MANILA, May 26, 2009—The head of the Catholic bishops’ leadership has condemned the use of force against protesting farmers outside Batasan Pambasa in Quezon City on May 25.

The violent dispersal by anti-riot police left several protesters hurt, including Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo.

Pabillo was leading priests, nuns and hundreds of farmers in the rally calling for the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

“I condemn such an actuation on the part of the police because they are not the ones supposed to respond to the advocacy of the farmers but the congressmen,” Lagdameo said.

The CBCP head also called on the lawmakers to continue to start a dialogue with the farmers “who are just fighting for their rights.”

Instead of dispersing the protesters, he said, the lawmakers should have instead discourse with the farmers and work on their demands.

Lagdameo then called on the farmers to pursue their battle for CARP extension with appropriate reforms.

“Don’t lose hope. We, the Catholic bishops, are always behind you in this kind of crusade,” the Jaro archbishop assured the farmers.

He said they are consistent in their appeal for the legislators to pass a measure seeking CARP extension with appropriate reforms.

Police sprayed water cannon for around 10 minutes to disperse a crowd of about 2,000 protesters chanting slogans while guarded by about 50 policemen.

The protest action was said to be one of the nation’s biggest rally to press for genuine agrarian reform in a nearly a decade.

Pabillo said he did not see any reason for them to be treated that way.

He said they are just holding a “peaceful assembly” to press the lawmakers to approve a measure that would ensure the farmers’ rights over the lands they till.

The House of Representatives has started its marathon session today to pass priority bills before Congress goes on mandatory recess next week. (Roy Lagarde)