The Saipan Tribune reported that “Thousands join historic march” last Friday afternoon, Dec. 7, 2007, held in Saipan and Rota. The march was organized to dramatize the protest against the new labor law, P.L. 15-108, to support the federalization of the CNMI's immigration system, and to call for improved immigration status for long-term alien workers.

The following excerpts were taken from the main story written by Ferdie de la Torre, a reporter for the Saipan Tribune: QUOTE.

The Unity March on Friday achieved one of its primary objectives-be historic-by attracting thousands of people who joined representative-elect Tina Sablan and human rights advocate Wendy Doromal in the biggest protest march ever to happen on Saipan.

“Tonight, we made history!” said Sablan, drawing loud applause and cheers from over 6,000 people who filled up the marchers' final destination-American Memorial Park's Amphitheater.

Doromal told the demonstrators that social justice is not achieved merely through legislation, but through changing people's hearts, through speaking out and through education.

“It has been a long journey and I will be with you until the end,” said Doromal, receiving tumultuous applause. She flew all the way from Florida just to attend the march.

Sablan and Dekada Movement president Bonifacio Sagana and other organizations organized the march to dramatize their protest against the new labor law, P.L. 15-108, to support the federalization of the CNMI's immigration system, and to call for improved immigration status for long-term alien workers.

On Rota, Saipan Tribune learned that over 1,000 Filipinos, Bangladeshis and a few Chinese conducted their own demonstration in response to Sablan's call for Rota and Tinian to hold their own Unity March.

The Rota protestors, however, did not push through with their march as no police officer was available to watch them. Apparently, there was a Christmas program by the Mayor's Office at that time. The group instead lighted candles, read Doromal's Unity statement and later dispersed peacefully . . .  UNQUOTE.

To read the article in its entirety please go to:
http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=75003&cat=1

To view the photos taken at the Saipan rally, please click on this link:

http://www.saipantribune.com/photogalu.aspx?newsID=75003

Dr. Del Rosario sent also another material about the rally. Here is the link to the article,

http://www.mvariety.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=3660&format=html

Dr. Del Rosario also sent the following links: For the AP story by Gemma Casas on Historic Unity March in Saipan, USA:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22153581/

Please check this blogsite by Wendy Doromal:  

http://unheardnomore.blogspot.com.

He mentioned also that Ms. Wendy's husband is Boboy Doromal, one of the original members of "Asin" musical group. # # #