Philippines April 7, 2016
From Rappler
One was reported killed and 40 others injured in the protest rally by some 3000 farmers at the highway of Kidapawan. The protest rally started on March 30. The rally blocked the highway. On Friday, April 1, the clearing operations (as PNP claimed/not a dispersal operation) started with some 30 personnel of PNP assisted by BFP water trucks and PNP security forces (not allowed under BP 880 Section 10 B)
As I write this article, an investigation at Davao City is ongoing (featured at ANC) and Senator Peter Alan Cayetano is questioning the police officers
It was reported that before the operations could start the protesters started throwing rock; the order was given to withdraw but then 2 of PNP officers fell and the fury of the protesters fell on the two. That was when the PNP ground commander sought assistance and the security force, as SWAT team fired in the air and at the protesters (a judgement call he said). :Prior to this women and children who were used as shield had to be removed by DSWD.
CHR,HRW (New York based) Malacanang called for an investigation.. The Presidentiables, as usual to gain media mileage condemned the violence
Some commennts:
1. The PNP was outnumbered 300 to 1; They did not get reenforcement from Regional Command and Central PNP
2. The protesters were reported not be solely from Kidapawan; the placards ;and the issues on them belie (as most protests are - merely to created disorder) that the main issue was the distribution of 15,000 sacks of rice due to drought being demanded from Gov. Vilma Talino - Mendoza. Gov Mendoza is running for reelection unopposed.
3. There was a meeting with DA Sec Alcala, and no mention of starvation by the farmers was mentioned. The stability of rice price reflect that fact that there was adequate rice supply.
Here we go again protesters. Tama na panggulo. Alam na natin yang trabahong iyan. May strike, Andyan ang KMU, andyan Gabriela etc. Bayan. Let us use legal means at Congress to get what you want.
For PNP, respect the law when handling protests. BP 880 has not been amended. Law enforcers kayo
From CNN - farmers facing possible criminal complaints
Their permit to protest expired and there were evidences of assault vs police officers
