The age-old issues affecting the peasantry – landlessness, hunger and poverty – were expectedly the main issues at the rally in observance of Peasant Day last Oct. 21. The protest action, however, also became an occasion to air the growing demand for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. By ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO Bulatlat.com “She assumed…
Category: Agrarian Reform
The Untold Story of Hacienda Luisita Workers
Holding a multi-colored bayong (plastic market bag), Mang Pering, a retired sugar farm worker, looked half-scared and half-exited. Inside his bayong was a panti (fish net made of nylon) and some dry clothes. He is on his way to the nearby river where he hopes to get some fish so his family would have something to eat for the day. But before he left, he said he only had one wish: “Sana hindi ako mahuli ng gwardya” (I hope the guard won’t catch me).
Remembering the Mendiola Massacre: ‘Amid the Assault, We Were Undaunted’
When gunfire raged and blood soaked Mendiola bridge on the afternoon of Jan. 22, 1987, killing at least 13 peasant protesters, Marianito “Itoy” Dimapilis thought he would never get out of that scene alive. By DENNIS ESPADA Bulatlat.com It was nearly dusk. And despite having two bullets lodged on his left foot, Marianito “Itoy” Dimapilis…
Compensation Bill for Mendiola Massacre Victims Sought, Party-list Anakpawis to revive 1987 massacre case
Seventeen years ago last week in Mendiola at the approach of the presidential palace, Marines and police opened fire at some 30,000 peasant protesters. After the smoke cleared, 13 of the marchers lay dead. Today, organizers of that tragic rally want the massacre case reopened for justice and a bill filed in Congress for the…
Negros in Cojuangco’s Grips
The Negros vote is one of the most coveted votes for candidates aspiring for president and other national posts. To do that however one must first kiss the hand of the country’s acknowledged powerbroker, Eduardo Cojuangco, Jr. whom many say considers Negros Island his own kingdom. By Karl G. Ombion Bulatlat.com/Cobra-ans BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental…