FFW condemns killing of Sumilao Farmers Leader

"The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) condemns in the strongest terms possible the violent killing of Sumilao Farmers Leader Rene Peñas," said Atty. Sonny Matula, Vice President of the FFW.

Ka Rene, a leader of Pakisama, a federation of farmers groups and a paralegal from Sumilao was ambushed at around 11:00 pm on June 5. He was on his way home, with two other companions when he was shot.

Matula, who is Chief Legal Counsel of the FFW, served as lawyer of Pakisama during Ka Rene’s time.

“The labor movement condemns this brutal killing of a leader who lived a life fighting for agrarian reform and social justice,” added Matula.

The FFW has maintained that: “All and every instance of extra judicial killing is condemnable, be this committed by the armed forces of duly constituted governments or by the armies of rebel forces or by pure and simple criminal elements.”

“We pray for his loved ones and for justice to be served,” added Matula.

With the death of Ka Rene, the FFW reiterates its support for agrarian reform. “This is indeed a great loss for agrarian reform advocacy. While it will be difficult to fill in his shoes, we hope that more peasant leaders will come out and pattern their style of leadership and dedication after him,” said Matula.

The FFW has had strong ties with the peasant movement since its inception in 1950, when it was established by a Jesuit priest, Fr. Walter Hogan and Ateneo Class Valedictorian Johnny Tan.