The Committee to Stop FBI Repression sends greetings to 2nd National Congress of AnakBayan USA

When the FBI raided the homes of anti-war and international solidarity activists in 2010, among our first supporters was Bayan, speaking for the Philippines’ national democratic movement in the U.S. Since the founding of AnakBayan, you have continued the solidarity, first in defense of Carlos Montes, long time Chicano activist in East Los Angeles; and then the campaign for justice for Rasmea Odeh, the Palestinian activist in Chicago. We thank you for your solidarity, and pledge to continue our resistance to the U.S. Attorney’s investigation.

Over the past sixteen months, we have observed the organizing group for the Chicago chapter of AnakBayan. Starting with only four activists, they carried out systematic outreach. At each step, they brought forward new contacts from amidst the movements against imperialism and racist, national oppression. They built support for Rasmea Odeh, and they marched with the Black Lives Matter Movement. AnakBayan cultural performances were prominent at International Women’s Day events, and they were on stage at the mass march for community control of the police in August 2015. They have linked up with the Chicano/Mexicano immigrant community as they have demanded justice for the Ayotzinapa 43; they have joined in labor support for the strikers at the British Petroleum oil refinery, as well as the UAW strikers at the Kohler plant.

When President Aquino made a surprise visit to Chicago in May, the fierceness of the youth shone brightly! Holding a lighting rally in front of the hotel where he was meeting with finance capitalists and Chicago’s Mayor Emanuel, 15 Filipinos and supporters chanted and spoke out against his corruption and collaboration with imperialism. Photos and videos were splashed across the media in Manilla and throughout the Philippines. They dared to struggle, and dared to win!

With this spirit, we are confident that AnakBayan USA will have success in building the movement of patriotic Filipino youth in this country. We pledge our support and look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you in the years to come as you work for national democracy in your homeland.

Long live international solidarity! Imperyalismo, ibagsak!