Farmers hit Duterte’s ‘anti-people’ policies

MANILA, Philippines — In line with the commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the Mendiola massacre, farmers and allied groups led by the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) hit the political killings and heightening anti-people policies being implemented by the Duterte administration in a protest action near Malacañang yesterday.

“We remember the ultimate sacrifice of Mendiola massacre farmer-martyrs – Danilo Arjona, Leopoldo Alonzo, Adelfa Aribe, Dionisio Bautista, Roberto Caylao, Vicente Campomanes, Ronilo Dumunico, Dante Evangelio, Angelito Gutierrez, Rodrigo Grampan, Bernabe Laquindanum, Sonny Boy Perez and Roberto Yumul. Their deaths will not go in vain as long as we continue to struggle for genuine land reform,” KMP secretary-general Antonio Flores said, adding that for the tragedy’s 31st anniversary, farmers declared the Duterte administration as an enemy of the people.

KMP said justice remains elusive for hundreds of victims of political killings and human-rights violations under Duterte’s martial law and tyrannical rule.

The group said that to date, 110 farmers have been killed under the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Duterte’s “Oplan Kapayapaan,” while hundreds have been arrested and detained. Tens of thousands more endure human-rights violations, especially in Mindanao which is currently under martial law.