"Every war is a war on women."

World War II in the Pacific (1941-1945) and the three-year Japanese occupation of the Philippines caused massive devastation and loss of lives throughout the motherland. Filipinos and Filipinas were forced to face issues of patriotism and loyalty; coping and survival; and cultural identity. But no matter what their class or age were, Filipinas did their share in keeping family, society, and country together during this time. Women engaged in whatever means of livelihood was available to them so they could provide food for their children. They rendered charity and social work; or joined the guerrilla movement as spies, nurses, or soldiers. A few continued to write and document the nation's ordeal. And after the war, former comfort women came out with their story of victimhood and survival, and continue to fight for justice to this day.