Activists gather for solidarity night, protest ahead of peasant month

By CONG B. CORRALES
Associate Editor

FARMERS, indigenes, fisherfolk and various organizations gathered yesterday for a “solidarity night” and in order to call for the implementation of genuine agrarian reform in time for a region-wide protest action today.

Dubbed as “Gabii sa Pakiglambigit: Makighiusa alang sa tinuod nga reporma sa yuta,” they gathered at the Barangay Puntod covered court in ahead of the commemoration of the International Peasant Month today.

The activity highlighted cultural performances and speeches from different farmer organizations from the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. Support groups from the church and academe showed their solidarity and support to the farmers’ cause.

Farmers from Laguindingan who sought compensation from Ayala Land and Buffalo-Tamaraw-Limus farmers who continue to assert their right to land ownership in Maramag, Bukidnon were among the delegates of last night’s activity.

“Our government has remained inutile in addressing the rights and welfare of the farmers for genuine land reform. The collective and organized strength of peasants remain at the core of the critical struggle for land and just wages,” said Rogelio Plana of Misamis Oriental Farmers Association.

Plana demanded justice for the alleged victims of extrajudicial killings.

In the launch of Movement against Tyranny, Northern Mindanao in the region yesterday, Plana said there were already 91 farmers killed since the start of the Duterte administration.

According to him, peasant leaders and human rights defenders are branded as “destabilizers” making them targets for extrajudicial killings, illegal arrests, and harassment.

He also alleged that the Army’s 88th Infantry Battalion in southern Bukidnon has already started searching civilians’ houses, using civilian facilities for military purposes, and resorting to illegal arrests.

One of the alleged victims was a pregnant farmer affiliated with Ogyon-Bukidnon, a farmers’ association.

“Landlessness spells the death of the farmers and their families. It spells the poverty of our country which relies on agriculture as the backbone of its economy. As long as development aggression and landlords continue to exploit our land and resources, our peasants will continue to march and demand our rights,” Plana said.

Their series of activities for the October National Peasant Month would culminate in a protest action today.

Led by the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas in northern Mindanao, the farmers’ march would be staged in time for the national commemoration of farmers across the country.