Protest Group at EDSA People Power Monument Ends Hunger Strike After Kadamay Refused to Join Them

A group called Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA) went on a hunger strike at the EDSA People Power Monument since Wednesday, February 14. But while it was earlier set to end on Saturday, the group will end it today, Friday. This is after the group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) refused to join them.

PAKISAMA, supported by the “running priest” Fr. Robert Reyes, went on a hunger strike with the theme, "Dasal at Ayuno Laban sa Cha-Cha" to protest the proposed Charter Change (Cha-Cha). The peasant group, which is known for hunger strike against every administration, is urging the Duterte government to implement genuine land reform.

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This Friday morning, police advised them to leave the area because it will be used today, in line with the 32nd anniversary of EDSA People Power 1. At first, Fr. Robert Reyes said that the group will not leave, but rather will move aside to give way for those who will attend the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary celebration.

However, a member of PAKISAMA later said that the group decided that they will leave in the afternoon. According to a certain Hilario Diay, their leader told them that they will leave the area at 4 pm today, and end the hunger strike. When asked why, he said his leader did not tell him why, but he said he overheard that Kadamay refused to join them.

“Sinabihan na kami ng aming leader na hanggang alas 4 na lang kami ng hapon mamaya, at aalis na kami. Ewan ko po kung bakit, pero narinig ko sa kasamahan ko na nagalit daw yung leader namin. Kasi daw, dapat nung isang araw pa nandito yung mga taga Kadamay, pero wala pa hanggang ngayon, wala pa.” Diay told reporters.

And although the leader of PAKISAMA was not available to speak to reporters, a leader of Kadamay clarified that none of their members will join the hunger strike. In an ambush interview, Gerald Aris said that Kadamay is an urban poor group that it focused only on housing projects for the poor, and is not affiliated to any other militant group.



“Hindi naman po sa wala kaming pakisama, kundi dahil iba po ang aming layunin, at ito ay tungkol lamang sa pabahay sa mga mahihirap. Hindi ko po alam kung sino ang nagsabi sa kanila sa sasama kami, pero wala pong advice sa amin mula sa itaas.” Aris said, adding that the group will join the anti-Duterte rally on Sunday, February 25.

Contributed by Renato Pasayao