A memorial dedicated to Filipino “comfort women” forced to work in Japanese brothels during World War II was removed Friday night, days after suspicions surfaced about its possible demolition.
A memorial dedicated to Filipino “comfort women” forced to work in Japanese brothels during World War II was removed Friday night, days after suspicions surfaced about its possible demolition.
The bronze statue of a blindfolded, early 1900’s-era Filipino woman was removed from Roxas Boulevard in Manila, workers leaving behind only debris fenced in by makeshift barriers. Around two weeks ago, a Department of Public Works and Highways backhoe was seen parked beside the memorial, sparking speculation that it was to be demolished. Local women’s rights organization Gabriela and cultural group Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran (Unity for Progress) last Wednesday expressed their opposition to removing it, with both groups vowing to write to the government about the matter.
