In the midst of the worst Covid-19 surge in the country, two prominent activists in Central Luzon - Alyansa ng Magsasaka sa Gitnang Luson & Bayan-Central Luzon were arrested this morning in raids in their homes & offices.
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (Lamp) and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said two of their leaders, Joseph Canlas (Left) and Florentino Viuya (Right), have been arrested in separate operations.
KMP vice chairperson and AMGL leader Joseph Canlas already nabbed by PNP-CIDG elements. Authorities are taking him to Camp Olivas in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Reports indicate the same modus - the use of search warrants and planted evidence by joint PNP and AFP units. Both leaders are long time activists in the region and have been continuously red tagged by the RTF-ELCAC.
In a time when our healthcare sector is crippled due to inadequate government support, the Duterte administration prioritized silencing progressive individuals and groups. It just proves that the people's welfare is not their best interest in mind.
The text in the placard held by Joseph Canlas says it all.
Ang mga magsasaka na nagpapakain sa atin ay gutom at inaagawan ng lupa sa kanayunan. Ang tugon ng estado? Red-tagging, pag-aresto, at maging pagpatay!
PALAYAIN SI JOSEPH CANLAS AT POL VIUYA!
They arrested Joseph and Pol, tireless peasant leaders, community organizers & human rights workers. They are all these things to many people.
Joseph is a Central Luzon-based peasant leader nabbed on undoubtedly fabricated charges by the PNP-CIDG in Pampanga.
Canlas champions the rights of fishers in the region and upholds sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
He was a wonderful teacher who patiently answered all our questions as doe-eyed kids spending their practicum in Pampanga.
Joseph is one of the leaders ng mga magsasaka sa Central Luzon. No one deserves to be arrested without proper warrant and knowledge kung bakit sila inaresto.
Meanwhile, Pol Viuya, has been arrested by CIDG Tarlac in Bamban, Tarlac.
Viuya has been involved in union organizing, and Canlas in leading land disputes, and campaigning for the poor peasants of Central Luzon victimized by land grabbing.
Both Pol Viuya, and Joseph Canlas are known for championing the rights of farmers and workers in Central Luzon.
Human rights worker Renalyn Tejero arrested on March 21, peasant leader Calixto Cabildo on March 24, urban poor leader Concepcion Opalla on March 26, unionist Dandy Miguel killed on March 28—and today, arrested peasant leader Joseph Canlas and labor leader Florentino Viuya Sr.
This government is at its worst.
Ngayong pinanumbalik ang Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) at militaristang lockdown ng rehimeng Duterte, mas pinatindi ang mga pasistang atake mula sa red-tagging hanggang sa pagsasampa ng gawa-gawang kaso at pagpatay sa hanay ng mga nagtatanggol sa karapatan ng mamamayan!
Palayain si Joseph Canlas! Palayain si Pol Viuya! Hands Off Central Luzon activists!
#HandsOffCL
#StopTheAttacks
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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