Militants float paper boats to condemn Chacha

Unable to penetrate platoons of the navy, coast guard and military blocking their route to Malacañang sa Sugbo, militant fisherfolks floated "bangkang papel" in their protest to demand Arroyo's resignation and condemn pro-Charter change solons.

Different fisherfolk groups under the banner of Panaghugpong sa Gagmay'ng Mananagat sa Sugbo were assembled in sitio Pangka-Pangka, Tangke, Talisay City and were supposed to hold a fluvial parade to the Malacañang sa Sugbo, passing by the South Road Properties.

However, protesters who were on board at least 20 boats were not able to proceed because three Philippine Navy boats, two Coast Guard boats and a few rubber boats were blocking them.

Victor Lapaz, chairman of PAMANA-Sugbu said that the navy and Coast Guard were already posted in their assembly area as early as Monday afternoon, anticipating their protest.

"Kung mosulay jud kuno mi og padayon sa among fluvial, ila (navy and coast guard) kuno ming lunuron," Lapaz said, adding that they tried to negotiate with the navy and coast guard but failed.

Lapaz said that the authorities also demanded them to show their permit to hold rally, which they could not produce, and registration of their boats that they use in their protest.

"Ilahang tuyo pag-block jud sa amoa kay gahapon pa sa hapon sila nakaposte sa among assembly area. Mao tong nagpalutaw na lang mi og mga bangkang papel," he added.

Vince Cinches, lead convenor of the Defend our Ocean Coalition said written in paper boats are slogans "Ibasura ang Cha-cha, apil si Gloria."

"We are against any move to amend the Charter, be it through Cha-cha, Con-Ass or Con-Con because they are just for their own political interests and political survival of Gloria (Arroyo)," said Cinches.

Both Lapaz and Cinches said that instead of spending billions for efforts to amend the country's Constitution, the government should spend it to provide basic services for the people.

Lapaz said they would be joining more protests in the coming days to force Arroyo to resign and show the people's opposition to the proposed amendment to the country's charter.

While militants urge Cebuanos to join their protest actions, they said they respect Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal's stand not to lead street protests. Likewise, they believe that the pastoral statement of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on the con-ass issue can serve as guide for reflection and collective action for the Cebuano faithfuls.

Kilusang Mayo Uno, on the other hand, has urged Vidal to lead Cebuanos in the prayer rally versus charter change in Cebu City.

KMU chairperson Elmer Labog said that they are encouraging the Cardinal to lead his flock and join the people in the broad prayer rallies against charter change this December 15. "Our prayers and actions will lead us to our salvation from Arroyo's repressive and burdensome leadership," Labog said.

They further went that they are heeding the call of the Presbyterian Council of Cebu "to start widespread discussions of the issue of charter change of the parish levels."

AMA-Sugbu chairman Winnie Badayos said that they will hold anti-Cha-cha petition signing activities all over Cebu. "This signature campaign will show the people's opposition to the con-ass, con-con and Arroyo's cha-cha. - Wenna A. Berondo and Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV