The southern Negros chapter of human rights alliance group September 21 Movement yesterday denounced the recent killing of former Purok Chairman Webby Argabio, Sr., characterizing the murder as “an attack on [the] legitimate struggle and rights of the farmers.”

During a press conference at the Negros Press Club, Chapter Secretary-General Daryl Albañez claimed the killing of farmers and peasants will “surely increase,” blaming it on supposed plans by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to clear the countryside for large-scale investment on export crop plantations and mining.

Argabio, who served as a council member for the Negros chapter of militant peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (KMP), was shot by unidentified suspects last week at Purok Mahogany, Barangay Tapi in Kabankalan City.

According to KMP Sixth District Secretary-General Carlito Abancio, their investigation concluded the assailants were members of a “gun-for-hire” group.

Following the incident, Kabankalan City police chief, Police Superintendent Rhea Santos, said the incident may have been triggered by a land conflict, as there were several people staking claims on Argabio’s land, which he used for farming./DGB, WDJ