Comfort women run for justice

In bid to prompt the government to acknowledge their plight, Filipina comfort women of World War II took part in a "justice" run yesterday morning at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Old age did not stop some 25 elderly women from jogging to the finish line to show their determination in seeking justice amid the junking of their case in Japan last December 2003.

The suit filed by the comfort women in the Japanese court sought the Japanese government’s acknowledgment of the abuse and human rights violations committed by the Japanese soldiers during the World War II.

Clad in shorts and rubber shoes while bearing placards, the "lolas" took part in warm-up exercise before taking to the field for the justice run.

Purificacion Mercado, 81, nearly collapsed due to exhaustion. But the women said it was nothing compared to the seemingly unending struggle to obtain justice and compensation for the atrocities of the Japanese soldiers.

"We ran to show the Japanese government that we, the lolas, are still strong. Even though they have dismissed our case, our fight will continue. We will not stop until we get justice," said 75-year-old Narcisa Claveria, spokesperson of Lila-Pilipina, an organization of Filipino survivors of rape and sex slavery by Japanese troops during World War II.

"Even if we die, our children and grandchildren will continue our battle to obtain justice for what happened to us during the World War II, for all the sufferings and violent experiences that brought us heartaches over the years," she added.

Rechilda Extremadura, coordinator of Lila-Pilipina, said that with this showing of determination from the lolas, Japanese lawyers have pledged to continue the assistance to the victims.

She said that plans to seek justice in other arenas available is underway, as she noted that regular staging of protest-actions should be expected at Japan embassies.

We are demanding for public apology, and just compensation from the Japanese government, and for our stories to be included in the books of history and not be ignored," said Virgina Villarama, 75.