Sunday, March 16, 2008 Gueco: Candle for Justice By Malu T. Gueco Aslagan
LIGHTING up a white candle with his veined fingers, bowing his head in prayers, moving his lips in a cry for justice, farmer Tatang Ando, 60-year-old worker joined the prayer vigil at 25 Times Street, Quezon City last Friday.
In front of the house of former President Corazon Aquino, the 100 farmers belonging to the United Luisita Workers Union held a prayer vigil at 7:00 p.m. Friday.
Praying in respectful tones, with the cause of integrity imprinted in their hearts and minds, they peacefully marched on Times Street to present their issue regarding the death of their fellow farmers way back 2004.
Carrying a white wooden coffin to symbolize their crusade, they were a calm and courageous group who simply wanted to open up their hearts.
What is their cause? They are asking for justice.
History
Together, let us now review the news stories filed on the said event that stirred them to conduct their vigil last Friday.
Walking along the corridors of history, our research unfolded this news story of writer Bobby Tuazon from the newspaper entitled "Bulatlat."
Herein are his words:
"The violent dispersal of the strike of Hacienda Luisita farm workers on November 16, 2004 that led to the death of farmers, including women and children and the wounding of 200 others, was a massacre bound to happen.
The labor dispute that pitted, on the one hand, the hacienda's 5,000 farmers and 700 milling workers who were demanding among others the reinstatement of 300 workers and on the other, the management that has rejected every inch of their demands was in a deadlock.
With their families living on starvation wages and themselves threatened with a mass lay-off, there was no way by which the workers could push their cause except by staging a strike.
From the very beginning, it appeared that the only response that the powerful Cojuangcos -- including former President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino -- had in mind was by military means.
Just across the commercial complex that adjoins the hacienda along the McArthur Highway in Tarlac is the Philippine Army's Camp Aquino.
Camp Aquino, while serving as the headquarters of the Army's Northern Luzon command, virtually guards the vast hacienda and its units are at the beck and call of the Cojuangcos and other powers-that-be in the region during times of labor unrest or during election."
With this historical flashback unfolding before our very eyes, we feel in our hearts the plight of the said farmers.
Pastor Manny David
Now let us listen to the prayers of their pastor who represent this group. Instilling a sense of serenity, emphasizing the peaceful means in resolving conflicts, the pastor is an advocate who cries out in the landscape of peace and amity.
Pastor Manny R. David, SSPSA, is a devout person of prayer who spearheads the group.
The vigil group represented their 7,000 members of the United Luisita Workers Union on Friday, February 29, 2008, as they reiterated their appeal for peace for their fallen farmers.
"Mangadi kami para keng ustisya, para keng kekaming kapatad a mete, ampon para mayari na ing problemang gabun mi king Hacienda Luisita. Mapayapa a solusyon ing kekaming angad, sana mu pakiramdaman dakami reng pamilyang Cojuangco (Praying for justice for our fellow farmers and the resolution of the land dispute at Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac, we hope the family Conjuangco will heed our appeal)."
Expressing this conviction was Pastor Manny David who bravely stood on the forefront of the vigil.
Speaking with the lighted candles in the background, which were in contrast to the dark night, their prayers formed an unforgettable scene. Their hushed tones melded with the vigorous sincerity of their memories.
Interlinking their passionate appeals for justice and peace with humility, they were images of gallant advocacy.
Worthily, Pastor Manny with his noble leadership inspired, touched and moved the group members who braved hunger, hilly terrain and burning heat just to reach Manila.
In Sum
Today we hear the plea of our brothers/sisters farmers from Tarlac. May the glow of justice shine on them.
May the lamp of peace and of love for our fellow humankind prevail over the black caves of incessant shadows, injustice, and indifference.
Flickering across our beloved Philippines, may the light of honesty peace and oneness erase the night of destruction.
You and I are one. May we lift up the candle of justice and keep it burning through these critical times!
