Read more about the article Farmers lament heavy debts, low incomes
IN DEBT. Carlos Anacleto shares how lack of government support forced them to go to traders or money-lenders and incur heavy debts. (davaotoday.com photo by Medel V. Hernani)

Farmers lament heavy debts, low incomes

Usurious schemes and failure of the government to support farmers bury them in a vicious debt cycle.  Farmers are left fending for themselves.

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Widow of Arakan human rights victim longs to visit husband’s grave

Military operations in Arakan valley hinder Gina Batoy, wife of slain peasant leader, Ramon, from going back home. Ramon Batoy was killed in a raid by the 10th Special Forces three days after Fr. Fausto “Pops” Tentorio was gunned down, also in the same town. Advocates link the killing of Fr. Tentorio and Batoy as part of the abuses of the AFP counter-insurgency policy Oplan Bayanihan in North Cotabato.

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Read more about the article NPA admits killing of Swiss-Filipino businessman linked to Italian priest slay
QUEST FOR JUSTICE. Thousands of movers and supporters of the Justice for Fr. Pops Movement hold a caravan for justice and against the government’s counter-insurgency Oplan Bayanihan in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato last year. (davaotoday.com photo by Medel V. Hernani)

NPA admits killing of Swiss-Filipino businessman linked to Italian priest slay

“Clearly, he deserved the NPA's punishment” and his death “is a first step towards achieving full revolutionary justice for the beloved Fr. Tentorio.” -- New People's Army

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Read more about the article Davao students decry tuition, miscellaneous fees increase
PLACARD POWER. Students hold a picket at the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XI to express anger on the commission's "inutility" over the annual increase in tuition and miscellaneous fees and privatization schemes. (contributed photo)

Davao students decry tuition, miscellaneous fees increase

“Majority of the students were not able to join the consultation.  The administration has also failed to show its financial statement despite claiming that the teachers and non-teaching staff will benefit in the proposed tuition fee hikes.” -- Maureene Villamor, Ateneo de Davao University student council president

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Read more about the article Wanted:  Peoples’ lawyers
EMPHASIS. Laywers Neri Colmenares (right) and Roan Libarios (left) stress the importance of public interest lawyers at these times. Laywers group Union of People’s Lawyers in Mindanao had their 4th assembly in Davao City recently. (davaotoday.com photo by Medel V. Hernani)

Wanted: Peoples’ lawyers

 “A lot have become victims of injustice and they have no one to defend them.  That’s why public interest lawyering is very much needed and remains relevant” -- Roan Libarios, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) president

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