Global alliance of overseas Filipinos and families Migrante International joins other sectors in condemning the arrest and calling for the immediate release of Hacienda Luisita farm workers.
“The Luisita farm workers had every right to the lands that they cultivated. They were only asserting what is rightfully theirs. The recent arrests are nothing but intimidation and harassment tactics employed by the Cojuagco-Aquinos aimed to discourage and terrorize farm workers. We join other sectors and the international community in calling for their immediate release,” said Migrante International chairperson Garry Martinez.
Martinez also condemned the continued and heightened presence of the military and private army of the Cojuangco-Aquinos in the Luisita lands.
“We call on all overseas Filipinos to support the fight of Luisita farm workers. Genuine land reform is a fundamental concern of all migrants and their families, without which we cannot completely address the phenomenon of forced migration. We condemn moves and schemes by the Cojuangco-Aquinos that are obviously meant to confuse the issue, intimidate farm workers, overturn the SC ruling and violate the right of farm workers to the Luisita lands.”
Support for bail
Migrante International also called on overseas Filipinos to help raise the bail money needed for the release of the farm workers.
The court recommended bail of P12,000 each or a total of P264, 000 for the temporary release of the farm workers.
“We call on OFWs to show support for Hacienda Luisita farm workers by helping them raise the bail needed. The amount is clearly too much for farm workers who have been stripped of their livelihood,” said Martinez.
Donations for support for the Luisita farm workers may be deposited to Suhay Kanayunan BPI Account Number 3083611375.###
