Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) writes to inform you about the extra-judicial killing of Rolando Panggo who was an organizer of Partido Manggagawa (PM), an organization who helped Hacienda Salud Farm Workers Association (HASAFAWA) in their petition for Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) coverage.
URGENT APPEAL
January 21, 2015
Dear friends,
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) writes to inform you about the extra-judicial killing of Rolando Panggo who was an organizer of Partido Manggagawa (PM), an organization who helped Hacienda Salud Farm Workers Association (HASAFAWA) in their petition for Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) coverage.
If you wish to make any inquiries, please contact the Research, Documentation and Information Program of TFDP at: 45 St. Mary Street, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines 1109; Email: tfdp.urgentappeals@gmail.com and tfdp.1974@gmail.com ; or call: +632 4378054.
CASE DETAILS:
A Partido Manggagawa (PM) organizer was shot to death by unidentified gun men on November 29, 2014 at around 9:00 p.m. at the crossing of Hacienda Garrason in Barangay San Jose, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. The victim was identified as Rolando Panggo, 47 years old, married, and a resident of Barangay Payao, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.
On November 29, 2014 at around 9:00 p.m., the Partido Manggagawa (PM) had a meeting with farm worker members in preparation for the Bonifacio Day activities in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.
According to Nemsie, Panggo’s wife, at around 9:00 p.m., after the meeting, her husband and his cousin, Rolly Herollo decided to go home aboard Herollo’s Honda XRM single motorcycle with plate number 2805 QT.
Upon arriving at the crossing of Hacienda Garrason, Barangay San Jose, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, an unidentified automobile loaded with five (5) unidentified men overtook them and blocked their way.
Two (2) unidentified armed men disembarked from the car and immediately accosted them. Panggo was dragged away a few distance and shot to death. His cousin was ordered to drop to the ground and his head was pushed by the feet of the unidentified armed men.
According to the victim’s wife, her husband sustained eight gunshot wounds, one in the left side of his head, the others in his right shoulder and back.
Nemsie added that Herollo heard the armed men say, “Kasabad sa imo, pati duta ginahilabtan mo pa.” (“You’re a nuisance, you’re intervening, even with the land.”)
CASE BACKGROUND:
In 1994, Manuel Lamata leased Hacienda Salud and became landholding up to the present.
In June 2013, the workers of Hacienda Salud asked assistance from Partido Manggagawa (PM) for intervention in their petition for Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) coverage. The PM designated Panggo since he was assigned in Binalbagan & Isabilla areas.
Since then, Panggo worked with the members of Hacienda Salud Farm Workers Association (HASAFAWA).
Nemsie added that in the middle of November 2014, three (3) of Lamata’s men went to their house and offered them cash and farm slot for them to stop organizing Hacienda Salud. His husband strongly refused to accept the offer.
Information Source : www.tfdp.net
Image Source : partidongmanggagawa2001.blogspot.com
