The farmers who we relay on for food are starving. They begged for rice. And they weren’t given any. Not until three died after a violent clash.
Kidapawan, the capital city of Cotabato, a region in the Mindanao region of the Philippines had a rice-shortage due to El Nino (ongoing warming weather). A series of protests by Kidapawan farmers were held for three days on. Prior to the protests, on March 29, mainly through road blockade methods, about 500 farmers also demonstrated in front of the National Food Authority Offices. On April 1, an estimated, 6,000 farmers together with other groups including Anakpawis and GABRIELA gathered to perform a road blockade and policy were sent to the area in an attempt to “negotiate” with the protesters.
The farmers were suffering because of the drought since November 2015, a total of six months. During their rally in front of the National Food Authority Office, they have five demands 1) 15,000 bags of rice 2) seed, pesticides and fertilizer subsidies 3) raise the price of farm products 4) to end the military operations in the village and 5) an investigation of North Catabato 2nd representative for her alleged involvement in armed paramilitary groups. The governor answered their demands point by point except for the most important one: rice.
Pedro Arnado of the KMP, Norma Capuyan of indigenous group Apo Sandawa Lumadnong Panaghiusa sa Cotabato (ASLPC) was one of the representatives of the farmers said that they were not pressing for the discussion for the four other demands but the need for rice was important. “The farmers are hungry….we went back with nothing,” he said. Kidawapan governener, Talino Mendoza said that the provincial government’s rice assistance is only for resident farmers. As the protesters wanted to expand the area more, the police were ordered to “disperse” the crowd.
The rally turned violent with the police reportedly attacked with pieces of wood, poles and large rocks. A total of 99 police personnel were injuries and one was in critical condition. But it didn’t end well for the farmers too. 88 were missing including 6 children and 3 farmers were killed. At least 9 of the injuries were from gunshots. As of 2013, agriculture accounts for 12% of Filipino GDP according to the World Bank. And in Kidapawan, agriculture contributes to the province’s income as well as flower-cutting and fruit producing.
The Philippines despite its recent economic growth under the Aquino administration are still plagued with problems of poverty and corruption. The Kidapawan incident is another example of bad politics, something that country has been suffering for years. During a second senate meeting held, four cabinet members and the Chief of the Philippine National Police “boycotted” and sent representatives instead which added more fury to the senators. A representative from the National Food Authority also said that they didn’t have enough funds for this crisis to which Senator Juan Ponce Enrile fired with “Why don’t you ask the president? He has a huge calamity fund.” It points back to the very issue of where funds are being spent (including the funds from Typhoon Yolanda) possibly being pocketed by people in power as it always has been.
There has already been a budget beforehand to prepare for El Nino. As of May 2014, PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) has already gave a warning on it. But nothing has been done from January to February 2015. National Food Authority said that have prepared 1.2 million sacks of rice which is suppose to last until July 2016. But if they have enough supplies, why couldn’t they give 15,000 sacks of rice to starving farmers, who by the way, are the ones growing their rice? Since the incident, notable names including actor Robin Padilla has given farmers sacks of rice.
The Philippines has been accused of its lack of preparedness, preparation and immediately response for incidents such the Typhoon Yolanda and even the Manila Bus Hostage Taking Crisis. This also includes the lack of sensitivity when addressing issues and the lack of justice on the Lumad Killings, Hacienda Luisita Magindanao Massacre and the Maamamasapano SAF44. With a new upcoming president, one can only hope that the situation will improve and the government will really keep their promise to their people.
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