The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) condemned in the strongest terms the killing once again of one of its members and the wounding of others. 

According to Willy Marbella, spokesperson of KMP, “Malacanang and the AFP are making a mockery of Human Rights Day. Edmundo Salcedo, a local member of KMP in San Jose, Camarines Norte was killed on a Human Rights rally no less, by military intelligence assets in the area. Arsenio Paylan and Eduardo Ordinario who were also hurt are also members of the KMP,”

“The victims are farmers only demanding that their rights be respected not only their civil and political rights. But their right to the land they till, as well. For so long have farmer’s rights been violated and now that they take to the streets to demand what is due us, what do we get? Bullets! Is this just, and it seems that it is the government policy,” exclaimed the peasant leader.

Last December 8, another peasant leader of the KMP, Marcelino “Ka Marcing” Beltran,was also murdered by elements of the military. Beltran was a key witness to the recent Hacienda Luisita massacre and the Cojuangcos and the military it seems silenced him so that he would not divylge what he saw.

“The military’s claim that they do not shoot unarmed civilians, is a pure lie and a lot of hogwash. They were the ones who shot us last November 16 in the Hacienda Luisita massacre. Seven of our companions are dead because of them and now Ka Marcing is also dead, because of their doing. How can they claim that they do not shoot civilians?” asked Rodelson Mesa, spokesperson on Alyansa ng Manggagawang-Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (AMBALA).

“The AFP should also top another list, like that of the PNP, but this time as one of the most deceptive and fascist government agencies in the country. If there is a Liar, Liar award the AFP may win the second price next to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” ended Mesa. # # #
 

KMP - 11 December 2004