Senators want ‘in depth’ probe on massacre of 9 Negros sugar farm workers
The site in Hacienda Nene where nine farmers were massacred by unidentified gunmen on Saturday, October 20, 2018. (Photo from Police Regional Office 6)
Senators on Monday called for an investigation into the massacre of nine sugarcane workers inside a farm in Sagay City, Negros Occidental on Saturday night.
READ: 9 sugarcane workers gunned down in Negros Occidental
Detained Senator Leila de Lima described the attack on the farmers as one of the “worst forms” of “impunity” adding that an “impartial and thorough investigation” is needed.
“This is impunity in one of its worst forms wherein helpless farmers, just striving to survive were reportedly gunned down by 40 armed assailants! An impartial and thorough investigation is in order!” De Lima said in a dispatch from Camp Crame.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri pressed for an “in depth investigation” on the carnage.
“I condemn this killing in the heart of sugar land which is an important sector of our economy. I have just come from Bacolod in Negros and I feel disheartened by these deaths,” he said in a statement.
“However, I note a few positive developments consisting of the willingness of the landowner to talk with government, specifically the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the offer of huge rewards by Gov. Mara and his son, who is the Mayor of Sagay City. I hope that these will lead to the early resolution of the case and killers be brought to the bar of justice,” he added.
For their part, Senators Grace Poe and JV Ejercito, demanded for an inquiry into the attack, which they also condemned.
“Kinokondena natin ito…Siyam ang namatay dito, apat ang kababaihan at may mga minors pa. Ito’y mga magsasaka natin na nagtatanim naman ng ating mga tubo doon… Lahat tayo kailangan nating protektahan, lalung-lalo na ang ating mga magsasaka,” Poe said.
“Nakakalungkot. Kinakailangan ang mabilis na pagresolba sa kung ano ang dahilan at nangyari ito,” she added.
Ejercito wants the PNP leadership to give prompt action on the matter.
“I condemn to the highest possible degree the senseless killing of nine farmers in a hacienda in Negros Occidental last Saturday night,” he said.
“The gruesome slaughter of the sugar workers should be investigated, and calling on PNP chief Director General [Oscar] Albayalde to give prompt action,” he added. /kga
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