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Baguio peasants, workers remember Mendiola, Luisita massacres

BAGUIO CITY (Jan. 21)– In commemoration to the historical Mendiola Massacre, militant organizations led by Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)-Cordillera and APIT Tako, staged a rally on Jan. 2. The rally coincided with the nationwide protests to condemn the continuing harassment not only to the workers of Hacienda Luisita Inc. and Central Azucarera de Tarlac but also to the people of the said hacienda.

KMU-Cordillera Spokesperson Nida Tundagui said that the Mendiola and Lupao massacres happened under the administration of former President Corazon “Cory” Cojuanco-Aquino. Last November 16, another bloody dispersal happened in Hacienda Luisita and this time it happened in her hometown and the victims were the people who served the Cojuanco family-owned Hacienda Luisita for a long time.

“Malaki ang utang na dugo ni Cory sa masa lalo sa mga magsasaka at manggagawa ng Hacienda Luisita,” Tundagui said.

Mila Lingbawan-Singson, APIT Tako spokesperson, reminded rallyists and on-lookers that January 22 is the 18th anniversary of the Mendiola Massacre where 14 peasants were killed by armalite bullets from government troops. She said that even Cordillera peasants experience similar harassment from the military and para-military groups up to the present.

Lingbawan-Singson said that mines, water and dam projects continue to take away from Cordillera peasants their right to the resources.

The group also expressed disappointment over the “move” of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which has issued over 2,000 Assumption of Jurisdiction orders to protesting workers nationwide. They assailed Labor Sec. Patricia Sto. Tomas for issuing on Jan. 14, 2005 a back to work order to the picketing workers of CAT, and terminated 35, majority of which were union officers.

A march from Kilometer 0 through Session Road that ended at the People’s Park ensued. # Joel A. Capulong for NORDIS

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