STATEMENT OF SANGGUNIAN NG MGA MAG-AARAL PRESIDENT GIO TINGSON

STATEMENT OF SANGGUNIAN NG MGA MAG-AARAL PRESIDENT GIO TINGSONCONDEMNING THE ATROCIOUS MURDER OF SUMILAO FARMER, PARA-LEGAL, AND LEADER RENATO “KA RENE” PEÑAS

For more than a decade, the Ateneo community has been in the foreground of the movements for Agrarian reform, particularly the case of the farmers from Sumilao, Bukidnon. Even with the immense opposition to this cause, the Sumilao farmers, after reacquiring their land, continue to march on with the landless. Unfortunately, the struggle has taken its toll on its advocates. With this in mind, I convey my unwavering support for the Sumilao Farmers and the thousands of landless farmers of our country. It is in this light that I unequivocally and strongly condemn the murder of Ka Rene Peñas.

At around 11pm yesterday, June 5, 2009, Ka Rene, accompanied by two other persons, was gunned down using a shotgun. He sustained three gunshot wounds in his chest and eight all over his arms. This action cannot be justified in any manner.

I remember Ka Rene as a man who inspired many Ateneans. As an embodiment of leadership, Ka Rene was a pillar of strength, courage, and integrity not only to his fellow Sumilao farmers but also for all Filipinos. For my fellow students who welcomed our brothers and sisters from Sumilao, you remember him as the strong-willed leader who held the boom mic, rousing his fellow farmers in all their endeavors. He was a mouthpiece of the landless’ plight for justice as you met them in Cubao, as you were marching with them from street to street, and as you welcomed them in Gate 2. I remember the masses you celebrated and the mattresses dormers shared for their stay in Cervini. I remember Ka Rene, moving class-to-class from Belarmine to CTC, together with OSCI formators, and when he spoke of freedom, justice, and equality in the Colayco Pavilion and the Belarmine field. He was one with us when 42 of you went through a 24-hour hunger act. For the Atenean, he was a man-for-and-with-others.

In response, I appeal to the proper authorities for swift and unprejudiced action in order to shed light to this brutal execution.

As of writing of this statement, around eight of our farmers are still stranded in Metro Manila because they fought for the passage of CARPER. They are still in need of financial means for transportation back to Sumilao, Bukidnon. If you are interested to help, the cost is around 8 thousand Pesos per head. You may deposit through the KAISAHAN BPI Kalayaan branch account. Account number is 0123-4001-86.

Let us be one with Ka Rene, his family, the Sumilao farmers, and friends in prayer. There will be a mass in his honor on Monday, June 8, 4:30pm, at the College Chapel.

The murder of Ka Rene is a dastardly attempt to divide the millions of voices that call for social justice, freedom, and democracy. Let the life of Ka Rene be the binding inspiration that unites our spirits of courage, determination, and hope in this moment of despair.

We cannot be intimidated by this cowardly act.

Gregorio Ramon A Tingson
President
Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila