Gabriela Negros marked International Women’s Day with a protest march and rally at the Bacolod City public plaza, Monday, March 8.
More than 100 rallyists, who joined the protest, slammed what they called the continued repression of citizens, including illegal arrests, red-tagging of people’s organizations, and militarization in upland barangays.
The group marched from the Fountain of Justice to the public plaza carrying placards with messages such as “Ayuda, bakuna, ligtas na lipunan ipaglaban!” and “COVID, krisis, at Duterte wakasan!”
Marden Jalandoon, secretary-general of Gabriela Negros, said the government has had no significant programs for the marginalized sector who have been badly hit by the COVI D-19 pandemic, which has affected the economy.
The protestors also lit candles for women leaders and activists who passed away, including human rights defender Zara Alvarez, who was gunned down last year.*