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[av_heading heading=’DA seeks justice for slain Negros farmer’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Sunday, March 26, 2017
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MANILA – Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary Emmanuel Piñol called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate the killing of a farmer in Negros Occidental three years ago.
Rolando Pango, a labor leader, was shot on Nov. 29, 2014.
“I have endorsed to PNP chief (Ronald) “Bato” De La Rosa the murder of Pango who was shot in the head twice by a still unidentified assailant,” said Piñol.
Pango was leading a group of farmers in their struggle to own part of the Manuel Lamata-owned Hacienda Salud in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.
He previously received death threats while assisting workers in Hacienda Salud process the requirements for land reform coverage.
Piñol also asked the National Bureau of Investigation to assist in the probe.
“I am calling all witnesses who may have information on the killing of Pango and other farmer leaders to come forward and help give justice to the victims,” said the Agriculture secretary.
Pango was also a full-time organizer with the Partido Manggagawa (PM). Following his killing, PM spokesperson Wilson Fortaleza issued the following statement: “The culture of impunity that thrives in our country and the extrajudicial killings of labor activists continue unabated. We ask the state – the provincial government of Negros Occidental and the national agencies Department of Justice and the Commission on Human Rights – to act on the case and make a thorough investigation/”
Pango was on his way home after meeting farm workers who were to attend the Bonifacio Day rally when the motorcycle he was riding was blocked by a black sedan and another motorcycle in the crossing of Hacienda Garrason in Binalbagan./PN
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