Message of Solidarity by the Filipino Community in Japan
to the Family of Jeffrey Reodica and the Justice for Jeffrey Coalition
July 30, 2006

The Filipino Community in Japan wishes the family of Jeffrey Reodica and all those involved in the Justice for Jeffrey Coalition in Canada the success in its continuing efforts to let the truth out and let justice prevail. The case of Jeffrey is a very important component of the struggle against police violence and racism in Canada.

We have been monitoring the results of the coroner’s inquest for the past days. As more information is revealed, the results of the original investigation two years ago by the Special Investigations Unit (S.I.U.) become really suspect. It is truly mind-boggling to witness how the S.I.U would have exonerated these police officers while many of the witnesses have clearly testified that Jeffrey did not posses any threat to them and that contrary to procedure, these suspect police in plainclothes did not even identify themselves.

After two years of being denied justice, we may have the opportunity to finally let the truth out. In this regard, we are with you in pursuing the Coroner’s Inquest in the hope that it will aid the struggle for justice for Jeffrey and all those who have been victimized by police brutality and systemic racism.

As well, we are enraged by the fact that the Philippine Consulate has not seriously come to the aid of this case since Day One. The inutility of the Philippine government to protect its constituents overseas is definitely an additional injustice. We are one with you in demanding their immediate action to support the campaign or else face the ire not only of the Filipino community in Canada but also here in Japan.

Rest assured that we will continue to keep an eye on the developments of the justice campaign for Jeffrey because we believe that this is not only a case for our compatriots in Canada but is also a telling fact of the conditions of overseas Filipinos and immigrants in other countries, even here in Japan. Racism, state repression, police brutality, exploitation and violation of human rights and workers' rights are universally experienced in varying forms and degrees by migrants and immigrants of various nationalities.

Your struggle is also our struggle. Let us continue to seek justice wherever we may be!

Signed by leaders of Filipino communities in Japan

Cesar V. Santoyo
Executive Director, Center for Japanese-Filipino Families

Yuko Takei
President, Philippine Women's League

Rossana Tapiru
Tokyo Chapter Chairperson, Migrante Sectoral Party

Agalyn Nagase
National Chairperson, Kalipunan ng mga Filipinong Nagkakaisa (KAFIN)

Chiquette Tanisaki
Coordinator, Philippine Center at Maryknoll

Anita Sazaki
President, Christian Association of Traditional Lay Evangelization

Teresita Vida Beltran
Saitama Chapter Chairperson, Kalipunan ng mga Filipinong Nagkakaisa (KAFIN)

Jocelyn Hasumi
Saitama Chapter President, Philippine Women's League

Alison Opaon
Yokohama Chapter President, Kalipunan ng mga Filipinong Nagkakaisa (KAFIN)

Cora Kasuga
Chairperson, Filipina Circle for Advancement and Progress

Virgie Ishihara
Executive Director, Filipino Migrants Center in Nagoya (FMC)

Nestor Puno
Teacher, Ecumenical Learning Center for Children (Nagoya)

Neddie Codog
Missionary, Urawa Catholic Open House International Center

Noemi Oba
President, Philippine Society in Japan

Lori Ligon
Chairperson, Campaign for the Confirmation of Nationality of Japanese-Filipino Children