Lakbayan closes with march to CENTCOM and CHR

CEBU, Philippines — The Lakbayan Visayas closed its four-day stint in Cebu City by staging a protest yesterday in front of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command (AFP-CENTCOM) headquarters in Barangay Lahug and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional office along Don Mariano Cui Street in Cebu City.

Yesterday’s protest was attended by at least 2,000 individuals composed of farmers, fishermen, motorists and citizens advocating against fascism and the U.S.-Duterte insurgency ploy.

The participants made their way to (AFP-CENTCOM) headquarters to air out their grievances on the counter-insurgency plans for Guihulngan, Negros Oriental.

The march continued to the CHR office to elicit assistance regarding the plans. Protesters allege that there were killings done over reports that have not been validated that the victims are sympathizers of the New People’s Army.

“Nabatyagan sa atong mga kaigsuonang mag-uuma nga sila mao’y gihimong target sa counter-insurgency program. From July 23, walo na daw ang gipangpatay... mao ang sharing sa (witnesses). Naa pa harassment daw, maglakaw-lakaw mag-bonnet, mangita sa ilang leader, mao nidangop sa CHR aron matagaan pu’g proteksyon, aron mahunong ang grabe nga pagtisok og kahadlok,” said Jaime Paglinawan, Chairman of Bayan Central Visayas.

He also said that the local government and the Philippine National Police in Guihulngan remain unfazed over the reported killings despite fear in the community.

CHR Chief Investigator Leo Villarino said the militant group wanted the CHR mission team to come to Plaza Independencia instead of their initial plans which was to either meet in Guihulngan or someplace where the witnesses are comfortable.

“Gusto lagi nila nga adto sa Plaza Independencia, makig-meet sila, ang mga alleged witnesses. We cannot meet you at Plaza Independencia during your rally. It is not the venue nga makig-istorya ta. That is not the proper venue nga magkuha ta statement,” Villarino said.

“Dili mi gusto anang mura na hinuon mugawas sa public na we are joining their rally, we will not allow that one, we do not want that we will be misinterpreted,” he added.

Villarino also gave assurance that the CHR will act on the reported killings.

“We will work on the investigation. We would have to get their statement first. We will let the probable respondents answer to the charges, kung muingon sila nga naa sila’y gipasanginlan nga specific na mga personalities, government officials, we will summon them,” he said.

Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) Direcor Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino previously said that counter-insurgency plans are in place in Guihulngan.

He said that counter-insurgency plan is to deter militants, not victimize the common folk.

“The target of the insurgency plan if there is one, will surely not be the farmers or fisher folks but the CPP-NPA members identified by both the AFP-PNP. They should not worry of the AFP-PNP plan but the activities of the CPP-NPA in their barangays that might disrupt their peaceful place,” Espino said.

For the duration of the four-day protest, police and the local government unit of Cebu, exercised maximum tolerance. The participants were made to settle in Plaza Independencia, as discussed with Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who also provided transport and tents.

Paglinawan told The FREEMAN that they were able to complete the four-day stint due to the active help of the local government of Cebu who provided shelter for its participants.

He added that members brought their share of rice, bulad, vegetables, and even their own cooking utensils.

“Hisgutanan sa pagkaon, kutob sa madala nila, mga lagutmon, nagdala og isa ka kilo nga bugas, kaldero , buwad, taud-taud na ni giplanuhan, nga maglakbayan,” Paglinawan said.

Financial assistance was also provided by anonymous donors who dropped cash into a donation boxes set up in their camp in Plaza Independencia.

Paglinawan said that the transportation cost was shouldered by other regional organizations.

“Ang mg organization nila, mao’y nagpatumaw og pondo para sa ilang biyahe. Og ayuda pud para sa nagkalain-laing nag-support sa adbokasiya sa mag-uuma. Buot pasabot, mga effort ni sa individual ug miyembro sa organisasyon, sa organisasyon, og ayuda sa nagsuporta,” Paglinawan said. (FREEMAN)