BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Members of Bayan-Negros and Karapatan-Negros staged a “Kalbaryo ng Bayan” and indignation rally at the Fountain of Justice in Bacolod City yesterday to call for justice for all victims of human rights violation and to dramatize the sufferings of the poor sector due to the inefficiency and neglect of the government.
The protestors were dressed like the apostles while some held placards indicating their demands during the activity that coincide with the observance of Lent.
Clarizza Singson, Karapatan-Negros secretary general, said yesterday that they are also calling the attention of government to provide adequate food assistance and health services like vaccination against COVID-19 which the people need especially during this pandemic.
Singson said they also welcome the February 18 dismissal of the Regional Trial Court Branch 42 of the motion to quash the search warrant and suppress evidence, against Kilusang Mayo Uno spokesperson Noli Rosales, Karapatan paralegal officer Proceso Quiatchon and Teatro Obrero organizer Cherryl Catalogo on March 25.
The cases against them and the dismissal of those against National Federation of Sugar Workers secretary general Butch Lozande, and Albert Dela Cerna together with his daughter Karina, only proved that the charges against them were baseless and mere fabrication, she said.
They also condemn the recent death threats against their group from an unknown message sender that was recieved by the national office of Karapatan on March 7 and 8. These threats were sent after the attacks in Southern Tagalog, Singson said.
The public information desk of Karapatan national office received text messages indicating the names of 11 prominent mass leaders from various sectors and organizations in Negros, she said.*
