Coalition against the war formed, peace caravan held
BY AUBREY MAKILAN
Bulatlat.com
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) advocates and their families, Filipino Muslims and Christians, and Lebanese nationals formed the Network Overseas Opposed to Wars of Aggression (No to War) Coalition on Aug. 3 and held a peace caravan the next day. They condemned the Israel bombing of Lebanon and called for its end.
The peace caravan started at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila, assailing the Arroyo administration for the deaths of two Filipina domestic helpers in Lebanon and its alleged “snail-paced and inept” evacuation plan.
The caravan then proceeded to the Israeli Embassy in Makati where they were joined by supporters from the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU or May First Movement) and the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay, an urban poor organization).
There, they displayed photos from the internet showing the casualties of the open war. KMU members earlier burned mock U.S. and Israel flags.
The last stop was at the U.S. embassy in Manila, condemning the alleged U.S. support to Israeli attacks. The anti-riot police only allowed them to hold their program in front of the National Library in Kalaw street where Lebanese nationals joined them, waving Lebanese flags.
