Activists unhappy over Marcos’ security plan


An organisation fighting for justice for Philippine sexual slavery victims of the Japanese army during World War ll said that it “staunchly opposes” the planned security pact among the Philippines, Japan and the United States.

The group Lila Pilipina expressed concern about “the possibility of the Philippines being used as cannon fodder” after the Philippine government said it will study a tripartite agreement with the United States and Japan as part of strengthening the alliance.

“We oppose plans to drag the Philippines into war,” the group added, reiterating its call for the Philippine government “to stand up for justice for Filipino victims of Japanese wartime sex slavery and for Japan to own up to its responsibility.”

Japan and the United States have yet to take responsibility for the atrocities committed against Filipino women during Japanese occupation and when the United States was maintaining bases in the South-East Asian country, the group said.

“It is alarming that Japan has not yet apologised for the brutal crimes against Filipino women, but again dragging the Philippines into the prospect of war,” it said.

Lila Pilipina urged the Philippine government to take a non-aligned position.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr however said he saw no reason why the Philippines should not have a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Japan if it would boost maritime security and ensure greater protection for Filipino fishermen.

Marcos, however, also told reporters he would exercise care in pursuing a potential pact with Tokyo “because we do not want to appear provocative”.

Marcos’ first visit to Japan since taking office came after he recently granted the United States access to additional military bases in the Philippines under a VFA, which provides rules for the rotation of thousands of US troops in and out of the Philippines for exercises.

“If it will be of help to the Philippines in terms of protecting, for example our fishermen, protecting our maritime territory ... I don’t see why we should not adopt it (VFA),” Marcos told reporters before returning home on Sunday, according to an official transcript.

Marcos was in Japan for a five-day visit, to forge closer security ties with Tokyo, which in December announced its biggest military-build up since World War Two, fuelled by concerns about aggressive Chinese actions in the region.

Marcos and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida penned a deal to allow their armed forces to work together during disaster relief, an agreement seen as a step towards a broader pact that could allow the countries to deploy forces on each other’s soil. — Agencies

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