Rodrigo Duterte Reacts to Kidapawan Incident
The tough-talking Davao City Mayor and presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte said that the Kidapawan City incident which happened on April 1 is on president Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino III’s hand. He also asked the government to provide assistance on the said occurrence.
See Also: Watch: Gov. Emmylou Mendoza Refused Rice Donations For Kidapawan Farmers
According to reports, two farmers lost their lives and dozens of farmers were left wounded after the peasant groups blocked portions of national highway in Kidapawan City since Wednesday and armed police tried to clear the way.
For months now, the farmers have been asking the government for food aid to reduce the hunger which struck their community. This was due to El Niño phenomenon that hit the country since November last year.
The feisty mayor said that the president should take responsibility for what has happened. Thus, he cannot escape blame from the “barbaric” incident.
“It all the more becomes more tragic and despicable that the same bloodline that benefited from the EDSA 1986 revolt have soiled their hands with the blood and tears of the Filipino people who allowed them into power,” he was quoted saying by CNN Philippines.
The mayor also called for sobriety from the both parties to avoid incidents that could lead to the tragic occurence.
On the other hand, another presidential candidate Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said that the government should be held accountable for the incident. She also called the incident “inhuman.”
The senator criticized also the Aquino administration, saying that they cannot be pro-poor if their answers for help is to end people’s lives.
Senator Grace Poe also said that the incident would have not occurred if the government agencies responded to help the farmers from the start.