Society

'Comfort women' memorial removed from Manila baywalk

Apr 29 (Japan Today) - 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.

The term comfort women is a euphemism used to refer to women forced to work in brothels catering to Japanese soldiers during World War II.

Government workers interviewed by Kyodo News in the area Saturday morning said the memorial was removed so that pipes could be laid underground.

According to the Japanese Embassy in Manila, the Philippine government had notified the embassy of its intention to remove the statue that was erected in December. The embassy had expressed concerns over the statue.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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