Kapayapaan Hindi Digmaan! – Network Opposed to War (No to War) Bonifacio Day 2023 Statement

 

The Filipino people have a long and storied history of resistance against oppression. From the Spanish, Americans, the Japanese, and current injustices, Filipinos continue to march, protest, and organize. It is in this spirit that we mass movements and people’s organizations mobilize today. Learning from the example of Andres Bonifacio, we aspire for a Philippines built on freedom, peace, and common prosperity.

 

The Network Opposed to War (No to War), as a grouping of people’s organizations, mass movements, and trade unions, is in the streets today as we celebrate the birthday of Andres Bonifacio. Inspired by the life and struggle of the Supremo, we mobilize today for a society free from violence and oppression. Like the Katipuneros before us, we see that the dream of justice and equality is a desire we Filipinos share with peoples all over the world. From Manila to Gaza, Burma and Kiev, the dream of peace built on justice continues to animate millions.

 

We are adamant in our opposition to all forms of war. It is clear that in times of conflict, it is workers and ordinary people that are harmed and sacrificed. History shows us that while working people bleed, the rich and powerful benefit from war. We have no illusions. Wars today are for the benefit of corporations and the elites that profit from bloodshed.

 

For the Network Opposed to War, it is impossible to address the root causes of poverty and injustice in times of conflict. Rather than being the solution to problems of development, wars instead intensify existing inequalities. As is the experience of women globally, militarization leads to lasting scars not only on the body, but on the psyche as well. For the vast majority that struggle with poverty and precariousness, it is obvious that war is not for our interests.

 

We join all progressive organizations and mobilizations today that stand against poverty and militarism. Peace is the foundation of truly just and prosperous societies. We express our desire to build peace, not cultures and industries for war.