Kabataan slams killings; says many killed were farmers
(Eagle News)–Fourteen people were killed in separate police operations in Negros Oriental on Saturday, March 30.
A report from the Philippine National Police said eight were killed in Canlaon, four in Manjuyod and two in Sta. Catalina.
The report identified the fatalities as Gene Palmares, Eric Acabal, Ano Enojo Rapada, Gonzalo Rosales, Steve Arapoc, Manolo Martin, Sunny Palagtiw, Franklin Lariosa, Melchor Panared, Mario Pañares, Edgardo Avelino and his brother Esmael, and Rogelio and Ricky Recomono.
The police said they confiscated two rifle grenades, two fragmentation grenades, seven caliber .45 pistols, 13 caliber .38 revolvers, a 357 Magnum revolver, two shotguns, two improvised guns, subversive documents, various types of ammunition and four cellular phones during the operations.
Also arrested were 12 suspects.
But the Kabataan party-list condemned the killings, saying many of those killed were farmers.
“This series of fascist attacks follows after the Sagay Massacre, which killed nine farmers in Negros Occidental last December,” Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago said.
“Iti s a sad reality that those who work hard to produce food for the rest of the nation have nothing to provide for themselves and their families. Even more appalling is the fact that when our farmers are not dying of starvation, they find themselves gunned down and rained upon by bullets,” she said.