sec. Bello III stated that it is the intention of Pres. Duterte that one day all Filipinos working abroad are send back home for good.

Migrante’s Brusola explained that the lives of Filipino migrants are getting harder everyday because of the economic and financial crises in Europe. It is especially difficult in Italy and Greece, which are amongst the countries hardest hit by the still worsening economic crises. “We have no intention of staying forever abroad,” Brusola stressed, “we dream for a better life in the Philippines with our loved ones. But as long as the government cannot guarantee a more dignified and economically stable life for us, efficient and corruption-free social services for every Filipino, we have no choice but to remain working abroad.”

With Sec. Bello III were OWWA Dir. Dr. Jun Cruz, and Rome Labor Attaché Ponciano M. Ligutom who promised a monthly dialogue with Migrante organizations to discuss issues and concerns of migrant Filipinos in Italy. Finally both parties arranged for a quarterly meeting in Rome.

Richard Torres Garcia, Coordinator of Migrante Firenze, expressed the need for a consular office in Florence, where there are about 15,000 Filipinos residing in the city. Sec. Bello promised to study the proposal and to be implemented through consultation with Migrante Firenze. At present there is an Italian Honorary Consul in Florence. Labor Attache Libuton promised a monthly extension services in Florence.

Other migrant leaders who were present during the dialogue discussed other vital issues from their respective places: Aldo Gonzalez of Migrante The Hague expressed his concern for the undocumented Filipinos in the Netherlands and appeal to the government to lobby for regularization and bilateral talks with the host country; Darwin Timbol of Migrante Mantova lamented the excessive government fees and unjust government policies toward overseas Filipinos; Edgardo Bonzon of Migrante Partylist Rome and Tedy Dalisay of Socio-Cultural and Sports Committee of Sentro Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy pressed issues on human trafficking and asked the government to intervene and to make concrete moves regarding these issues.

Migrante Europe and its member organizations are actively campaigning for the continuation of formal peace talks between the GRP and NDFP, in order to address the root causes of the armed conflict in the country, and resolve the worsening poverty and forced migration of Filipinos.#

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

16 February 2017
Migrante Europe condemned the re-arrest of NDFP peace consultant and the termination of JASIG

Press Statement
On re-arrest of NDFP peace consultants and termination of JASIG
February 9, 2017

“We strongly condemn the re-arrest of NDFP Peace Consultant Ariel Arbitario, by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on, February 7, 2017. This happen right after after the verbal announcement of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte terminating the formal peace talk between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. We call on the Philippine government and the NDFP to resume the peace negotiations with the compelling reason to address the root causes of the armed conflict.” Migrante Europe Chairperson Father Herbert Fadriquela Jr said on the re-arrest of NDFP peace consultant and the termination of Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) by the GRP.

Arbitrario and his two companions, Jun Sinday and Roderick Mamuyac, were hold at a military checkpoint in Totil, Davao City at 10am on February 7, 2017. Mamuyac is a labor organizer of Kilusang Mayo Uno Southern Mindanao region. The three were brought to the Criminal Investigation and detection group XI (CIDG-XI) office in camp Leonor, San Pedro, Davao City. CIDG personnel will reportedly bring Arbitrario to the Regional Trial Court 11 Branch 1in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley. Mamuyac was also arrested on trumped up charges of murder using an alias warrant, while Sinday was released.

The arrest of Arbitrario happened before Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process give formal notice to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to the termination of the JASIG (Joint Agreement on the Safety and Immunity Guarantee) that aims to protect GRP and NDPF participants and consultants to the peace process from surveillance, harassments, search, arrest, detention, and interrogation or any other similar punitive action.

Arbitrario, along with his brother Crispulo, an engineer were illegally arrested on February 16, 2016 under trumped-up charges of murder and attempted murder. They were detained at the Provincial Rehabilitation Center (PRC) in Compostela Valley before he was released to participate in the peace talks. Crispulo is still in prison.

Father Herbert also condemned the statement of PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa calling to arrest at least thirteen NDFP peace consultants. “They have rights to due process and the order of arrest is baseless,” he stated.

Migrante Europe called on to President Duterte and to the Philippine government to immediately release Arbitrario and all political prisoners, to withdraw the government termination of JASIG and to respect the previously signed CARHRIHL or Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

Migrante Europe is a progressive and patriotic alliance of Filipino migrant’s organizations that uphold and promote the rights and welfare of the migrant sector and along with basic Filipino masses struggle for sovereignty and national democracy.

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

9 February 2017
Migrante Europe organizations celebrate International Migrants’ Day

Press Release

Several member organizations of the newly-launched Migrante Europe Alliance held meaningful activities to celebrate International Migrants’ Day (IMD) last December 18.

In Denmark, leaders of Migrante Denmark spoke at the event of the FIF-Filippinsk Integration Forening. They shared the launching of the Migrante Europe alliance. Filipino au pairs also joined the celebration of IMD during their annual Christmas party in Copenhagen.

In the Netherlands, migrant organizations celebrated IMD by holding an information forum on the “C-189” campaign (Domestic Workers’ Convention) in Amsterdam last December 18. Among the participating organizations were Migrante Netherlands Amsterdam, Migrante Netherlands den Haag, MKSP, Pinay sa Holland, 3K, Alliance for the Human Rights of the Undocumented, Dutch labor union FNV, Otradela Trabajadores Domesticos (group of workers from South America), Indonesian Migrant Worker’s Union, African Group and Dutch advocates such as Paperless and Stichting LOS.

In Rome, the Christmas party of Umangat-Migrante Rome became a forum to discuss the labor export policy and the situation of migrants. They also conducted photo-ops.

Other Migrante organizations in other countries also conducted photo-ops to show their solidarity with all other migrants during the IMD.

Meanwhile, Migrante Europe has announced the launching of its website (www.migrante.eu), which was developed during the assembly of Migrante Europe in Rome last December 10. The site contains updates not only on the events, activities and campaigns of the alliance, but also urgent issues affecting Filipino and other migrants in Europe.#

19 December 2016
Migrante Europe Assembly delegates troop to the Philippine embassy in Rome to press their demands

Press Release

Representatives of member organizations of the newly-launched Migrante Europe alliance trooped to the Philippine embassy in Rome, Italy to present several issues and demands that the alliance discussed during their successful two-day founding assembly last December 10-11 at the Camping Roma Village in Rome.

The 25 delegates representing 10 countries were led by Ann Brusola, of Umangat-Migrante Rome and newly-elected secretary general of Migrante Europe. The delegates were met by Ambassador Domingo Nolasco and Consul General Adrian Bernie Candoleda.

The various representatives spoke on urgent migrant issues like the plight of many undocumented compatriots in the continent, human trafficking, the au pairs, and pension among the aging migrant workers.

The delegates also emphasized the need for the Duterte government to create a sustainable integration program for returning OFWs for so that they won’t anymore see the need to look for jobs abroad. They also scored the Duterte government for not yet spelling out an alternative program to the labor export policy. They stressed that genuine land reform and national industrialization are the keys to solving the unemployment problem in the Philippines.

They also brought to the attention of the embassy the ongoing peace talks and the just demand for the release of all political prisoners.

The ambassador for his part shared what the embassy and the government are doing on the various issues presented by the delegates and promised more assistance to migrants. He also said a move is underway to pursue bilateral agreements with different countries on aging migrant pensioners.

Migrante Europe vowed to uphold the rights and welfare of migrant Filipinos in Europe and to pursue urgent national issues affecting Filipino migrants. Migrante Europe is an alliance of progressive Filipino migrant organizations in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Germany, France, Greece, the Netherlands, the UK, Norway, Switzerland and Iceland. It also vowed to reach out to Filipino organizations in other countries in Europe.#

Reference:
Ann Brusola
[email protected]
+39 327 8825544

12 December 2016
Migrante Europe asks Duterte to bring home stranded OFWs and political prisoners this Christmas

The newly-formed alliance of Filipino migrants, Migrante Europe, has asked the Duterte government to bring Christmas cheers to stranded OFWs and political prisoners by reuniting them with their families.

“We appeal to President Duterte to do everything he can to bring home many stranded OFWs especially those in the Middle East and, at the same time, for humane considerations, release all political prisoners in the Philippines,” urged Ann Brusola, newly-elected Secretary General of Migrante Europe and a long-time OFW in this city.

She said this would be the most meaningful gift of President Duterte to the stranded OFWs, political prisoners, and their families.

About 2,000 OFWs remain stranded in the Middle East because they don’t have travel documents and funds. Most of them have suffered abuse at the hands of labor recruiters and their employers. Many OFWs are also unjustly languishing in foreign prisons because they have not been provided legal assistance by the Manila government, Brusola explained.

She said political prisoners are also in the same situation – unjustly accused, imprisoned and separated from their families. They should be reunited with their families this Christmas, she added.

Brusola also said undocumented OFWs are in a way also stranded because they can´t return home. She said the plight of undocumented OFWs and those needing legal assistance, including victims of human trafficking, will be among the major campaigns of Migrante Europe in the next three years.

During its Founding Congress this weekend, the progressive alliance formed its Regional Council, composed of representatives from its member organizations in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The Congress also elected its first set of executive officers, namely: Fr. Herbert Fadriquela Jr., Chairperson (Filipino Chaplaincy in Leicester, United Kingdom); Rafael Joseph Maramag, Vice-Chairperson for Internal Affairs (Kanlungan Filipino Consortium, United Kingdom); Maitet Ledesma, Vice-Chairperson for External Affairs (Pinay sa Holland – Gabriela, Netherlands); Ann Brusola, Secretary General (Umangat-Migrante Rome, Italy); Jean Gocotano, Deputy Secretary General (Migrante-Denmark); Kendy Sario, Treasurer (Ugnayan ng mga Pilipino sa Belgium); and Elnora Held, Auditor (Gabriela-Germany).

The alliance also approved yesterday its Constitution and By-Laws and is expected to finish its assembly today by approving its Program of Action. A solidarity evening will follow and tomorrow, December 12, delegates will proceed to the Philippine embassy to present their demands to the Philippine government. #

Reference:
Ann Brusola
Secretary General
Migrante Europe
+39 327 882 5544
[email protected]

11 December 2016
MIGRANTE Europe Founding Congress calls to uphold rights, freedom to all political prisoners

Translations [ French» | Italian» | German» | Dutch» | Spanish» ]

(Rome, Italy) – The Founding Congress of Migrante Europe opened today at the Roma Camping Village in Rome, Italy, with a strong call to uphold migrants rights and for freedom to all political prisoners, in solidarity with the call in the Philippines.

Echoing the theme of the International Human Rights Day today “Stand up for human rights”, the delegates hoisted banners and slogans calling to free all political prisoners in the Philippines, upholding human rights and fighting for a just peace, as they stood in front of the stage and sang “Stand by Me” during the opening ceremonies.

Weng Flores, Chairperson of Umangat-Migrante Rome, welcomed the Congress delegates and guests, and exhorted everyone to honor those who have offered their lives for the people, those migrants who sacrifice a lot to earn a living for their loved ones, and refugees who have lost their lives to escape wars and the political crisis in their countries.

She underscored the fact that to be a migrant worker means working for long hours and doing jobs that are difficult, dirty and dangerous.

“Despite the great difficulties we face, we gave time to an important gathering of different representatives of various organizations who came from faraway countries in Europe. We sacrificed several work days just to be part of putting up our own alliance, the Migrante Europe,” Flores stressed.

Asterio Palima, peace panel member of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, gave the keynote speech during the Congress. He urged delegates to sound the strong call to free all political prisoners, which he said is in conjunction with the demands of justice and adherence to previous agreements between the NDFP and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), especially the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Palima traced the history of the resistance of the Filipino people against foreign domination. He also shared the history of the peace talks between the GRP and the NDFP, and stressed that the discussion and eventual agreement on a common document on social and economic reforms in the next round of talks in January 2017, is crucial because it seeks to address landlessness, poverty, underdevelopment, unemployment, and social inequality and injustice.

In a video message, Garry Martinez, Chairperson of Migrante International, said the founding of Migrante Europe and the advance of the progressive movement of Filipinos overseas are within the correct direction of fighting for migrant rights and welfare, and for fundamental issues in the homefront.

Martinez lamented, however, that the Duterte government has not made any substantial policy yet as alternative to the labor export policy, which has resulted in the commodification and exploitation of our compatriots abroad and in the Philippines.

Delegates to the Migrante Europe Founding Congress came from 18 countries and 23 organizations across Europe. They are expected to discuss and approve their Constitution and Program of Action, compose its Regional Council, as well as elect its Executive Officers, today until tomorrow.

French

(Rome, Italie) – Le congrès fondateur de Migrante Europe a eu lieu aujourd’hui au Roma Camping Village à Rome, Italie, avec un appel fort à respecter les droits des migrants et pour la liberté de tous les prisonniers politiques, en solidarité avec l’appel des Philippines.

Faisant écho au thème “Levez-vous pour les droits de l’homme” de la Journée Internationale des Droits de l’Homme ayant eu lieu aujourd’hui, les délégués ont hissé des bannières et scander des slogans appelant à libérer tous les prisonniers politiques aux Philippines, à la défense des droits de l’homme et à lutte pour une paix juste, alors qu’ils se tenaient sur une estrade en chantant “Stand by Me” lors de la cérémonie d’ouverture.

Weng Flores, Présidente de Umangat-Migrante Rome, a accueilli les délégués du Congrès et les invités, et a exhorté tout le monde à honorer ceux qui ont offert leur vie pour le peuple, ces migrants qui sacrifient tout pour gagner leur vie pour leurs proches, et les réfugiés qui ont perdu leurs vies pour échapper à la guerre et à la crise politique dans leurs pays.

Elle a souligné le fait que, pour être un travailleur migrant signe travailler de longues heures et faire des emplois difficiles, sales et dangereux.

“Malgré les grandes difficultés que nous rencontrons, nous avons donné de notre temps pour tenir cet important rassemblement de différents représentants de diverses organisations qui sont venus de pays lointains en Europe. Nous avons sacrifié plusieurs jours de travail uniquement pour faire partie et mettre en place notre propre alliance, Migrante Europe », a soulignée Flores.

Asterio Palima, membre du Comité de Paix du Front National Démocratique des Philippines, a prononcé un discours lors du Congrès. Il a exhorté les délégués à lancer un appel fort à libérer tous les prisonniers politiques qui, selon lui est en conjonction avec les exigences de la justice et le respect des accords antérieurs entre le NDFP et le Gouvernement de la République des Philippines (GRP), en particulier l’Accord Global sur le Respect des Droits de l’Homme et du Droit International Humanitaire (CARHRIHL).

Palima a retracé l’histoire de la résistance du peuple philippin contre la domination étrangère. Il a également partagé l’histoire des pourparlers de paix entre le GRP et le NDFP, et a souligné que les discussions et éventuel accord sur un document commun sur les réformes économiques et sociales dans le prochain cycle de négociations en janvier 2017 est crucial, car elle vise à adresser la question de l’absence de terre, de la pauvreté, du sous-développement, du chômage et des inégalités sociales et de l’injustice.

Dans un message vidéo, Garry Martinez, président de Migrante International, a déclaré que la fondation de Migrante Europe et l’avancement du mouvement progressiste des Philippins à l’étranger va dans le bon sens de la lutte pour les droits et le bien-être des migrants et pour les questions fondamentales dans leur pays d’origine.

Martinez a déploré, cependant, que le gouvernement de Duterte n’ai pas encore mis en place une politique qui serait une alternative à la politique d’exportation de la main d’œuvre, qui conduit à la marchandisation et à l’exploitation de nos compatriotes à l’étranger et aux Philippines.

Les délégués du Congrès Fondateur de Migrante Europe sont venus de 18 pays et 23 organisations à travers l’Europe. Ils sont venus pour discuter et approuver leur Constitution et leur Programme d’action, composer son Conseil régional, ainsi qu’élire ses dirigeants, d’aujourd’hui jusqu’à demain.

Italian

(Roma, Italia) -Il Congresso di fondazione Migrante Europa ha aperto oggi al Roma Camping Village a Roma in l’Italia, con un forte richiamo al rispetto dei diritti dei migranti e per la libertà di tutti i prigionieri politici, in solidarietà con la chiamata nelle Filippine.

Riprendendo il tema della Giornata internazionale dei diritti umani oggi “Alzati per i diritti umani”, i delegati hanno issato striscioni e slogan chiamando a liberare tutti i prigionieri politici nelle Filippine in difesa dei diritti umani e lottando per una pace giusta, mentre si trovavano di fronte al palco e hanno cantato “stand by Me”, durante la cerimonia di apertura.

Weng Flores, presidente del Umangat-Migrante Roma, ha accolto i delegati al Congresso e gli ospiti, e ha esortato tutti ad onorare coloro che hanno offerto la loro vita per il popolo, quei migranti che sacrificano molto per guadagnarsi da vivere per i loro cari, e rifugiati che hanno perso la vita per sfuggire dalle guerre e la crisi politica nei loro paesi.

Lei ha sottolineato il fatto che essere un lavoratore immigrato significa lavorare per lunghe ore e fare lavori difficili, sporchi e pericolosi.

“Nonostante le grandi difficoltà che abbiamo di fronte, abbiamo dato il tempo ad un importante raduno di diversi rappresentanti di varie organizzazioni che sono venuti da paesi lontani dell’ Europa. Abbiamo sacrificato diversi giorni di lavoro solo per essere partecipi di tirare su la nostra alleanza, il Migrante Europa “, ha sottolineato Flores.

Asterio Palima, membro di un partito della pace del Fronte Nazionale Democratico delle Filippine, ha dato il discorso chiave durante il Congresso. Egli ha esortato i delegati a enfatizzare la forte chiamata per liberare tutti i prigionieri politici, che ha detto, e’ in congiunzione con le esigenze della giustizia e il rispetto ai precedenti accordi tra l’NDFP e il governo della Repubblica delle Filippine (GRP), in particolare l’accordo globale sul rispetto dei diritti umani e del diritto umanitario internazionale (CARHRIHL).

Palima ha tracciato la storia della resistenza del popolo filippino contro la dominazione straniera. Egli ha anche condiviso la storia dei colloqui di pace tra il GRP e il NDFP, e ha sottolineato che la discussione e l’eventuale accordo su un documento comune sulle riforme sociali ed economiche nel prossimo round di colloqui nel mese di gennaio 2017, è fondamentale perché cerca di affrontare la privazione dei terreni, la povertà, il sottosviluppo, la disoccupazione e la disuguaglianza sociale e l’ingiustizia.

In un video messaggio, Garry Martinez, presidente del Migrante International, ha detto la fondazione di Migrante Europa e l’avanzata del movimento progressivo di filippini all’estero sono all’interno del corretto senso di lotta per i diritti dei migranti e il benessere, e per le questioni fondamentali nel fronte interno.

Martinez ha lamentato, tuttavia, che il governo Duterte non ha ancora fatto alcuna politica sostanziale in alternativa alla politica di esportazione del lavoro, che ha portato alla mercificazione e lo sfruttamento dei nostri connazionali all’estero e nelle Filippine.

I delegati al Migrante Europe Founding Congress provengono da 18 paesi e 23 organizzazioni di tutta l’Europa. Essi sono tenuti a discutere ed approvare la loro Costituzione e il programma d’azione, comporre il suo Consiglio regionale, così come eleggere i suoi Dirigenti, oggi fino a domani.

German

Der Gruendungskongress der Migrante Europe eroeffnete in Roma Camping Village in Rom, Italien mit einem starken Aufruf zur Wahrung der Rechte der Migranten und fuer die Freiheit alle politischen Gefangenen in Solidaritaet mit dem Aufruf in den Philippinen. Die heute das Thema des internationalen Menschenrechtstages widerspiegeln setzen sich fuer die Menschenrechts ein, unterhielten die Delegierten Banner und Slogans, die alle politischen Gefangenen auf den Philippinen befreien sollten, die Wahrung der Menschenrechte und der Kampf fuer einen gerechte Frieden als sie vor der Buehne standen und sangen “Stand by Me”waehrend der Eroeffnungsfeier.

Weng Flores, Stellvertreterin von Umangat, Migrante Rom begruesste die Kongressdelegierten und Gaeste und ermahnte alle, jene zu ehren, die ihr Leben fuer die Menschen geopfert haben, jene Migranten, die etwas opfern, um ihren Lebensunterhalt fiuer ihre Lieben zu verdienen und auch die Fluechtlinge, die ihr Leben verloren haben, um Kriegen jund der politischen Krise in ihren Kaempfen zu entkommen.

Sie unterstrich die Tatsache, dass ein Wanderarbeiter zu sein bedeutet Arbeitsplaetze mit laengeren Arbeitszeiten, Arbeit, die schwierig und gefaehrlich sind. “Trotz der grossen Schwierigkeiten, gegenueberstehen, gaben wir Zeit fuer eine wichtige Zusammenkunft von verschiedenen Vertretern verschiedener Organisationen, die aus fernen Laendern in Europa kommen. Wir haben mehrere Arbeitstage geopfert, nur zum Teil unserer eigenen Allianz zu werden, das “Migrante Europe” betonten Flores.

Asterio Palima forderte die Delegation auf, einen kraeftigen Aufruf zu erlangen, alle politischen Gefangenen zu befreien, die er in Verbindung mit den Forderungen der Gerechtigkeit und der Einhaltung frueherer Vereinbarungen zwischen NdF und der GRP, vor allem die Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHILL).

Palima verfolgte die Geschichte des Widerstands der philippinischen Bevoelkerung gegen auslaendische Herrschaften. Her teilte auch die Geschichte der Friedengespraeche zwischen dem GRP und dem NDF mit und betonte, dass die Diskussion und eventuelle Einigung ueber eine gemeinsames Dokument ueber soziale und wirtschaftliche Reformen in den naechsten Gespraechen im Januar 2017 von entscheidender Bedeutung sind, die ueber Armut, Unterentwicklung, Arbeitslosigkeit und soziale Ungleichheit und Ungerechtigkeit v.erhandelt werden muss.

In einem Videobotshcaft, Garrz Martinez, Vorsitzxende von Migrante International, sage die Gruendung von Migrante Europe und den Fortschritt der fortschreitende Bewegung von Filipinos in Uebersee sind in die richtige Richtung der Kaempfe fuer Migrantenrechte- und Wohlfahrt und fuer die grundlegenden Fragen im Heimatfront.

Martinez beklagte jedoch, dass die Duterte Regierung keine wesentliche Politik alos Alternative zu der Arbeitsexportpolitik gemacht hat, die zur Komodifizierung und Ausbeutung von Landsleuten im Ausland und in den Philippinen gefuehrt hat.

Delegierte des Migrante Europe Grundungskongresses kamen aus 18 Laendernm und 23 Organisationen europaweit. Sie werden erwartet zu diskutieren und zxu genehmigen ihre Verfassung und Aktionsprogramm, seien Regionalrat sowie waehle seine Vorstaende von Freitag bis morgen.

Dutch

(Rome, Italië) – Het oprichtingscongres van Migrante Europe begon vandaag bij de Roma Camping Village in Rome, Italië, met een sterke oproep om migrantenrechten en de vrijheid voor alle politieke gevangenen te verdedigen, in solidariteit met de oproep uit de Filipijnen.

Met het thema van Internationale Mensenrechtendag om “op te staan voor mensenrechten”, hesen de vertegenwoordigers spandoeken en schreeuwde slogans voor vrijheid van alle politieke gevangenen in de Filipijnen, het verdedigen van mensenrechten en het vechten voor een rechtvaardige vrede, toen ze op het podium stonden en “Stand by Me” zongen tijdens de openingsceremonie.

Weng Flores, Voorzitter van Umangat-Migrante Rome, verwelkomde de vertegenwoordigers en gasten van het congres, en spoorde ze aan om iedereen die hun levens hebben verloren te eren, de migranten die heel veel hebben achter moeten laten om hun naasten te helpen met een inkomen, en vluchtelingen die hun levens hebben verloren om te vluchten van oorlogen en de politieke crisis in hun landen.

Zij onderstreepte het feit dat migrantenarbeiders lange uren moeten werken en banen hebben die moeilijk, vies, en gevaarlijk zijn.

“Ondanks de moeilijkheden waarmee wij worden geconfronteerd geven we aandacht aan een belangrijke bijeenkomst van verschillende vertegenwoordigers van allerlei organisaties van verre landen in Europa. Wij geven belangrijke werkdagen op zodat wij onze eigen alliantie kunnen opzetten, Migrante Europe,” benadrukte Flores.

Asterio Palima, vredespanel lid van het Nationaal Democratisch Front van de Filipijnen, gaf de keynote speech tijdens het congres. Hij riep vertegenwoordigers op om de campagne om alle politieke gevangenen te bevrijden te steunen, waarvan hij zei dat het in samenloop is met de eisen voor rechtvaardigheid en met het nakomen van voorgaande overeenkomsten tussen het NDFP en de overheid van de Filipijnen, vooral met de Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Palima schetste een geschiedenis van verzet van het Filipijnse volk tegen buitenlandse dominantie. Hij deelde ook over de geschiedenis van de vredesbesprekingen tussen de Filipijnse overheid en het NDFP, en benadrukte dat de discussie en eventuele overeenkomst van een gezamenlijk document rondom sociale en economische hervormingen tijdens de volgende ronde van de vredesbesprekingen in januari 2017, cruciaal is omdat het een eind aan landloosheid, armoede, onderontwikkeling, werkloosheid en sociale ongelijkheid en onrechtvaardigheid tracht te brengen.

In een videobericht zei Garry Martinez, voorzitter van Migrante International, dat de oprichting van Migrante Europe en de vooruitgang van de progressieve Filipijnse beweging overzee binnen de algemene richting is van het vechten voor migrantenrechten en welzijn, en voor de fundamentele kwesties van het thuisfront.

Martinez beklaagde de overheid van Duterte die nog geen substantieel beleid als alternatief voor het arbeidsexportbeleid heeft gevoerd, wat heeft geleid tot het commodificeren van de uitbuiting van onze landgenoten binnen en buiten de Filipijnen.

Vertegenwoordigers van het oprichtingscongres van Migrante Europe kwamen uit 18 landen en van 23 organisaties binnen Europa. Verwacht wordt dat zij vandaag tot morgen hun constitutie en actieprogramma gaan bediscussiëren en goedkeuren, een regionale raad samenstellen, en daarvoor de uitvoerende officieren kiezen.

Spanish

(Roma, Italia) – El Congreso Fundador de Migrante Europa se inauguró hoy en Roma, con un fuerte llamamiento por la defensa de los derechos de los migrantes y la libertad de todos los presos políticos, en solidaridad con el llamamiento en Filipinas.

Haciéndose eco del tema propuesto por el Día Internacional de los Derechos Humanos: “Alcémonos por los derechos humanos”, los delegados levantaron banderas y consignas que clamaban por la liberación de todos los presos políticos filipinos, la defensa de los derechos humanos y la lucha por una paz justa, al son de la canción “Stand by Me” durante la ceremonia de apertura.

Weng Flores, Presidenta de Umangat-Migrante Roma, dio la bienvenida a los delegados del Congreso y a los invitados, y exhortó a todos a honrar a quienes han puesto su vida al servicio de las personas, a los migrantes que sacrifican mucho para ganarse la vida y ayudar a sus seres queridos y a los refugiados que han perdido la vida al escapar de las guerras y la crisis política en sus países.

Subrayó el hecho de que ser trabajador migrante significa trabajar durante largas horas y aceptar empleos difíciles, sucios y peligrosos.

“A pesar de las grandes dificultades que enfrentamos, diferentes representantes de varias organizaciones de países europeos lejanos hemos hecho tiempo para asistir a este importante encuentro. Hemos sacrificado varios días de trabajo para formar parte de la creación de nuestra propia alianza, Migrante Europa “, afirmó Flores.

Asterio Palima, miembro del panel de paz del Frente Democrático Nacional de Filipinas- National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), pronunció el discurso de apertura durante el Congreso. Urgió a los delegados a hacer un llamamiento por la liberación de todos los presos políticos, lo cual, dijo, está en conjunción con las exigencias de justicia y la adhesión a acuerdos previos entre el NDFP y el Gobierno de la República de Filipinas (GRP), especialmente el Acuerdo Integral por el Respeto de los Derechos Humanos y el Derecho Internacional Humanitario (CARHRIHL).

Palima trazó la historia de la resistencia del pueblo filipino contra la dominación extranjera. También compartió la historia de las conversaciones de paz entre el GRP y el NDFP y subrayó que el debate y eventual acuerdo sobre un documento común en torno a reformas sociales y económicas durante la próxima ronda de conversaciones de paz, en Enero de 2017, es crucial ya que trata de abordar la pobreza, el subdesarrollo, el desempleo, la desigualdad social y la injusticia.

Mediante video conferencia, Garry Martínez, presidente de Migrante Internacional, afirmó que la fundación de Migrante Europa y el avance del movimiento progresista de los filipinos en el extranjero empoderan la lucha por los derechos y el bienestar de los migrantes y por cuestiones fundamentales frentes internos de la nación filipina.

Martínez lamentó, sin embargo, que el gobierno de Duterte no haya hecho todavía ningún avance político sustancial como alternativa a la política de exportación de mano de obra, que ha resultado en la mercantilización y explotación de nuestros compatriotas en el extranjero y en Filipinas.

Los delegados del Congreso Fundador de Migrante Europa vinieron de 18 países y 23 organizaciones de toda Europa. Se espera que discutan y aprueben su Constitución y Programa de Acción, que compongan su Consejo Regional, y que elijan a sus Oficiales Ejecutivos.

10 December 2016