MANILA, Philippines – Several people are reported injured Friday, April 1, during a violent dispersal of a protest action by farmers in Kidapawan City.
Kilab Multimedia, on its Facebook page, said that at least 8 people, all identified as farmers, have been shot and wounded during the dispersal by Kidapawan City police forces.
The farmers are asking for help from the government due to the effects of a drought in the area, and have been blocking the Davao-Cotabato Highway since Wednesday, March 30, reports said.
The protesters are demanding the release of the province's calamity fund and for rice supplies, as the farmers said they have been severely affected by drought in the past several months.
They are also asking the local government to release 15,000 sacks of rice as calamity assistance, MindaNews reported Wednesday.
Organizers said Thursday, March 31, that around 5,000 people are at the protest, while police put the number at around 3,000.
More details soon. – Rappler.com