A quarterly publication of Panay Council for People’s Development (PCPD), a consortium of Development NGOs in Panay established in 1986 consisting of sectoral and multisectoral organizations particularly from environment, women, peasants, health, fair trade, church, workers and urban poor.
Volume 6, No. 1 February 2015 The Cry for Justice Continues
s the year 2014 ended, the law A enforcement authorities in Iloilo has not arrested any suspect in the killing of Romeo Capalla, which occurred on March 15, 2014 at Oton, Iloilo. The Special Task Group Capalla formed by the Iloilo Provincial Police Office, after some months of investigation filed charges of murder against a suspect, a member of the military- linked armed group RPA-ABB before the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office but the latter dismissed the charges for lack of evidence. No action was done by the police afterwards, leading to doubts as to its decisiveness to solve the crime and bring the perpetrators before the court of law. The culpability of the RPA- ABB was compounded with the killing of Dionisio Garete, a sugarcane farmer associated with the local fair trade in Janiuay, Iloilo on May 28, 2014. The ineptness of the police authorities in solving the killing and its helplessness against the state-sponsored armed group RPA-ABB were again brought to the fore, and so were the terror and Local and international campaign for justice trepidation especially among the 1 Panay Update, February 2015 members of local fair trade organi- RPA-ABB, who seemed to possess highlight activities, bringing to the zations linked to Panay Fair Trade a license to kill with impunity. provincial authorities the concern Center (PFTC). The burial of Romeo not only of the local fair trade and The companions of Romeo Capalla in Leon town, Iloilo and that human rights advocates but that of Capalla in the fair trade movement, of Dionisio Garete in Janiuay, Iloilo, the international community. During joined by human rights advocates attended by thousands, became the IFFSM, a fitting tribute to and other concerned citizens strong statements against the Romeo Capalla, a marker with his persevered in the struggle for killings. Monthly mass protest sculpted figure, was unveiled. justice for Romeo Capalla and actions every 15th day of the month, The struggle for justice for Dionisio Garete. They launched a marking the date when Romeo Romeo Capalla will continue as series of activities to raise the call Capalla was gunned down, were long as the perpetrators are not for justice. For the local occasions in calling for justice. arrested and punished, and as long organizations, there was an urgent The International Fact- as the killings continue with need to deter the rampage of the Finding and Solidarity Mission held impunity.# in August 13-15, 2014 was a
Human Rights advocacy in Panay—alive despite the dangers even under Mr. Aquino
or decades now, human members of RPA, a F rights advocates in paramilitary group officially Panay never miss to permitted by the commemorate the inter- government to carry national human rights day. firearms and conduct police Many of them also victims of operations in selected human rights violations of the barangays. Both Romy and 14 years of Martial Law of Dionisio are well loved and Marcos which ended in 1986, respected, not only by and five later administrations family and friends but also including that of Corazon by colleagues and Aquino who was brought to development workers ac- power by a people’s uprising tive in social move-ments. in 1986. Panaynons even the police This year, the event believed that the murders was not only one of the were due to the political biggest gathering in recent advocacies of Romy and years, around ten thousand Dionisio. for the three urban centers of The chilling reality Iloilo City (Iloilo Province), of the two murders hit hard Roxas City (Capiz Province) on the Ilonggos, reminding and Kalibo (Aklan Province) them that the very first but also emotional. In a span extra-judicial killing (EJK) of nine months, two fair under Mr. BS Aquino, took traders all from the island of place in Panay Island in Panay –Romeo Capalla and July 2010, in the province Dionisio Garete-were of Aklan when Fernando murdered and until now no PFTC. Both were gunned down Baldomero, a local government suspects were ap-prehended. Mr. separately in March and May official and an activist was shot Romeo Capalla is the manager of respectively last year by men while preparing to send his son to the PFTC while Dionisio Garete is pinpointed by colleagues and school. Until now, the real culprit a farmer producer of sugar cane for families either as hired guns or remain at large because family and 2 Panay Update, February 2015 friends believed that the killer is FFM conducted in August 2014 to systematic HRVs occur not tasked by those in power. give a push to the investigation of because of ignorance and Since Aquino’s term in the murders of Romeo and Dionisio negligence on the part of state 2010, around 221 extra-judicial uncovered the truth that the forces but rather, in the course of killings were recorded. Most of the involved LGUs are not doing counterinsurgency operations in victims were farmers and activists. anything. Either their hands are tied the country. Lines are blurred Almost all did not receive any or they are not interested enough to among state forces who the enemy justice. pursue the investigation of the of the state are because the people As in the case of Romeo killings. they are supposed to serve and Capalla, the government’s res- Human rights activists long protect are also the very ones ponse to demands of investigations involved in the defense of human opposing the policies of the state. were that of indifference. The Intl rights point out that pattern of
One year after the strongest typhoon to hit land, Panaynons struggles to rise from the devastation and asks Aquino’s government--Where are the rehab funds?
ast year 2013,November 8, strations were twice L typhoon Haiyan with winds bigger than the reaching 250 kilometers per previous years in hour swept away thousands of Panay island. homes, infrastructure and All these livelihood of more than 2million grumblings from the people in northern Panay, or grounds point to one around fifty percent of the island’s question—where are population. Hours earlier, Haiyan the rehab funds? passed by the eastern province of Aquino’s P170 billion Leyte with storm surges and winds comprehensive reha- that left many coastal barangays bilitation program was flat and a death toll of more than ten approved only last thousand people. Oct 2013-nearly a Back to the present—for year after the twelve months since December 8, disaster. Since the 1st various loose but very extensive half of 2013, the network of survivors of typhoon govern-ment has Haiyan from the provinces of Iloilo, flaunted its Pph10-30 Capiz and Aklan have been thousand scheme for religiously marking every eighth of assistance to partially each month with symbolical and totally damaged concerted actions-- some picket of homes but until now, around one hundred but people only funds from NGOs turned in their thousands, a and other international dialogue with the local government humanitarian organi- units of just some leaders but zations have reached hundreds of people insisted to be the people. presented too. In July 2013, when The latest Aquino delivered his state of the news—only those nation boasting of the more than earning below P15, 6% economic growth demon- 000 a month and with lots in allowed zones
3 Panay Update, February 2015 can receive the as-sistance. in Northern Iloilo sturdier than typhoon but with heavy rains, Families with destroyed homes in those show-cased by the govern- submerged the main rice producing the new declared “no dwell zone” ment. Women and children were towns of Capiz from the areas—practically majority of the not only treated to psychosocial overflowing Panay River. Aklan victims – cannot access the grant therapy sessions but also encou- River flooded Kalibo and other unless they relocate to “safer” raged to be empowered. Unre- neighboring towns in nearly five zones, which the local government lenting expose of the halfhearted feet of water. The government has units have to define yet. More and ano-malous oil spill clean-up in no funds even just for emergency news-- many victims complain that Estancia, Iloilo forced the food. political alignment—example those government to pay some attention With rehab funds to be against the ruling Liberal Party of .Homes and livelihood were released in no definite time, and President Aquino-- are least replaced in Roxas City and Kalibo, emergency funds lacking, the so prioritized. in Indigenuos Peoples (IPs) called Filipino’s high resiliency Meanwhile, parallel efforts communities, other far-flung vil- quotient may be nearing a breaking from the different NGOs and the lages at the foot of the Madia-as point. But then, with an alternative victims themselves with aid from Range and where the people chose already in the way promoted by international humanitarian agen- to take matters in their own hands. social movements, Haiyan un- cies sprouted. Mustering strength The efforts covered a quarter of a masked the government’s inca- in cooperation, a bridge in Isla Moto million people. Big achievements pacity while providing the people Aklan was rebuilt likewise in and breaking grounds indeed. the opportunity to discover their Cuartero, Capiz. School buildings Last week exactly the day strength.# were repaired in Buruanga, Aklan. before New Year, typhoon Seniang, Some fishing boats were replaced a slow moving and less powerful
2014--- Panaynons continue to rise up from the devastation of Haiyan and other disastrous policies
f there is one thing so satisfying in to the eco- I Panay last year, it is not that a 6- nomics of the lane-highway in Iloilo City is now Aquino go- under construction, nor that Roxas vernment but City (Capiz) has malls sprouting in spite of the even in its remotest area, nor that pervasive an international airport is underway growth hype, in Caticlan (Aklan), but that a around 68% greater segment of the population of the Fili- are being critical and have seen the pinos do not wisdom in organizing themselves, want another taking charge, struggling and term for working for demands that the Aquino. Aquino government choose to set It is aside or implement with the not surprising intention of media mileage rather because under Mr. Aquino, more fact, Mr. Aquino added 221 EJKs in than substance. than half of the Filipino families are his term. Even the campaign Yes, the impact of a 21- experiencing hunger, and more against corruption were perceived storey building in the almost flat than a quarter of the labor force are by the people as uneven—3 urban terrain in Iloilo City may well unemployed. Extra-judicial killings senators from the opposition are in represent the illusion of deve- (EJK) under Mrs. Arroyo have not jail but no ally of the president was lopment — 6.8% yearly according been decisively confronted, but in incarcerated even countless 4 Panay Update, February 2015 incidents were raised. Lawmakers gain grounds. Since from the grassroots pointed out that December 8 last more than half of the Php2.6 trillion 2013, more than 30 2015 budget of the Philippine rallies and government may be well classified demonstrations as pork—because of its lump sum ranging from a few nature with sole discretion from Mr. hundreds up to Aquino for allocation even when around fifteen the Supreme Court already thousand were declared such type of budgeting as launched from all constitutional. the provinces in the The million people march in island. After twelve august 2013 which unexpectedly months, number of gathered nearly half a million protesters continue rallyists in metro Manila, morphed to double and triple into multi forms of protests—from particularly in areas devastated by had reached a plateau. With street actions, to lobby, to legal Haiyan. Haiyan, the island has to import rice suits and after a year—in August Countless petitions and dia- from one which experts rice to other 2014—the people’s initiative to logues were also conducted to provinces in the country. In 2008, abolish pork (a signature base present the victims’ basic demand Frank brought a Php8 billion da- [PIAP] approached of 12% of the for assistance particularly for rebui- mage on agriculture in the island. electorate to amend the cons- lding their houses and livelihood. The promised bail out did titution) was launched participated Until now, government res-ponses not come during Arroyo’s term and in by almost all sectors of Philippine are all promises and the most that farmers are also skeptical with the society. Most active were members the victims got were emergency promised rehabilitation fund for of the religious and cause oriented food packs way back in December Haiyan under Mr. Aquino. In fact, groups including partylists from the 2013. the farmers are more indebted grassroots. A transport strike took place under Mr. Aquino and impending Panaynons were one of the in April 2014 in Capiz compli- full liberalization of agriculture in most active in campaigning for mented by pickets in other parts of 2016 may be more harmful than PIAP especially those from Haiyan the island as part of the nationwide that of Haiyan. ravaged areas because pro pork coordinated protest against the Demand for moratorium in lawmakers are using Haiyan as an planned implementation of Depart- debt payment so that more funds excuse and disasters for lump sum ment of Transportation and Com- can be allocated to social services allocations in the national budget. munications order imposing penal- such as for education to repair The people’s movement to ties for traffic violations to as much classrooms fell on deaf ears even demand for rehab funds continue to as one million pesos. Critics point as students and their teachers out that such requested that more subsidy is exactions are too needed to prevent tuition hikes heavy-handed es- since higher educational institu- pecially for Hai- tions registered drastic drops in yan devastated enrolment especially in areas areas and need affected by Haiyan. congressional ap- Come New Year, the people proval. are hopeful that the long denied The far- funds can at last be given to them. mers are con- Meanwhile, the survivors continue tinually restive to organize and develop income because even generating projects, determined to without Haiyan rise up not only from the and other typ- devastation but also to make a leap hoons, agricul- to a better society.# ture in the island
5 Panay Update, February 2015
Panay IPs say no to mega dam construction
ALINOG, Iloilo, Philippines – At least three upland C barangays of Calinog, where the Php11.2 billion Jalaur mega dam is to be built, say no to dam construction in their consensus building from December last year up to last week of January this year. The three villages are Garangan, Masaroy, and Agcalaga (GMA), all in the town of Calinog in Iloilo Province. The 2 villages of Garangan and Masaroy did not agree on the dam construction due to low compensation cost to farmers’ destroyed crops and livelihood sources. In another village, Agca- laga, some community members that the area will be submerged passed a resolution of non-consent also,” Castor added. during the consensus building, a The Jalaur mega dam, a part of the 2nd Free, Prior and project being implemented by the Informed Process (FPIC 2) being National Irrigation Administration conducted by the National (NIA), is perceived to provide Commission on Indigenous People electricity, potable water and (NCIP). irrigation water supply. The FPIC 2 process for the But TUMANDUK Organi- dam construction was conducted zation, composed of indigenous by the NCIP from November 16-30 peoples from Tapaz and Jamindan last year. The consensus that of Capiz Province and Calinog and followed two weeks after lasted Lambunao of Iloilo Province, has several weeks until last month. long been opposing the project “The project will kill us. It will since 2011. take away our ancestral lands, the “We have nothing to gain basis of our life,” said Berna Castor, from this project, but only the one of the signatory whose more destruction of our lives, and than 10-hectare ancestral land will livelihood, and the continued land be totally submerged in water once grabbing scheme of the the dam is constructed. government from us,” the group’s “Until now, even during the chairperson Marevic Aguirre said. is needed to get the consensus of FPIC 2 process, the proponent did “The project will displace the community before construction not discuss comprehensively the 17,000 IPs both upland and starts. issue of submersion and dislo- lowland. Ancestral burial grounds, Mega dam construction cation of our sources of livelihood coffee and banana plantations, the according to local officials will take and homes. The detailed relocation rivers and forest, will be all lost from place end of February or early plan is merely a presentation of the us,” she continued. March.—Posted on February 1, 2015 relocation site and it is not feasible A hundred per cent (100%) by Panay Today. for everyone to stay there given “yes” from all community members
6 Panay Update, February 2015
Mendiola Massacre: 28 Years of Mother to Son Injustices to Farmers
LOILO CITY – Farmers and PAMANGGAS cited the Luisita which is owned by the family activists march today from St. failure of government’s land reform of Noynoy Aquino. Hacienda I Clements Church to Iloilo Pro- program, from Comprehensive Luisita is not yet distributed to the vincial Capitol to commemorate the Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), farmers even with the Supreme 28th anniversary of Mendiola Mas- Cory’s land reform program, to Court ruling and the family of sacre, demand justice to all victims CARP-er (Extension with Noynoy being paid through of extra-judicial killings and fascism Reforms), implemented during Disbursement Acceleration and call for the implementation of Noynoy, in distributing lands to the Program (DAP), which was genuine agrarian reform program. farmers. declared unconstitutional. “It has been twenty eight According to IBON The group also assailed the years since the Mendiola Mas- Foundation, 3 of 4 farmers can’t government’s response on calls of sacre, but justice is still elusive, the pay for their land, 9 of 10 supposed farmers for genuine land reform. killing of farmers continues and the farmer’s beneficiaries don’t own “While we farmers are calling for call for genuine agrarian reform has land tilled. “CARP to CARP-er genuine land reform, the been unheard.” said Jessica never fulfilled its promise of government’s response is the Emperwa, spokesperson of distributing lands to the farmers. deployment of government troops PAMANGGAS. Many farmers are still landless and to our community. Our community On January 22, 1987, an landgrabbing of landlords and is being militarized. We are being estimated 10,000 – 15,000 farmers multinational companies is threatened and some of us were and their supporters marched to prevalent”, said Emperwa. filed with trumped up charges”, Mendiola Bridge to demand then The group said that in added Emperwa referring to 32 President Cory Aquino to imple- Panay, the government is the indigenous farmers of Nayawan, ment genuine agrarian reform biggest landgrabber of all such as Tapaz, Capiz. These 32 farmers when state forces opened fire to the in the cases of Tumandok (Indi- were filed with trumped up charges protesters. Immediately 13 people genous People) of Tapaz and by the government. were dead and 39 were wounded. Jamindan and farmers in Bung- The group blames the “Since the tragic event, suan, Dumarao, Capiz wherein government’s Oplan Bayanihan as farmers are still landless, their land is being claimed by the the main reason why this atrocities landgrabbing is prevalent and the 3rd Infantry Division of Philippine to farmers were created. The group repression and killings of farmers Army as its army reservation area also lambasted the government for continue. Farmers are hoping for and the Philippine National Police its inaction and slow response on land since Cory was put into power, as its training camp. killings of farmers and farmer now that her son became the According to Bagong leaders. In Panay, cases of farmer president, farmers’ hopes remain a Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), leaders such as Nilo Arado, Romy dream.”, added Jessica Emperwa. 66 percent of lands distributed Capalla and Dionisio Garete were under Aquino are government hardly moving on with zero lands and not those controlled by conviction. powerful landlords. According to the human “The Aquino government rights’ group Karapatan, there are a has been inutile to the plight of total of 98 peasants killed under the farmers and implementation of Aquino government from July genuine ag-rarian reform program. 2010– December 2013. The government of Aquino is not “We call for the ouster of the sincere in implementing genuine haciendero Noynoy Aquino whose agrarian reform. It never intends to policies have never benefitted the break the monopoly of land of big farmers. We call for the landlords in the country because he implementation of genuine agrarian himself is a landlord”, added reform program. We demand Jessica Emperwa. The group justice for all victims of extra- states as an example the Hacienda judicial killings”, said Emperwa. #
7 Panay Update, February 2015