Peasants commemorate 32nd year of Mendiola Massacre
FARMERS FROM Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Pangasinan, Laguna and Batangas gathered in front of Malacañang last January 22 to call for justice for the victims of the January 27 Mendiola Massacre. Thirty two years have passed but not one has been charged of the bloody crime. Thirteen farmers were killed while hundreds were wounded after police and soldiers strafed the 20,000 farmers who demand genuine land reform during the incident.
The KMP also lambasted the increasing number of cases of killings among farmers and fishermen under the Duterte administration. According to the group, more than 170 farmers have fell victim to political killings.
In Bicol, more than 1,500 farmers and supporters joined as they commemorate the brutal massacre. Around 700 were gathered in Albay capitol in Legazpi City, while 800 joined the protest in Sorsogon City. On the same day, Anakpawis held its regional congress in Naga City where about 500 members participated.
In Negros, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Negros and National Federation of Sugar Farm Workers led the march from Capitol Lagoon Park to Fountain of Justice in Bacolod City last January 21. Rallyists demanded justice for the nine victims of Sagay massacre last year and the brutal murder of farmer leader, Alexander Ceballos. Similar protests were held in Cebu, Davao, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.