BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN

Southern Mindanao Region

88-C Palma Gil St., Bo. Obrero, Davao City | (082) 224-2642 |
bayan.smr@gmail.com

 

Press Release

May 15, 2008

Bayan condemns killing of farmer leader, urges speedy investigation

Davao City – Bagong Alyansang Makabayan strongly condemns today the killing of Farmers' Association of Davao City secretary general and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas regional spokesperson Celso Pojas who was shot dead in front of FADC-KMP office in Bugac, Maa.

According to Bayan, Pojas, 45 years old, was shot dead around 6:30 this morning. Accounts of the incident revealed that four gunshots were heard in the scene of the crime. Initial investigation also showed that Pojas suffered from fatal gunshot wounds in his ribs and left elbow.

"We strongly believe that the killing of Pojas is politically-motivated especially with his recent involvements in the Diarog's case and anti-militarization campaign in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental," Bayan secretary-general Jeppie Ramada said.

Ramada also said that "Pojas was about to assist in the evacuation of some families in Compostela Valley who were affected by the ongoing military operations in the area."

"We are dismissing personal motives to the killing as we have known him as a responsible leader to his co-farmers in Fatima, Barangay Mandug. His involvement with FADC and KMP as a mass leader for almost five years is a proof to his sincere commitment for the welfare of the farmers," he added.

Bayan recounts incidents of death threats against Pojas since December last year. Surveillance on FADC office was observed by an owner of a nearby store and had warned Pojas about an unidentified suspicious man.

Ramada added that "at the height of an anti-militarization campaign in Davao Oriental last March, unidentified men approached and threatened Pojas while on his way home from a radio guesting.

"We believe that his killing is a part of the nationwide implementation of Oplan Bantay Laya 2 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the context of the Internal Security Plan of the national government," Ramada said.

"The killing of Ka Celso will not cow us. We will fight for the justice due to Ka Celso and his family," Ramada exclaimed.

Ramada said their group will urge for a speedy investigation. "We are also preparing for a series of protest actions in condemnation of the killing."

 

For reference:

JEPPIE RAMADA

0921.823.7489

224.2642