Press Release
4 February 2012
In commemoration of the Filipino-American War
Liza Maza of Intern
ational Women’s Alliance warns:
Increased US military presence to boost prostitution and sex trafficking of
Filipinas
The International Women’s Alliance (IWA) raised alarm over the United States’ policy to increase military
presence in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific region under “America’s Pacific Century” project. This renewed
drive to militarize the region involves the deployment of more US troops and war materiel and the
acquisition of more facilities and access for military exercises, rapid deployment of forces and expansion of
basing rights.
IWA Chairperson and former Gabriela Women’s Party representative said, “The heightened US military
presence will increase prostitution and sex trafficking of Filipinas within and outside the Philippine borders.”
She added that, “Already Filipinas along with Russian women comprise the majority of foreign “entertainers”
working in so-called juicy bars near the US bases in South Korea. Many Filipinas likewise work as “singers”
and “dancers” in entertainment bars around the US bases in Okinawa and mainland Japan.”
IWA noted that where there is US military presence, there is proliferation of the rest and recreation industry