AMIHAN condemns massacre of 9 farmworkers in Sagay, Negros Occidental
News release
October 21, 2018
Amihan condemns massacre of nine farm workers, including 4 women and 2 minors in Negros Occidental last night, calls for justice
Manila, Philippines – Amihan or the National Federation of Peasant Women condemned the recent massacre of 9 farm workers including 4 peasant women and 2 minors in Hacienda Nene, Purok Pine Tree, Brgy. Bulanon, Sagay City, Negros Occidental last night October 20. It was initially reported by the local media Aksyon Radyo Bacolod on its social media account, this morning. The National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) said that the victims belonged to a group that recently occupied lands in the said town.
“Kinukundena namin ang masaker na ito, at nanawagan kami ng hustisya para sa mga biktima, kung ito ay ganti ng panginoong maylupa sa ginawa nilang okupasyon sa lupa, malinaw na ito ay isang warlordismo, o pasistang atake ng mga hasyedero sa mga mahihirap na magsasaka,” Zenaida Soriano said, Amihan National Chairperson.
She added that a separate report mentioned that the perpetrators were composed of 40 armed men.
“Ang may kaya lamang magminintini ng ganitong kalaking pwersa ay isang warlord o militar,” she added.
Amihan said that this incident increased the number of peasant women victims to extra-judicial killings to 27, and of minors to 8, under the Duterte administration.
“Inutil sa ganitong usapin si Duterte at malala, kakampi sya ng mga hasyendero, kinukunsintini niya ang mga ganitong pagpatay sa mga maliliit na magsasaka,” she said.
The “Stop Killing Farmers” network said that more than 160 farmers have been killed under the regime.
“Hinihikayat namin ang mamamayan na sumama sa panawagang hustisya para sa mga biktima at ‘Stop Killing Farmers,’” she urged.
Amihan is coordinating with Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) for further details. UMA said that the victims were part of the 13 farm workers who were staying at their make-shift hut set up on the occupied land.
