These were President Rodrigo Duterte’s words on the release of political prisoners in the country during the ceremony of the recognition of The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) awardees for 2016 at the Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace Monday.
At least seven were wounded on Monday morning after security personnel of banana magnate Lapanday Food Corporation went on a shooting spree against members of the Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, Inc., (Marbai) and the Unyon Sa Mga Mag-Uuma Alang Sa Tinood Nga Repormang Agraryo.
The poverty, joblessness and lack of fundamental services under neoliberal policies continues to challenge the achievement of Filipinos’ economic, social and cultural rights.
A recent report found that before the resumption of the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic of the Philippines this year, there was little interest from the media in reporting the peace process.
The Davao City Council passed a resolution to support the call for the release of all political prisoners as a step to achieve peace.