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PNP arrests 2 workers anew

Tubo picketline dispersed at dawn

MANKAYAN, Benguet (Aug. 6) — At around 5:30 AM today, over 100 armed elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) led by Major Brent Madiaco and Capt. Richard Albon dispersed picketers at the Tubo gate and arrested workers Douglas Farnican and Francisco Dida, who were arrested last month.

Dida was handcuffed and brought inside the Tubo shaft while Farnican was collared at the Tubo waiting shed. Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)-Cordillera Spokesperson James Tulipa together with officers of the Lepanto Employees Union (LEU) tried to negotiate with Major Madiaco, but the latter refused and ignored them.

“We tried to negotiate with Major Madiaco but he wouldn’t listen. Again he questioned the assistance the KMU provides the workers”, said Tulipa.

After Dida was handcuffed, the PNP led him into a company security vehicle en route to the Town Hall. “But the workers were able to block the vehicle and demanded that Dida be released. It took a while before authorities finally found the key to remove his handcuffs”, Tulipa said. Fanican was released shortly after.

“Word has it that the PNP will take one of the officers, maybe that is what it is trying to do now”, he added.

At the same incident, another KMU organizer was chased by PNP elements as he proceeded to check on his colleagues.

“After we were driven away from the picketline, one of our colleagues arrived, then we heard one of the policemen point at him and said ‘Diay man, diay naka-jacket ti nangisit!’”, Tulipa said. Again, workers blocked the road and prevented the PNP from catching him.

KMU condemned the PNP for its continued acts of violence, adding that it should facilitate instead peace and order in the area.

The Tubo picketline was only recently reclaimed on July 30. # Via NORDIS

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