In a unified call for peace and freedom, hundreds of motorcycle riders
participated in a "Freedom Ride" on Independence Day, urging China to
abandon its illegal claims over the entire West Philippine Sea (WPS). The
riders also appealed to other superpowers to cease militarizing the already
tense region.
The "Freedom Ride," organized by Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong
(KAGULONG), Riders Pilipinas, and Partido Manggagawa (PM), aimed to protest
China's expansive claims over the South China Sea (SCS) and the WPS. The event
also sought to promote peace amid escalating tensions between global powers.
Motorcycle riders from Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and
Zambales converged at their respective meeting points before heading to the
beach area facing the West Philippine Sea in Candelaria, Zambales.
"We do not want the conflict in the West Philippine Sea to escalate
into a war due to territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions between
powerful nations. We seek freedom, justice, and peace in the area for Filipinos
and neighboring countries with territorial claims in these waters," stated
KAGULONG Secretary General Don Pangan.
KAGULONG emphasized that demilitarization is crucial for easing tensions
and preventing conflict in these waters. However, China, the US, and other
military powers like France, the UK, Australia, and Japan must commit to this
effort to avoid military confrontations.
"Both China and the US-led military alliance should withdraw and
refrain from militarizing these waters to allow our fishermen the freedom to
fish, enable the Philippines to protect its sovereignty, and develop its
exclusive economic zones independently, without bowing to foreign powers,
whether they are new or former colonizers," added Pangan.
The group stressed the importance of transforming the region into a zone
of peace and neutrality, rather than a battleground for superpowers.
KAGULONG President Robert Perillo explained that many motorcycle riders
are engaged in delivery services, transporting both foreign and local products.
Any disruption in trade, such as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle
East, affects them due to high fuel prices and economic instability.
Partido Manggagawa reminded the public of the Philippines' historical
involvement in global wars, such as the Spanish-American War, World War I, and
World War II, due to its colonization by Spain and the US, and occupation by
Japan.
"War is a lose-lose proposition. Peace is easier for Filipinos to achieve than getting trapped into a war not of its own making," stated PM.
Kagulong
June 12, 2024
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