Manila, Philippines – The Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women condemned the extra-judicial killing (EJK) of peasant-vendor couple Silvestre Fortades Jr. and Rose Marie Galias last January 15, 2022 at Brgy. San Vicente, Barcelona town, Sorsogon by unidentified men. The said couple was active members of Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Sorsogon (SAMASOR) and Anakpawis Party-list in the province.
According to the human rights documentation of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, the couple was the 12th peasant couple killed; the 346th and 347th EJK peasant victims; and Galias was the 46th peasant woman killed under Duterte.
“The peasant-vendor couple was killed at 7 in the morning while tending their store to sell garlic, onions, and others vegetables. The incident happened 5 days after the nationwide gun ban for election period took effect,” exclaimed by Zenaida Soriano, Amihan National Chairperson exclaimed.
“We demand justice for Silvestre Fortades Jr. and Rose Marie Galias who were killed because of their political affiliations. We hold Duterte and this new year’s exhibition of atrocity is an added justification to abolish the fascist NTF-ELCAC which is notorious in targeting activists across the country,” Soriano added.
At present, justice was not served for other peasant couples killed under Duterte. Some of the victims were Ramon -Leonila Pesadilla, Arman – Arlene Almonicar, Hermenio – Soledad Aragdon, and Ariel – Chai Evangelista.
“We join Amihan Bicol and Defend Bicol Network to stop the brazen attack on human rights in the region. We urge the public to join us in our call for justice for slain peasant couple Fortades and Galias,” Soriano ended. ###
