Q & A with San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza on Negros killings
Q & A with San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza on Negros killings
The violence that erupt from time to time in Negros is but a painful reminder of the longstanding land problem and unjust system operative in Negros.
By JHIO JAN A. NAVARRO*
Bulatlat.com
Negros, an island of landlords, has ever since been rife of agrarian tensions. From the bloody Escalante Massacre of 1985 to the more recent Sagay 9 and March 30 massacres, violence entrenched in land conflicts remains heavily pervasive.
The inhumane killings have elicited indignation from human rights advocates and public outrage both exerting strong pressures for prompt and impartial investigations. Individuals from other sectors have also boldly spoken against the wanton killings. One of such personalities who is both vocal and critical is a Negrense himself, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos.
A staunch advocate of social justice, Bishop Alminaza has made it to the headlines by getting out of his way, demanding a thorough probe on the case of the 14 farmers killed in Negros Oriental. Claiming that the victims lived within the boundaries of one of the diocese`s mission stations, the bishop demanded quick and thorough investigation from the authorities. More so, the prelate boldly brought to the fore and questioned the alleged lack of arrest warrants when the apprehension took place.
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