BAYAN Police/Army Laud Peaceful March

Despite the scorching sun and showering, marchers who joined the Lakbayan March from Escalante City to Bacolod City, as well as those from Bago City, did not surrender to express their cause.

Lakbayan started early this week and ended yesterday at the office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), was organized by BAYAN, KMP, PAMALA-KAYA,KMU, DALO, and NFSW, with Felipe Gelle, Jr., BAYAN secretary general as chair of the march.

Northern marchers were led by Zed Castillo, regional chair, NFSW, while the groups from Bago was led by Bernardo Patigas.
Gelle said although there were some marchers who have weakened along the way but their determination to reach Bacolod was achieved. More so that there were private individuals who have extended support like water,and foods, including some money, are gestures from the public that warmth their hearts.

They said it was indeed a success because no less than DOLE Region 6 director Aida Estabillo, and Asst. Regional Director Crispin Dannug, Jr, who ferried from Iloilo to listen to their pleas - direct release to the sugar workers the unclaimed P40 million social ameliation fund bonus, retrieval of the sugar workers livelihood training center, and immediate solution to the labor problems of sugar workers.

Estabillo and Dannug have expressed sympathy to them insofar as their demands are concerned. To them, their demands are legitimate. But the final decision will still emanate from the top officials of DOLE in Manila.

Lakbayan marchers have declared 4pm yesterday, the temporary ownership take over of DOLE office as it is allegedly owned by the sugar workers. So they camped out at DOLE office grounds until this morning.

No insignificant event had happened therefore the police and military have congratulated the marchers and organizers for following the rules in a peaceful assembly.

NOPPO director Col. Manuel Felix said we respect their right to peaceful assembly. It is good that they have expressed their feelings and demand from the government. For today’s march to celebrate labor day, Felix reminds the militant groups that they have certain obligations and responsibilities.

Being responsbile citizens. law abiding members of society and policing their own ranks that no unscrupulous men will take undue advantage of the situa-tion.While Gen. Josue Gaverza, commander, 303rd Infantry Brigade it is very good that they conduct peaceful and orderly assembly.

For security of the campers at DOLE last night, policemen and some military personnel were posted in and outside DOLE building.* (Edith B. Colmo/NDB Reportial Team)