Farmers, victims seek justice over murder of Reynaldo Labrador

October 12, 2010 - Farmers continue to struggle for land and justice - Instead of adding more troops to militarize Davao Region, instead of masquerading as peace platoons in farmers and lumad communities, the Philippine Armed Forces along with its Commander- in-Chief President Noynoy Aquino, must be held responsible for the continued practice of extra-judicial killings in the country and, on the president’s part, heed the farmer's call for land and justice.

The elements of the 69th Infantry Battalion under the 1003rd Brigade, who were coddling one of the suspects of the Labrador killing, Roberto “Colot” Repe, have gone far in sowing terror, hatred and mistrust among the people of Paquibato District.

The murder of Reynaldo Labrador, a farmer, driver, and a member of Paquibato District Peasant Alliance (PADIPA), is a manifestation of Noynoy’s fascist regime which is no different from the previous administrations that imposed fascist, undemocratic, and anti-farmer policies.

The Labrador killing and the continuous grave threats against members and leaders of progressive peasant organizations in Paquibato reveals the military’s disrespect for human rights.  That the civilians whom they are mandated to protect  are the ones they are victimizing.

As we condemn the killing of Labrador and other human rights violations inflicted by the military against the people of Paquibato, we also condemn the incessant attacks against the peasants in their struggle for land, genuine agrarian reform,  justice and lasting peace.

40 days in counting since the killing of Labrador and 3 months now since the AFP-backed pangayaw, yet, the victims remain deprived of justice. The perpetrators continue to roam freely in Paquibato threatening the lives of PADIPA members and leaders.

The death of Labrador and others are reasons that continue to strengthen the people's movement against tyranny and state fascism - a system that the Aquino administration is bound to continue as it proved in its first 100 days its anti-farmer and anti-people policies.

The worsening violence in Davao Region, with 42 recorded cases of human rights violations, under P-Noy’s regime is an indication of more state-instigated atrocities.  There are no hopes for genuine change for the good of the people and the country in general.

Thus, we urge the people to keep aflame the struggles, zeal and passion for genuine freedom and liberation.

Justice for Reynaldo Labrador! Justice for Julius Tamundes! Justice for all victims of extrajudicial killings! Justice for all the victims of human rights violations! Prosecute the hatchet men in the ranks of the Philippine military!

Land for the peasantry! Fight for the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill! Long live the tillers of the land!

Signed:

PEDRO ARNADO
Chairperson
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas – Southern Mindanao Region