Kin of slain farmer in Kidapawan protest files rap vs witness

Department of Justice. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Relatives of a farmer killed during a violent protest and dispersal in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato last April filed a criminal case before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday against the military witness who tagged the victim as a member of New People’s Army (NPA).

Ebao Sulang, father of slain farmer Darwin Sulang, filed a complaint for perjury against Charlie Pasco, who testified against the victim before the Senate committee on justice and human rights last April.

Pasco, a self-confessed rebel and military asset, claimed that he knew Darwin because they were members of the NPA. He also testified under oath that the farmer was carrying a gun during the dispersal.

In his complaint filed with the assistance of the National Union of People’s Lawyers, Ebao said that Pasco lied under oath.

Ebao said there were no supporting documents to back up his claim.

Aside from the complaint, Ebao has provided statements of witnesses saying his son was unarmed during the violent dispersal and was never a member of the NPA.

He added that Darwin’s death was witnessed by fellow farmer Lumeriano Agustin.

Last April 1, over 6,000 subsistence farmers and indigenous Lumads from different parts of Southern Philippines blocked the Kidapawan highway in protest against the government’s lack of assistance to farmers.

READ: 6,000 North Cotabato farmers block highway, demand food, farm aid; cops blame activists

For three months, farmers had been asking for food support due to a severe drought.

Police opened fire on the protesters, killing two and injuring over 30 farmers. RAM/rga

READ: Cops, farmers clash in Kidapawan; 2 dead