MANILA, February 13, 2009—Catholic Church leaders condemned the violent dispersal of protesters at Mendiola Bridge in Manila yesterday that resulted to the hurting of several farmers.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said authorities must respect the democratic rights of freedom of speech of the farmers holding a peaceful assembly.

Lagdameo said of those farmers calling for the redistribution of the Arroyo-owned lands in Negros came from his metropolitan jurisdiction in Jaro.

“The authorities should have respected the farmers because they have a valid cause. They’ve sacrificed a lot and left their families behind just to call the government’s attention,” he said.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo called on the government to help the protesting farmers instead of hurting them.

“I appeal to the government not to use force rather to heed the cries of the farmers for laws based on social justice,” said Pabillo who also chairs the CBCP’s National Secretariat for Social Action- Justice and Peace.

Around 40 farmers were reportedly injured when police forces dispersed some 300 farmers from Negros Occidental and Leyte who camped out for some hours at the Mendiola Bridge Thursday night.

They also clamored for the passage of a bill seeking for the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) with reforms.

Civil Disturbance Management operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) used water cannons to disperse the farmers who lay down on the pavement in an attempt to resist dispersal.

Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena said the clergy is in solidarity with the farmers in their clamor for land.

“I strongly endorse the extension of CARP with reforms. Our farmers have been lobbying for this for many months now. We appeal to our legislators to make this as priority in their agenda,” he said.

Villena said the violent dispersal of the farmers was unwarranted. He called on the government not to hurt the sentiments of the people.

“We ask that the farmers be given their dignity and rights and that no harm or violence be done to them,” he said.

Baguio Bishop Carlito Cenzon, for his part, encouraged the farmers not to lose hope and continue their fight for land in a peaceful way.

“You have journeyed long and hard, and given inspiration to others along the way. We have prayed for your success. Keep your hopes high and stay courageous,” Cenzon said. (Roy Lagarde)