World food day: Peasant groups set to stage rallies today

Farmers, fisherfolk and peasant groups are to conduct protest rallies today in line with the observance of the World Food Day.

At 10 a.m., members of the Kilusang Mambubukid ng Pilipinas from the 1st and 2nd districts of Cebu and other parts of the province will march from the Fuente-Osmeña Rotunda to the Provincial Capitol grounds.

KMP said they will protest against Governor Gwendolyn Garcia's "war leadership and Gestapo tactics," for her earlier declaration of an all-out war against the militant farmer's group and its affiliate organizations.

The group also said they will color the Provincial Capitol grounds with animal blood symbolizing "her administration's militarism and bloodied human rights record" in this street march rally.

KMP-Cebu spokesperson Nick Abasolo said the rally is expected to gather hundreds of farmers from different parts of the province that will highlight the plight of the farmers and fisherfolk under the all-out war policy of the lady governor and of President Arroyo.

"We will not be cowed by such cowardly acts as intimidation, harassment, red-baiting and extra-judicial killings. The struggle for genuine agrarian reform will continue to reap victories and advance in great strides," Abasolo added.

Farmers said they will continue to push for "genuine agrarian reform" for farmers to be able to have lands to till and food for their families.

Members of the Defend our Ocean Coalition, a conglomerate of different non-governmental organizations, people's organizations and environmentalists concerned with the preservation of the seas and marine resources will also join the rally.

Jonald Ango, Defend our Oceans coordinator, said they will bring up the issue of oil explorations in Tañon Strait in the rally, as the activity affects the marine life of the area, which is the major source of food for fishermen from Cebu, Bohol and Negros who are living at the vicinity of the exploration site.

"The sea is the major source of food for the fisherfolks. What will happen to our livelihood if the oil explorations in Tañon strait continue?" Ango added.

Meanwhile, members of the Hugpong sa mga Mag-uumang Bol-anon will also hold its 10th Provincial Congress today.

As it commemorates the National Peasant Week and World Food Day, the group will also give honor to its slain leader Victor Olayvar, who they believed was murdered by elements of the military.

HUMABOL said they will continue to seek for justice for the killing of Olayvar and other victims of state terrorism and political killings. - Wenna A. Berondo/MEEV