Luisita farmers accept ‘obnoxious’ Palace challenge to prove abuse
MANILA, Philippines—Hacienda Luisita farmers on Monday that maintained that the abuses against them were real and would be proven after Malacañang had challenged them to show concrete evidence to their claims.
In a statement, Ranmil Echanis, deputy secretary general of Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA), said that the statements of the Palace are insensitive and “rub salt on the open wounds of beleaguered Luisita farmers.”
Echanis said that the “defense” of Malacanang was expected and showed that the Aquino administration meddles in the affairs of the hacienda owned by the President’s family.
“These obnoxious pronouncements only show that despite his denials, the President and his administration are very much involved in the Cojuangco-Aquino family’s crusade to maintain control of Hacienda Luisita,” Echanis said.
UMA also urged supporters of the Luisita farmers to aid in exposing the alleged grave abuses committed to the tillers.
Luisita farmers on Friday filed criminal complaints before the Department of Justice against the President’s sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, uncle Jose“Peping” Cojuangco Jr. who are board members of the Tarlac Development Corporation (Tadeco). The farmers accuse Aquino-Cruz and Conjuangco of attempted murder, arson, child abuse, physical injuries, illegal arrest and arbitrary detention, theft, robbery and malicious mischief.
Former Land Transportation Office chief Virginia Torres, Tarlac Provincial Police Director Alex Sintin and former Tarlac City police chief Bayani Razalan were also included in the complaints.
On Sunday, Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said that the farmers should prove their claims and follow the rule of law.
“Those are their accusations, not ours…It is but proper for those who are accusing to present their evidence,” Coloma said over Radyo ng Bayan.
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