Over a year ago, a 22-year-old Filipina woman, “Nicole”, was gang raped and tossed aside by six U.S. Servicemen outside of a club in Subic Bay, Olongapo City (a former U.S. naval base site). Due to the Visiting Forces Agreement, Gabriela says, there had to be a trial. On November 26th, GABRIELA Network held a vigil for “Nicole.” Attendees gathered at 4pm at the Dewey Memorial in SF's Union Square, to light candles for "Nicole" and others who have been brutalized by rape and other forms of violence against women. Photos babae sf called for an action in support of justice for "Nicole" to be held from 5-6:30pm on Monday, November 27th (Bayan Flyer ) at the SF Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Ave (at Polk). The announcement includes more details about the trial and the VFA. The alleged perpetrators await their verdict, which should come this week. The GABRIELA Network will be commemorating the International Day to Stop Violence Against Women, as well as gathering women from all over the Bay Area to Take Back the Night. GABRIELA Network not only supports “Nicole” during this vigil, but recognizes women who have been sexually, physically, psychologically, financially, and emotionally abused.

GABRIELA says, "In the Philippines, where the number of prostituted persons is about the size of the country’s manufacturing workforce, women and girls have and continue to be victims of trafficking-- where they have been forced to provide sexual services... While the rape case of 'Nicole' has gained international media attention, rape is still one of the most underreported crimes anywhere in the world. In America alone, an estimated every two and a half minutes, an individual is sexually assaulted. Many victims do not seek legal recourse fearing that they themselves will be put on trial, publicly humiliated, and further punished for reporting their rape to authorities, while the perpetrators’ actions are oftentimes overlooked by the judicial system. So is the case with 'Nicole,' in which vital evidence has been destroyed and stories have been corroborated against her." Read more

Report from Akbayan | AJL-PP's coverage | 9/15 FACES and WGS protest | Photos from 11/5/05 protest | Gabriela Network USA | UN's IDEVW