Rep. Zarate warns Kidapawan cops of charges for blocking food to protesting farmers

DAVAO CITY --Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate warns that North Cotabato policemen and officers will face criminal and administrative charges for imposing an illegal food blockade on hungry protesting farmers. There is now a virtual martial law in Kidapawan! It is highly outrageous and illegal for these police officers to block and deny some 300 farmers from receiving their share from the rice donated by concerned citizens and private groups, Rep. Zarate said.After the government's failure to act on the farmers demands for rice aid, rice donations from private groups and individuals started pouring in at the United Methodist Church compound in Kidapawan City where the protesting farmers sought sanctuary after they were violently dispersed April 1. The rice distribution is scheduled today before the farmers return to their respective communities. We demand an immediate stop to this food blockade these policemen should instead pull out from the church sanctuary and leave the farmers in peace, he added. These atrocious acts of our state forces will not be left unanswered charges will be filed against them, he said.