Blog
TW: Sexual Slavery and Violence
During World War II, more than a thousand Filipino girls and women were taken from their homes, towns, and villages by Japanese soldiers. They were not soldiers or fighters, but just ordinary women, with many still being teenagers. They were imprisoned, raped, forced into sexual slavery. These women were called “comfort women”, but there was no comfort. Only pain, violence, silence, and injustice.
Whereas the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Philippines are far apart and have different cultures, people in both countries face similar struggles. Both have a long history of being colonized, exploited for their resources, and controlled by foreign powers. Today, they still deal with modern forms of imperialism, like foreign companies taking their natural wealth, military presence, and government violence against their people. The genocide happening in Congo and the Filipino people's fight for true freedom show that these struggles are connected. They are part of a bigger global system that keeps exploited countries weak and divided, while powerful nations continue to benefit.
The proposal to reinstate the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) in the Philippines ignited a fueling debate concerning students' rights and autonomy. While proponents champion its potential to bolster defense capabilities and instill patriotism, critics point to a history of abuse and argue for alternative approaches to civic engagement.