Spokesperson: Farmers should stand up against Duterte

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The New People’s Army (NPA) Roselyn Jean Pelle Command yesterday forwarded a statement, where they blamed police for the recent killing of two farmers in Escalante City.

According to spokesperson Ka Cecil Estrella, Ronald Manlanat was brutally killed by police due to his activity in organizing farmers and actively pushing land reform in the area.

Aside from Manlanat, Estrella denied Bolbet Leyte was a member of their organization and accused police of making up a ‘cover up story’ by stating Leyte tried to fire at police using a revolver.

Leyte was killed last month when members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) were conducting combat operations in Barangay Laga-an, Calatrava earlier this month.

According to Calatrava municipal police, the military unit heard a group of men talking near a nipa hut. While approaching the dwelling, the troopers saw a man carrying a flashlight and a .38 caliber revolver exit the hut and began shooting at them.

The firearm, however, jammed as PNP-SAF members opened fire in response and struck Leyte.

Estrella also slammed the police and the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, stating, they do not care about the lives of those working in the fields in order to feed the millions of Filipino people.

She added, they are seeking justice for both Manlanat and Leyte and are urging farmers to stand up against Duterte./DGB, WDJ