Resume Peace talks! Peace groups gathered in Manila on November 21 to commemorate the first anniversary of the Oslo Joint Statement signed by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on November 23, 2023. They expressed their hope for the resumption of talks, while voicing concern over the series of arrests of NDFP consultants in October. The Council of Leaders for Peace Initiatives led the gathering.
The Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle and its members in the United States, Canada, Netherlands, Hong Kong, and other countries took action on November 30 in support of the NDFP. They condemned the repression and attacks on NDFP peace consultants over the past years.
Workers picket in Pampanga. Workers from the SG Farms Processing Plant and Maximus Dressing Plant in Barangay San Isidro, San Simon, Pampanga staged a picket line to protest the plants’ illegal closure. The Maximus Employees Union-NAFLU-KMU erected their picket line on October 8 and demanded separation pay and their absorption by the agency. The plant was suddenly shut after workers registered their union in July. Workers also staged a picket at the adjacent SG Farms plant. Workers believe that both plants are owned by the same entity.
Davao City vendors assert right to livelihood. On November 22, Agdao Laray Muslim and Christian Vendors Association members went to the Davao City Hall to seek protection against constant “clearing” and looming demolition, which threated their businesses and their right to livelihood. They called on the local government to pass a resolution to provide them with adequate space to peacefully earn a living. They staged a protest at the city’s Rizal Park a day before.
