IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE BURMESE PEOPLE

No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path. - Buddha

The struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma is a struggle for life and dignity. It is a struggle that encompasses our political, social and economic aspirations. – Aung San Suu Kyi

As we Filipinos fret over domestic scandals under a reign of impunity, another country not too far away is gripped in its own struggle against its government. The people of Burma have decided to reach for liberty after more than forty years of oppressive martial rule.

It took rising gas prices to begin their peaceful defiance, apart from decades of tyrannical rule. Fed up with worsening economic conditions, Burma’s Buddhist monks have been leading non-violent marches against the current regime for days, many walking barefoot, with their alms bowls upturned as an insult to the military. They have been joined by civilians; their numbers have swelled daily into the hundreds of thousands. Finally, fearful that it may look weak to a world largely kept in the dark, the military dictatorship responded to quiet disobedience in the way they know best – with truncheons and bullets.

As of this writing, there have been nine people confirmed dead, Buddhist monks and a Japanese journalist among them. Hundreds have been hurt, and many more have been arrested and jailed. Because communication has been blocked, it is difficult to ascertain just how much brutality has been wreaked. The few videos and pictures that have been sneaked out show appalling viciousness by the military. The images bring Filipino memories back to a time rife with similar violence under dictatorial rule.

The Black & White Movement adds its voice to all Filipinos and citizens of the world that are appealing to the Burmese junta to bring an end to atrocities and repression. Democracy and liberty are what the Burmese people deserve.

We send our solidarity and prayers to the brave Burmese monks and citizens standing tall for principles we all hold dear. We pray for their safety and wellbeing.

Let the global demand be, the age of impunity is over (UK Ambassador to UN). For the Burmese people, our fervent wish is freedom.