Campaign for International Co-operation and Disarmament (CICD) support the call by
Migrante Australia for an end to the Australian government’s military support to the Duterte
government.
CICD condemn the relentless killings, illegal arrests, harassments, red tagging, and
threats to civilians especially the human rights workers and advocates in the Philippines.

Based on Migrante Australia these incidents are now common in the Philippines. Anyone
exposing and opposing the anti-people policies of the government and the criminal
activities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are targets.

On 1 February 2020, the new Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern
Luzon Command, Major General Antonio Parlade accompanied by 3 Philippine military
officials gave briefings to Filipino community leaders in Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.
These briefings were all about red-tagging organisations in Australia and accusing them of
being members of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). These presentations also named
four Australians including Sr Patricia Fox, Peter Murphy, Gil Boehringer and Len Cooper
as supporters and financiers of these “terrorist groups”.
These overseas red-tagging trips by the Philippine Military have now become a part of the
Duterte government’s strategy to discredit any organisations and individuals, divide the
Filipino community, intimidate and threaten community and supporters of the Philippines’
people.

CICD demands that the Australian government does not use our taxes to support the
Philippines military to terrorise the Filipino people. The Australian government should be
more concerned about threats against members of the community who raise concerns
about the deteriorating socio–economic situation in the Philippines.
CICD supports the struggle of the Filipino people especially the Filipino workers here and
in the Philippines.
CICD recognises the contributions of Migrante Australia which has a track record of
advocacy, welfare, and support to Filipino migrants in Australia. Migrante members use
their own time, resources, and efforts in conducting welfare assistance, advocacy, and
campaign to better the conditions of migrants here especially the workers and students
under temporary visas.

Migrante Australia defends the rights and welfare of Filipino migrants and fights for a just
and lasting peace in the Philippines, Australia and anywhere in the world where
exploitation and oppression exist.

John Speight
Executive Chairperson CICD

Romina Beitseen
Secretary CICD