Sun Star: Slain militant leader laid to rest

SUMILAO, Bukidnon — Amid shouts of “Hustiya alang kang Ka Rene (Justice for Ka Rene),” hundreds of farmers from all over the Philippines laid to rest the body of farmer leader Renato “Ka Rene” Peñas here.

Vicente “Ka Vic” Fabe, chairman of the peasant coalition Pakisama, of which Ka Rene was the national vice chairman, said his killing will not cow the millions of farmers who are demanding their fair share of land in light of the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (Carp).

Fabe said Ka Rene was always a symbol of humility and democracy even in the midst of violence.

Noland Peñas, Ka Rene’s eldest son, castigated the government authorities for not giving serious attention and determination to solve the killings of peasant leaders.

He also demanded from government agencies tasked to implement Carp to finally distribute to them the remaining 94 hectares of the 144 hectares awarded to them.

“I am angrily demanding from authorities to finally give us the remaining 94 hectares.
I am angrily demanding from authorities to finally distribute the millions of hectares of lands to poor farmers all over the country!” he said.

Tears welling down her face, Akbayan Rep.Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel, described Ka Rene as a gentle giant in the fight for agrarian reform.

Baraquel said that despite his passing away, she is hopeful that Ka Rene’s legacy and spirit will guide the farmers in their quest for land.

“My heart is full of hope that his legacy and spirit will guide us as we continue in our struggle and fight for land,” the party list lawmaker said.

Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D., who presided the mass at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Barangay Kisolon here, said Ka Rene “gave his life so that others may live.”
“Ka Rene also showed the nation that we can change society through non-violent and democratic means to achieve the people’s aspirations,” he said in his homily.

Ledesma also urged the farmers all over the country to “continue his legacy.”

Ka Rene, leader of the Mapadayonong Panaghiusa sa mga Lumad alang sa Damlag

(MAPALAD) farmers, who staged a 60-day, 1,700 kilometers walk from here to Manila to demand from Malacanang the 144 hectares of land from San Miguel Corp.

However, hours after he was gunned down past 11 p.m. on June 5 in Barangay San Vicente, police arrested the alleged mastermind, Alipio Tumangday, who denied any involvement in the killing. (Bong D. Fabe)