National alliance of women Gabriela and labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno on Thursday, March 2, renewed their calls for the release of unionists and political prisoners across the country. 

“As the country commemorates the International Working Women’s Day on March 8, Filipino women and workers issue this challenge to President Marcos: [R]elease every single labor unionist and every single political prisoner jailed simply for their convictions. Free our sisters, free all political prisoners,” said Gabriela Secretary General Clarice Palce in a press conference held Thursday morning. 

During the press conference, KMU and Gabriela broke bread to honor the contributions of political detainees in the continuous fight for higher salaries and decent job opportunities for all. Apart from this, the groups offered breads – calling it “freedom breads” at cheaper price. 

“[All] proceeds will go to providing the needs of incarcerated labor rights advocates,” said the groups. 

Along with their calls for the release of political prisoners and unionists, the progressive organizations also urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to end contractualization, explaining that it adds to the burden of Filipinos. 

“Many of the incarcerated trade unionists and labor organizers charged with fabricated cases are strong opponents of contractualization, as it has plagued the lives of millions of Filipino workers over the last 34 years,” Palce stressed.