Kadamay decries violent massacre in Kidapawan, slams Mar Roxas’ indifference

Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) denounced the violent dispersal of the peasants and indigenous people in Kidapawan City today that claimed 3 lives and left dozens wounded. Police and military officials opened fire at the barricades of the protesters who only demanded the promised assistance they needed in this drought season. Mar Roxas who has been campaigning in the area had said that he wants the matter investigated by the PNP and that the first order of business was to neutralize the situation.

“This is reminiscent of the Hacienda Luisita massacre that to this day has not been met with justice. We have no doubt that the LGU officials, police and military did this with the permission of Aquino stalwarts. These authorities and Aquino himself as commander in chief are ultimately accountable. Violence against farmers, those who feed the nation has escalated; if they are not put in the grave by massive hunger, they are met with bullets head on. The nation will not forget the massacre in Kidapawan,” lamented Gloria “Ka Bea” Arellano.

Kadamay also noted Roxas response to the matter as ineffective and the first step to sweeping it under the rug. He also expressed sympathy for the officers who were injured in the clash.

“Iimbestigahan ng PNP ang sarili nila?! This is a familiar track followed by those who want this issue forgotten. Expressing sympathy for police officers who were allegedly injured yet none for the unrelenting starvation experienced by peasants. The first order of day should be and should’ve been to feed our hungry kababayans! Roxas can only condemn violence but not its perpetrators whom he aligns himself with. Aquino and Roxas would much rather ‘control’ the situation even if it ends up a massacre,” said Arellano.

According to ground reports, one person was already confirmed dead. 30 farmers were reportedly wounded, 8 of them were hit by bullets in the neck, stomach, and leg while 22 were hurt by the brutal dispersal. As of writing, 60 were reported missing.

The group drew parallels between the plight of poor Filipinos in both rural and urban areas. Both of which have been promised various kinds of assistance however the end result is always violence, loss of life and livelihood.

“Poverty and murder are two of the worst forms of violence, and are regularly directed against the poor nationwide. We have hundreds of billions of pesos for CCTs and so called rehabilitation funds yet we are continuously met with truncheons, demolitions, goons and guns. The liberal façade of the government is accentuated by its blatant fascist attacks on the people,” added Arellano. ###