Statement of PANDAYAN on the Assassination of Kahanay Rene Peñas

Statement of PANDAYAN on the Assassination of Kahanay Rene Peñas

June 8, 2009

PANDAYAN strongly condemns the violent and treacherous killing of Ka
Rene Peñas, 51 years old, the National Vice-President, Pambansang
Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA). PANDAYAN join other
groups to seek justice for our dear Kahanay, Ka Rene Peñas, and
express support and offer our prayers to his wife, Evangeline and his
children, Noland, Jerald, and Wopsyjenn.

Ka Rene was cowardly assassinated by unknown assailants last June 5,
2009, at around 11:00 PM while on his way to his farm in San Vicente,
Sumilao, Bukidnon, while riding a motorcycle with his two companions.
His two companions survived, but Ka Rene did not survive from the
eleven gunshot wounds.

How could an active non-violent advocate whose life was committed to
serving the landless and marginalized farmers killed in such a violent
manner?

As an active non-violent advocate, Ka Rene, in 1997, is one of the 28
farmers who held a hunger strike for agrarian reform. In 2007, he led
the 55 farmers for a 1,700- kilometer walk from Sumilao to Malacañang
for the government to cover the over 144-hectare ancestral land they
claim in Sumilao. In 2008, Ka Rene also led the Banasi farmers in
their 444-kilometer march from Bula to Malacañang, which successfully
reversed the adverse decision made by Malacañang. Ka Rene, once again,
became one of the figures leading hundreds of farmers pushing the
Philippine Congress for CARP Extension with Reform (CARPER).

Ka Rene’s efforts bore fruit as the Senate and the House of
Representatives start today, June 9, 2009, their bicameral discussion
of CARPER. We believe that he continues to witness the victory of the
farmers.

We shall continue to pay homage to Ka Rene by continuing his struggle
to attain an authentic agrarian reform. This is our highest tribute to
him and his family, and our greatest expression of gratitude for what
he has achieved as his contribution.

Justice to Kahanay Rene Peñas!
Justice to all victims of extrajudicial killings!
Justice to all farmers and the Filipino People!

Pandayan para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas (PANDAYAN)
184 Maginhawa St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
Contact person: Boy Nuera / Roy Calfoforo
Contact number: Telefax: 436-6541, CP 0920-9021251