Riders to Hold “Freedom Ride” on Independence Day

 

Motorcycle riders are set to conduct a “Freedom Ride” on Independence Day, June 12, 2024. This event is organized by Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG) in collaboration with various riders' groups from Central Luzon and the National Capital Region. Also joining are members of Partido Manggagawa (PM).

 

Instead of heading to Masinloc, the riders from NCR, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales will proceed to Candelaria, as the Mayor of Masinloc did not grant a permit for the event.

 

More and more riders' clubs have expressed their intention to join the Freedom Ride to protest China's claims over the South China Sea (SCS) and the West Philippine Sea (WPS). These claims have negatively impacted the livelihoods of local fishermen and have heightened tensions due to the militarization of these waters, involving various foreign powers.

 

“We do not want the conflict in the West Philippine Sea to escalate into a war due to 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 insists that demilitarization is the key to easing tensions and preventing war in these waters. However, both China and the US, along with other military powers like France, the UK, Australia, and Japan, must commit to this.

 

“Both China and the US should withdraw from 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.

 

He emphasized that it would be better for this region to become a zone of peace and neutrality, rather than a new battleground, which everyone fears.

 

Kagulong President Robert Perillo explained that many motorcycle riders are currently engaged in delivery services, transporting both foreign and local products. Any disruption in trade, such as the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, affects them due to high fuel prices and trade delays.

 

Partido Manggagawa on its part reminded the public of the Philippines' involvement in imperialist wars like the Spanish-American War and World War I, due to its long colonization by Spain and the US, and during World War II when Japan occupied the country.

 

“Peace is easier for Filipinos to achieve than get trapped into a war not of its own making,” stated PM. 

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG)

June 10, 2024