by Jona Claire Turalde
Three protesters, including two farmers and one civilian, were killed in Kidapawan City, Cotabato earlier today after police forces opened fire at the human barricade formed by around 6,000 farmers and Lumads asking for additional rice subsidy and relief for farmers.
The victims were identified as Rotello Daelto, Victor Lumandag and Enrico Pabrica, according to Anakpawis Partylist (Anakpawis). In addition to the casualties, 89, including six minors, are reported to have been missing after the police dispersal that started at around 10:30 in the morning. A total of 116 protesters suffered wounds mostly from police hits and gunshots.
Two protesters missing, Ondo Paonel and Leonora Paonel were allegedly tortured, according to Anakpawis.
The protesters were then transferred to the Spottswood United Methodist Church (UMC) compound. As of press time, six Philippine National Police (PNP) patrol cars have reportedly gathered around the UMC’s premises in an attempt to conduct a raid among the Lumads and farmers.
The PNP Swat team allegedly requested for a search warrant in order to conduct the raid, said Ariel Casilao, national vice chairperson of Anakpawis.
Farmers picketed to demand for additional subsidy, relief and rice rations from the current administration due to the severe drought caused by El Nino. From February 2015 to February 2016, the weather phenomenon has already affected 222,781 hectares of land across the country, damaging 349,620 metric tons of crops or P4.77 billion in losses, according to data from the Department of Agriculture.
The police were also taking photos and videos of members of support groups, made up of teachers, church workers, and people’s organizations, in order to check whoever entered UMC, according to Anakpawis.
“Pumunta kami sa UMC,[pagkatapos ay] puntahan sana [namin] ang mga ospital kaya lang di kami pinalabas, hinarang kami sa gate. Hiningi [naming] ang legal basis, wala naman silang maipakita puro command lang sa mga nakatataas, said Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis
A total blackout occurred at around 8:55 PM in UMC, with military forces still in the area.
“The province is essentially under martial law, a cohort of President Aquino has ordered the violent dispersal resulting to the deaths and wounding of farmers who are demanding government help due to the effects of El Niňo,” Casilao said in a statement.
Photos from Kilab Multimedia