It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved peasant leader Joseph Canlas or Ka JC as is fondly called by colleagues and poor farmers in Central Luzon.

Canlas, 59, succumbed early this morning to complications of COVID-19 which he acquired due to unjust and prolonged detention. He was rushed to the ICU of Jose B. Lingad Memorial Hospital last Saturday evening due to acute respiratory failure and other COVID symptoms.

We could only blame the Duterte government for Canlas’ untimely death. The state’s brutal fascism killed Canlas who was exposed to COVID while in detention and under the custody of the BJMP. His unjust detention led to the swift deterioration of his health condition.

We point our fingers to the NTF-ELCAC that subjected Canlas to constant red-tagging, Angeles City RTC Executive Judge Ma. Angelica T. Paras-Quiambao who issued the search warrant against Canlas; the PNP-CIDG that executed the defective warrant and carried out the illegal arrest last March 30; and the BJMP for consciously neglecting Canlas’ health condition.

We express our sincerest condolences to his family, his wife Mercy Canlas, and their children Jenelle and Joseph Jr.

We will turn our grief into strong indignation and protest this government that kills its people.

We call on all our fellow land reform advocates, human rights advocates, communities, and institutions to join us in demanding justice for Joseph Canlas.

KMP and Anakpawis will lead an indignation protest at the Commission on Human Rights this afternoon. #