28 April 2025
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP-Canada), raises urgent concern over the intensified foreign military presence and deepening U.S. intervention in the Philippines, epitomized by the 2025 Balikatan war games. These joint military exercises, which are the largest to date, are a dangerous escalation in the Indo-Pacific region, drawing in U.S. allies, including Canada, into preparations for war primarily to address the perceived threat posed by China.
Canada’s role in the Indo-Pacific strategy, as a steadfast U.S. ally, places it in direct complicity with these aggressive military postures. Rather than promoting peace and diplomacy, Canada’s alignment with U.S. strategic interests contributes to the increasing militarization of the region and the repression of grassroots movements for sovereignty and self-determination in the Philippines.
Behind this military spectacle lies the grim reality: a Philippines increasingly militarized at the expense of its own people. With President Marcos Jr. offering up Philippine territory for U.S., Canada and other military build-up and foreign investment, the Filipino people are being placed on the frontlines of a geopolitical conflict not of their choosing. Already, this has meant more repression, more displacement, and more violence against communities defending their land and rights.
Canadian and U.S. military and economic aid contributes to serious human rights abuses, including violent counterinsurgency operations that target civilian populations, indigenous communities, and activists. These acts, such as extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and forced evacuations, are in violation of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes.
ICHRP Canada stands with the Filipino people in resisting this war agenda and foreign domination. We condemn the Marcos Jr. regime’s subservience to foreign powers and the continued use of Canadian, U.S., and international funds to support militarization and human rights abuses.
We call on the international community to join us in our demands:
– No to all foreign military exercises in the Philippines, including Balikatan
– Stop Canada’s participation and expansion in military exercises under the Indo-Pacific Strategy!
– Stop funding war crimes and human rights abuses in the Philippines!
Let us amplify the Filipino people’s struggle for sovereignty, justice, and a truly lasting peace. ###–