Wartime sex slaves demand apology during Abe's visit

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A group of comfort women during the World War II held a protect rally outside  Malacañang, the presidential palace, when President Benigno Aquino was holding talks with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

They belong to the Lila Pilipina, an organization comprising nearly 200 wartime sex slaves, 73 of whom have died, with others at the age above 80.

They held high placards which read: "Justice to comfort women", "Never again to another generation of comfort women", "We want justice, not ships", urging President Aquino to convey their demand of apology to the Japanese government in his meeting with Abe.

Lila Pilipina Executive Director Rechilda Extremadura said " Japan never apologized for abusing Filipino women during World War II by using the comfort women system. In fact, Prime Minister Abe is also set to reverse the Kono statement of apology but was only forced to take a U-turn after an international backlash."

Another member named Villarma said "The trauma is immeasurable, and that experience remains fresh in my memory."  

 "Now, Japan is involved in talks with the Philippine government for military basing privileges. So what's next, a new generation of comfort women?" she asked.

"We demand justice for the comfort women and denounce any expansion of Philippine-Japan-U.S. military cooperation, which will breed the next generation of comfort women," she concluded.