Filipino American activists march from Union Square to the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco. Photo by Gus Mercado
SAN FRANCISCO – Hundreds of Filipino American activists marched from Union Square to the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco on Friday to protest corruption in government-funded flood control projects and the alleged neglect of Filipino migrants detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Holding a rally outside the Consulate, activist groups led by BAYAN USA, the Malaya Movement and Tanggol Migrante Movement also condemned the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown and the treatment of Filipino migrants in ICE custody.
The protest march and rally kicked off the nationwide “Week of Action” from Sept. 19-27 and the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines–US Chapter (ICHRP–US) General Assembly.
The rally featured speakers, including ICHRP-US chairperson Brandon Lee and leaders from Malaya Movement USA, BAYAN USA, Starbucks Workers United and the First Mennonite Church of San Francisco.
Lee, an environmental and indigenous rights defender who was paralyzed from the chest down after being shot by military forces under the Duterte administration in 2019, demanded an investigation into the assassination attempt.
“We cannot expect the Philippine government to hold themselves accountable and give us, victims, any justice,” Lee said. “We must continue to organize and build the broad united front against fascism and imperialism here in the United States and for the Filipino people.”
ICHRP-US Chairperson Brandon Lee, a victim of a 2019 assassination attempt by military forces under the Duterte administration | FILE PHOTO
Jom Dolor from Migrante USA and Tanggol Migrante Movement denounced President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
“Trump is saying only criminals are being targeted for deportation, but all of these are lies… they detain first and ask questions later,” he said.
Dolor said Filipino migrants in ICE custody have suffered inhumane conditions in detention centers, including delayed or missing meals and inadequate medical care, and criticized the lack of support from Philippine officials.
Mobilizing ahead of the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on Sept. 21,1972, speakers addressed the growing social unrest and outrage over government corruption.
In response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s cancellation of his trip to New York, Andan Bonifacio of BAYAN USA said, “Marcos is scared to leave the country as the mass movement surges forward, showing its outrage in front of contractors’ houses, the DPWH, on campuses and on the streets.”
Bayan USA Chair Adnan Bonifacio | Photo by Gus Mercado
“Filipinos here will also be mobilizing across the country on the anniversary of Martial Law, joining the flood of people who will protest at Luneta (Park) and later in Malacañang,” he said.
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