Press Release
14 October 2014
Partido Manggagawa
(PM) condemns the killing of transgender woman, Jeffrey Serdoncillo Laude a.k.a. Jennifer Laude, allegedly by a US
Marine participating in the Balikatan exercise in Olongapo City
PM expressed its readiness to mobilize its women and LGBT
members and coordinate with other groups in a fight to seek justice for Laude.
The group had also been active in the Nicole Subic rape case campaign.
According to reports, the US US
government during the hearing of “Nicole” in the Subic rape case, but in the
end convicted rapist Daniel Smith was allowed to escape by Philippine
authorities in collusion with the US
“It has been almost
three days yet both suspect and probable witnesses remain in the custody of
American authorities in Philippines Subic
rape case, custody of suspect should in the hands of Philippine authorities.”
The group insists that nothing justifies Laude’s killing. “Being gay,
hiding the fact that he is gay or being a prostitute does not make Laude’s
killing right,” Miranda ended.
PM once more called for the repeal of the Visiting Forces Agreement under
whose provisions the Balikatan exercises are conducted. “This recent incident again exposes that the VFA does not provide
protection for Filipinos whose civil and social rights may be violated by US
soldiers and moreover ties the Philippines
She furthered that ”We have nothing
to gain and more to lose from allowing US soldiers, ships and planes to base in
Philippine territory. An independent foreign policy is our best defense against
external threats even against China
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