By the CENTER FOR PEOPLE EMPOWERMENT IN GOVERNANCE (CenPEG) Analysis MANILA — The presence of heavily armed U.S. soldiers even in the remote areas of the Philippine countryside is now becoming a normal part of the local scenery. As we mark the ten years (1999-2009) of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), ratified by the Philippine…
Tags: VFA
Marcos and Arroyo: Hounded by Rights Abuses
An increase in U.S. military assistance results in a corresponding increase in the number of human rights violations. During the Marcos dictatorship, the unprecedented amount of military assistance given to the government went to the persecution of people and mounting human rights violations. This is what is happening also under Arroyo. BY DR. RAINER WERNING…
As Balikatan resumes: Bayan Challenges Candidates to Junk VFA
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance) hit the resumption of Balikatan exercises in Mindanao and called on senatorial and congressional candidates to take a stand against the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). BY EMILY VITAL Bulatlat The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan or New Patriotic Alliance) hit the resumption of Balikatan exercises in Mindanao…