On Monday, August 13th, GABRIELA Network USA (GABNet) held a US-wide vigil in front of Philippine Consular Offices to demand the immediate removal of 3 of its leaders from the Philippine Department of Justice's "hold" list and that they be allowed to return home to the US at once. The San Francisco protest took place at 4pm at the Philippine Consulate located at 447 Sutter St.

GABNet National Chairperson Dr. Annalisa Enrile was barred from boarding her return flight from Manila, Philippines last August 5th. The Philippine DOJ had put her on a "hold" list. Two other GABNet leaders--novelist, journalist Ninotchka Rosca and veteran activist Judith Mirkinson, both founders of GABNet--are reportedly on the same "hold" list and are likely to face the same restriction of movement. The GABNet 3 had attended the 10th bi-annual Women's Solidarity Affair in the Philippines (July 29-August 5, 2007). Dr. Enrile also led a University of Southern California immersion program.

Update: 8:58 am Tuesday, August 14: a friend of the women writes: "all three of them are on a plane to the US right now - hurray!"

Read More | GabNet | Report And Photos From SF Protest |

On July 23rd, 100 people gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate in downtown San Francisco to condemn the U.S.-backed regime of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the more than 1,000 extra-judicial killings and abductions that have taken place during her six years in office.

100 Rally against Extra-Judicial Killings in the Philippines | Letter to the Philippine President | Filipina Senator Opposes Arroyo State Terrorism | CBCP slams conduct of midterm elections | Edita Burgos tags two Army officers in son’s kidnap | Mammoth electoral fraud in Philippines elections | Rerport On The Anti-Imperialist Struggle In The Phillipines | Arguments For Dismantling The Arroyo Killing Machine | Filipina Militants Indict Bush-Arroyo For Crimes Against Humanity

Past Indybay Coverage Of The Phillipines: Rally to Condemn Gang Rape of Filipina Woman by U.S. Marines | S.F. Protests 34 Years Of Martial Law in The Philippines | Community Radio station set aflame in the Philippines | San Francisco and International Protests Against Martial Law in Philippines