Kaya Natin!

We, the leaders of Kaya Natin!, a national movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership strongly condemn the brutal killing of Sumilao Farmer and PAKISAMA leader Rene Penas. Ka Rene, as he is fondly called by his friends and fellow farmers, has been one of those who have consistently been at the forefront of pushing for the Extension and Reform of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARPER) and was one of those who led the recent Sumilao Farmer March from Bukidnon to Manila.

We call on our Philippine National Police to immediately move towards ensuring that the perpetuators of this heinous crime are caught and are held accountable for their actions. This is an obvious attempt to harass and sow fear among those that continue to fight for the rights of our farmers in our country.

We express our deepest sympathies and condolences to Ka Rene’s family as we continue to also express our support for the continued fight for CARPER.

Signed:

HON. JESSE ROBREDO, Mayor, Naga City
HON. EDDIE PANLILIO, Governor, Pampanga
HON. GRACE PADACA, Governor, Isabela
HON. TEDDY BAGUILAT, JR., Governor, Ifugao
HON. SONIA LORENZO, Mayor, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
HON. FERMIN MABULO, Mayor, San Fernando, Camarines Sur
HON. FLORANTE GERDAN, Mayor, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya
HON. ROQUE VERZOSA,JR., Mayor, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur
HON. MARIVIC BELENA, Mayor, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija
HON. VALENTE YAP, Vice-Mayor, Bindoy, Negros Oriental
HON. MARY JANE ORTEGA, former Mayor, San Fernando City, La Union
HON. GLORIA CONGCO, former Mayor, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija