PHILIPPINES: Soldiers kill nine farmers in Leyte, Visayas 

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) writes to inform you of the shocking killing of nine farmers in Palo, Leyte, Visayas early today. A reliable source said nine people were killed while several others were wounded when soldiers attached to the 19th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, opened fire on a group of people who have been holding a protest vigil in the area since Sunday. The names of the victims are not yet available.

At least 60 people, most of whom were beneficiaries of land reform, gathered to demonstrate against their land owner’s alleged refusal to have his land covered and have them distributed to farm beneficiaries under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (Carp). The farmers have fought to claim the right to own the piece of land under the land reform programme.

Some of the victims died on the spot while others were taken to the AVRMC Hospital in Tacloban City, Visayas. Other wounded victims were taken to the nearby office of the Bayan Muna, a party list organisation. This is yet another incident of violence against farmers over issues of land reforms.

The AHRC has reported previously on the killings of farmers, activist (UA-34-2005) and a priest (UP-26-2005) over farmer’s struggle to reclaim their land in Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac, Luzon. In Mindanao, the families of farmers have suffered hunger and starvation (HA-25-2005) after they were sacked from the company they formerly worked for following a protest over land distribution. The AHRC has condemned this situation in its previous statements (AS-40-2005 and AS-109-2005).

We urge your immediate and strong intervention in asking the Philippine government, in particular the head of Ombudsman for Military to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into this case. If the allegations are found to be true, criminal charges must be filed against the perpetrators in a court of law. The soldiers and officials of the military involved must be given immediate suspension and restrictions once the investigation commences. Appropriate assistance and indemnification must also be afforded to the victims and families of the dead.

Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission
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DETAILED INFORMATION

Number of victims killed: At least nine farmers
Date and place of incident: 21 November 2005, at around 5:00 a.m. in Palo, Leyte, Visayas
Alleged perpetrators: Elements of the 19th Infantry battalion, Philippine Army (PA)

Case details:

On 21 November 2005, soldiers attached to the 19th Infantry battalion, Philippine Army (PA), allegedly opened fired on a group of farmers who had gathered for a vigil protest. At least nine people were killed while several others were wounded.

It was reported that at least 60 people, most of whom are farm beneficiaries, had gathered in the area. The protestors were demanding that their landlord, Pedring Margallo, have his land holding covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (Carp) for distribution and to award the land to farm beneficiaries.

The soldiers, attached to the 19th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (PA), arrived in the area and opened fired on the crowd over reports that there were armed elements reportedly joining the farmers in their protest. But a reliable source strongly maintains that the victims were unarmed when the incident took place. Some of the victims died on the spot while several others were taken to hospital for treatment.

Reports from the media indicate that a certain Colonel Louie Dagoy, 19th IB commanding officer, claimed that there was an encounter with the group and the soldiers. But our source states that the soldiers have fabricated this story allegedly to justify the killing, and to discredit the victims who died – most are members of Bayan Muna, a party list organisation.

AHRC’s observation:

This is yet another incident of violence against farmers in Philippines who are fighting for land reform and land distribution under the Carp.

In this case, there is an urgent need to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation. Regardless of whether the incident was a legitimate encounter or not, the victims and families of the dead must not be denied a fair, impartial and credible investigation in seeking the truth and ultimately justice.

The alleged perpetrators involved, including officials by principle of command responsibility, must be placed under investigation. Appropriate sanctions and restrictions must be filed against those involved once the investigation commences. The victims and families of the dead must be afforded immediate assistance.

SUGGESTED ACTION:

Please send a letter to the Ombudsman for Military and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) asking them to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident without delay.

 

 

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