Category: Statements

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

7 April 2017
Migrante Europe says NO to mandatory SSS payments

Press Statement

Migrante Europe today expressed strong disapproval on the announcement of state-run Social Security System to impose mandatory membership and membership payments of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

SSS president and chief executive Emmanuel F. Dooc made the announcement last weekend, pushing for all OFWs to be covered by the SSS on a mandatory basis, supposedly “in order to secure their basic safety net in time of contingencies.” The mandatory OFW coverage is one of the proposed amendments to the SSS charter now pending in Congress.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there are 2.4 million OFWs as of 2016, and only 20% or 500,000 are paying members of the SSS, with contributions reaching P4.64billion in 2016. In the same year, SSS disbursed P779 million in benefits to its OFW members. These include initial and lump sum benefits to retirement, death, (funeral with grant) and disability, and short-term benefits for sickness and maternity (for female workers).

OFWs all over the world cheered the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by 41 airline companies with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) will take effect on 30 April, completely abolishing terminal fees paid by OFWs. But now they are once again dismayed by this announcement of mandatory SSS membership and payments.

“With the OFWs’ huge contribution to the Philippine economy, basic social services should be provided freely to them by the government. That is guaranteed by R.A. No. 10022, an act amending R.A. No. 8042, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995. This law mandates the government to provide for the protection and promotion of the welfare of migrant workers, their families and overseas Filipinos in distress, and for other purposes.” stated Fr. Herbert Fadriquela, Migrante Europe Chairperson.

“Overseas Filipinos reject this additional financial imposition,”

declared Fr. Herbert.

In 2007, a global protest of Philippine migrant groups erupted when the Gloria Arroyo government attempted to impose mandatory SSS contributions, and made it a requirement for the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). The OEC is a requirement for every OFW who leaves the country. For new hires, the OEC will not be issued unless they pay additional compulsory fees for every contract processed.
Amidst the widespread protests, the Arroyo government backed down on its proposal.

In Europe, regular migrant workers contribute to their host countries’ social security system through monthly deductions from their salaries and contributions from their employers. In Italy for example, through the INPS (equivalent to SSS), OFWs are also entitled to social protection and pension benefits like family allowance, unemployment allowance, health and maternity benefits, invalidity allowance, disability pension, length of service pension, old age pension and survivor’s pension.

“We are definitely against the mandatory SSS membership and payments. This is a double burden for us and a blatant attempt to extract more money from OFWs’ hard-earned income. Every individual should be free to choose to be an SSS member or not, it should not be obligatory!” concluded Fr. Herbert.

For Reference:

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

29 March 2017
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

18 March 2017
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

16 March 2017
Migrante Europe call to end women oppression, resist imperialism and fascism!

Press Statement | March 8, 2017

Today, March 8, 2017, International Women’s Day, we unite with millions of women all over the regions, we boldly say NO to imperialism and fascism. We share with all oppressed women and women rights advocates to rise and strike to end centuries-old oppression and exploitation.

We commemorate and celebrate the lives of 140 women worker who died in a Triangle Fire in New York City in March 25, 1911, the tragic event drew significant change to working conditions and labor legislations in several parts of the world, and we remember the courageous women advocates, leaders, mothers, students and workers, and all women from all walks of life.

Today, we stand with women and the American people against Trump’s anti-people and anti-immigrant policies. We strongly condemn the persecution of defenseless people and migrants.

We are one with women and worker against the austerity measures of the European Union, which have slashed the living standards across Europe, and socially and economically crippled thousands of families including migrants. We are alarmed that austerity measures will further reduce the allocation of funds for basic services, health and welfare as EU is likely to submit to Trump’s demand for more funds to NATO and the rearmaments of war machine of the international European community.

We resist the war of aggression and terror by the US and its allies. Women and children are the most victims of all wars and conflicts. The US war of aggression is responsible for about 10 to 15 million deaths during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and the two Iraq Wars, and between nine and 14 million deaths in Afghanistan.

We join the journey and struggle of all refugees to escape from the ongoing violence particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Syria, Iraq and Libya. Women who are separated from their communities and families often face a higher risk of exploitation and are vulnerable to human trafficking, violence and abuse.

We join the thousands of Filipino women on the streets in Philippines, to demand genuine, guaranteed jobs, decent and living wage, social justice and women liberation from oppression and exploitation.

We are in solidarity with the indigenous Filipinos on their quest to reclaim and collectively develop their ancestral lands as we reiterate our call to the greedy mining companies to keep away from the indigenous peoples communities.

We support the courageous women advocates like the Environment Secretary Gina Lopez for her unwavering stand against development aggression defined and designed by corporate greed and selfish interests as manifested by her recent order to close down several mining operations and cancel the mining application for mining permit of several other companies.

We call on President Duterte continue the peace talks with National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

We encourage the negotiating panels from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) TO continue the peace talks and join hands with Filipino people to address the root causes of armed conflict and collectively wage war against poverty, social injustices, women oppressions and forced migration of Filipinos.

And clinched fist as a symbol of resistance and solidarity, we celebrate Women’s Day with all women with great courage and strong resistance to imperialism and fascism, as we look to the dawning of the day when all women are free from all forms of oppression and exploitation.

Long live March 8 movement!

Women’s rights now!

Peace talks ituloy!

For reference:

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

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

8 March 2017
Migrante Europe lauds Bello order exempting OFWs from travel tax and terminal fees

Migrante Europe today expressed appreciation on the order of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to airline companies to stop incorporating the travel tax and terminal fees on ticket prices issued to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, in a letter to Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Jim Sydiongco, said OFWs are exempted from paying travel tax and terminal fees based on Presidential Decree No. 1183 and Republic Act No. 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995.

Bello asked the CAAP to remit the travel tax and terminal fees, which were not refunded to OFWs, to the Overseas Worker and Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The Labor secretary also instructed the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and OWWA to coordinate with the CAAP and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) in planning a mechanism for the automatic exemption of OFWs from paying the travel tax and terminal fees.

“If anyone deserves thanks, it is Secretary Bello for his commitment and immediate response to the urgent calls of migrant Filipinos;” said Fr. Herbert Fadriquela, Migrante Europe Chairperson.

Dialogue with Secretary Bello | Rome, January 24, 2017

It can be recalled that Ann Brusola, Migrante Europe Secretary General, and other migrant leaders in Europe had a dialogue in the sideline with Sec. Bello in January 24 this year in Rome during the 3rd round of formal peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Amongst the issues and concerns raised during the dialogue was the collection of travel tax and terminal fees that are included in the cost of airline tickets issued to overseas Filipinos, in spite of PD 1183 and the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995 stating that OFWs are exempted from said fees.

“With 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, we have high hopes that these amounts will be translated into more concrete programs and services for the benefit of OFWs.” Father Herbert concluded.

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

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

4 March 2017
The welfare of the poor Filipinos, in their millions, that is at the core of the peace negotiations!
28 February 2017

HIS EXCELLENCY RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacañang Palace, MANILA

Dear Mr. President,
We strongly urge you to reconsider you decision to terminate the government’s peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Now that the talks have hit some roadblocks, it would do us well to remember that well ahead of your formal proclamation as the nation’s 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines, you identified pursuing peace negotiations, specifically with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, as one of your priority initiatives; the talks, which resumed with a high level of mutual trust and confidence in August last year, have achieved breakthroughs in so short a time:
- Breakthrough in the discussion on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER), a landmark document that shall address the country’s chronic poverty situation, with both parties reaching an agreement in principle on the first four items of the draft, which includes free land distribution to landless farmers;
- Agreement to form Bilateral Working Teams of Reciprocal Working Committees (RWCs) in order to accelerate the drafting of CASER;
- Exchange of drafts and initial discussion on Political and Constitutional Reforms;
- Signing of a Supplementary Agreement for the operationalization of the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL);
- Agreement of both parties to discuss Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)’s proposal for a bilateral ceasefire on February 22-25, 2017 in the Netherland.
With a comprehensive peace agreement, we all stand to gain. The foremost concern of both parties in the peace negotiations is the interest of the Filipino people to address the roots of poverty and achieve a just and lasting peace. For it is the welfare of the poor Filipinos, in their millions, that is at the core of the peace negotiations.

Together with peace advocates in the Philippines and around the world, we forcefully back a peace deal that will address the roots of the almost 50-year armed conflict and create conditions that will ensure genuine, equitable, sustainable and just development.

Let us give just and lasting peace a chance. Continue the GRP-NDF peace talks and pursue socio-economic and political reforms for the people. Address the roots of the armed conflict! Honor and respect all agreements!

Respectfully,
Manuel Sarmiento
Secretary, Migrante Austria
Mobile Phone No. +43 699 13646090

Copy furnished:
DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello
Chairperson, GRP Negotiating Panel

Fidel Agcaoili
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
28 February 2017
Letter of Migrante Europe to President Duterte calling to continue the peace talks between GRP-NDFP

16 February 2017

HIS EXCELLENCY RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacañang Palace, MANILA

Dear Mr. President,

Your decision to terminate peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is a big setback to the Filipino people’s aspirations for peace.

Millions of migrant Filipinos in Europe and their relatives in the Philippines campaigned for you, voted for you, and many among us continue to support you because you promised us “genuine change”. Having been forced to leave our loved ones and the country in order to work abroad, we have an acute sense of the need for such change in our country.

The talks, which resumed with a high level of mutual trust and confidence in August last year, have achieved breakthroughs in so short a time. Both the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and NDFP panels have exchanged drafts based on an agreed-upon framework with a proposed Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) and a Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms (CAPCR) which have been calendared for the next rounds of talks beginning April this year. Both sides are optimistic that the two crucial items of the agenda could be concluded within the year. This level of talks is unprecedented and it would be unfortunate to allow the gains to go to waste.

Your announcement of the termination of the peace talks came barely two weeks after what has been a successful third round of talks, held in January 19-25 in Rome Italy, with both panels achieving significant advances on the major issues such as the breakthrough in the discussion on the CASER, a landmark document that shall address the country’s chronic poverty situation, with both parties reaching an agreement in principle on the first four items of the draft, which includes free land distribution to landless farmers; agreement to form Bilateral Working Teams of Reciprocal Working Committees (RWCs) in order to accelerate the drafting of CASER; signing of a Supplementary Agreement for the operationalization of the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), among others.

We maintain that the single best thing to do now is for both panels to proceed with negotiating a bilateral ceasefire agreement as earlier set on February 22 in the Netherlands moving forward to the next round of formal talks in April, in Oslo, Norway. After all, a formal termination of the ongoing peace talks is still outstanding. And with both GRP and NDFP officials hinting at openness to the continuation of the peace talks, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has all the more reason to hold its fire despite the “total war” launched against the NPA.

In the face of the breakdown of the peace talks, unleashing the dogs of war is an unmitigated disaster for our people. Both parties must do everything to push through with the peace process. The government must respect all earlier agreements on the peace process and allow all NDFP consultants to participate in the resumption of negotiations without fear of arrest or harassment. As a clear signal of its readiness to continue the talks, the CPP-NPA-NDF can put all its armed units on a defensive mode and not to engage government forces unless attacked first.

A bilateral ceasefire agreement will clear any ambiguities that make unilateral ceasefires fragile. It will operationalize the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) with a system of monitoring and complaints mechanisms preferably with an independent third party like current facilitator, Norway. This element is critical because the peace talks involve national forces and center on the important agenda of social, economic, political, and constitutional reforms that may eventually be implemented nationwide.

As we anticipate a beneficial outcome of the peace talks for the majority of Filipinos, we as migrant Filipinos will do our part to be our country’s ambassadors in the countries where we work and live, show to all peoples abroad what truly shines in the Filipino – hardworking, honest, humanist, respectful of rights, freedom-loving and patriotic.

Mr. President, considering the unprecedented and significant advances made on the substantive agenda of the peace talks for the benefit of the Filipino people, we want you to make good your promise for “genuine change”, by pushing forward the peace talks.

Continue the peace talks between the GRP and the NDFP!
Address the roots of the armed conflict!

Respectfully,

Rev. Fr. Herbert F. Fadriquela, Jr.
Chairperson,
Migrante Europe
Email: [email protected]
Mobile No: +447456042156

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

16 February 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