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Monday, December 03, 2007

Sumilao Update

Hardly noticed and with so little media coverage, the Sumilao March for Justice has finally reached Manila. After leaving Sumilao, Bukidnon two months ago, fifty-four farmers finally reached Manila.

After marching for more than a thousand kilometers, the farmers intend to bring their grievance to Malacañang on Dec. 10, the day the world celebrates International Human Rights Day. Enduring heat and rain, the farmers continued their march with people, local officials and NGOs showing their support and hospitality.

The farmers will be joined by several farmers' groups in the last leg of their long journey. With them are thirty seven farmers from Calatagan, Batangas. These farmers also have a pending case with the Department of Agrarian Reform.

Gari Lazaro has been coordinating with the farmers and have been tirelessly updating us of the group's progress. The Sumilao marchers will be at the senate tomorrow at 9:30 AM. They will then march through Buendia Ave. then to J.P. Rizal in Makati. They will stop at the San Carlos Seminary for a much needed rest.

I hope that those living in these areas will also extend their hospitality not just their support to these brave farmers.

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