The clashes between farmers and police in Kidapawan caused two deaths and dozens of serious injuries. The president of the Episcopal Conference: "We pray for the victims, that they may find peace. And we appeal to families: do not seek revenge, but work for dialogue". The Redemptorists of Manila: "You can not meet people’s hunger with weapons".
Manila (AsiaNews) - The death of a person "is always a tragic event, but it becomes even more so when it strikes the innocent and the poor, dear in the eyes of God. Let us pray for our farmers in Kidapawan, that they may find peace, and we appeal to their families: Do not seek revenge, rather work for dialogue" writes the President of the Filipino bishops' conference, Msgr. Socrates Villegas, following violent clashes between farmers and police in the Davao area.
The violence erupted on April 1 after days of protests and demonstrations by about 6 thousand farmers. These, for the most part of Lumad ethnicity, demanded more decisive government action against drought caused by El Nino and accused the authorities of having diverted funds meant for the farmers. In response several departments of riot police were deployed: the overall toll from the violence is two dead and dozens injured.
In addition to condemning the violence, Msgr. Villegas asked the police and the army "to return to its mandate, which is to preserve peace in our nation, but also protect the weak and serve justice". A missionary of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, Fr. Peter Geremiah, confirms that several dozen farmers were arrested: he was able to visit them in prison yesterday.
The Redemptorists of Manila have harshly condemned the episode, in a statement they write: "These criminal acts are unacceptable. You cannot offer only one alternative to the hungry: stop complaining and go home. It is indefensible that a police force should respond with murder to the demands of those who defend their rights".