The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) lambasted the Cojuangco-Aquino management of the Hacienda Luisita Incorporated (HLI) for once again sowing intrigue and misinformation among the public concerning the shooting of two strikers in the hacienda. This is in reaction to an article that came out in a broadsheet today, where Jose Romansanta, the corporate vice-president of HLI is saying that the incident was an isolated one and other lies.

  According to Ka Willy Marbella, spokesperson of KMP, “Mr. Jose Romansanta, is omitting the fact that not only is the west gate an entrance to the Las Haciendas exclusive village and the residence of the Cojuangco-Aquinos in the plantation but is also a way to get into the azucarera premises. Another point is that indeed this gate is being used to smuggle scabs into the azucarera,”

“Also the shooting is definitely not an isolated incident because we have observed the events in the hacienda and our analysis shows otherwise. Last January 4, around 5:30-6 in the evening, Parang Baranggay Captain Rey Nemis together with his tanods and Mabilog Baranggay Captain Mabilanga, mauled Celestino Panelo and Noel Mallari members of United Luisita Worker’s Union (ULWU). They also used trucheons to hit the tricycle of Ben Papoza, the honorary chair of Alyansa ng Manggagawang-Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (AMBALA) and vice-chair of  Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Tarlac. A gun was also aimed at them during this time when they were manning the Parawakan exit that paid hacks of the Cojuangcos also use to get into the premises,”

“Congressman Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, also escorted more than 200 military and policemen on the night of January 2, into the azucarera premises using the west gate. He also seems to be intoxicated on alcohol. The next night the shooting incident happened, how can the Cojuangco-Aquinos deny their hand in this blood bath which goes unabated since November 16 and can they say that this is an isolated incident?” asked the peasant leader.

“This is part of the scheme of the Cojuangco-Aquinos to sow terror among the striking farm-workers and workers. We are seeing a systematic and orchestrated ploy to break the resolve of the strikers. The money and influence of the Cojuangco-Aquinos and their powerful backer President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is at work here and they are determined to undermine the legitimate demands of the strikers for land, better wages, reinstatement and their rights,” ended Marbella. # # #

KMP - 8 January 2005