Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) urged newly inaugurated US President Joe Biden to withdraw its military support to the “peasant killer” administration of PH President Duterte. “We welcome the end of Donald Trump’s fascist reign,” KMP National Chairperson Danilo Ramos says.

The peasant leader appealed for support in defending democracy and trumping fascism, citing President Biden’s emphasis on the triumph of democracy in his inaugural speech. “President Biden should stop the wastage of billions upon billions of the American people’s tax money on Duterte’s campaign against democracy. American funds can be better utilized elsewhere than on bullets and bombs which kill and harass the rural poor of the Philippines,” Ramos explains. 

KMP has documented 313 peasants killed in the Philippines concerning land disputes and agrarian reform advocacy. The US-supported Armed Forces of the Philippines continue to carry out human rights abuses. State agents and paramilitary are also responsible for the killings of civilians. The US remains the top source of war materiel and training for the mercenary AFP. 

“We encourage the Biden administration to halt all pending arms sale contracts and military support deliveries to the Philippines and scrutinize the effects of these aid to the human rights situation in the Philippines.” 

Ramos added that the Biden presidency supporting Duterte is a step in the wrong direction. “With its failed response to the pandemic, wanton corruption, and brutality, the Duterte camp is increasingly isolated from the people. Facing the people’s growing discontent, Duterte is the captain of a sinking ship desperately trying to stay afloat. In many ways, Duterte is the Philippines’ Trump – incompetent, divisive, tyrannical, and most importantly, will be held accountable by the people,” Ramos ends. #