The family of the slain peasant leader Ka Rene Peñas takes this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who helped and donated during Unsilent Night – our fundraising gig for his daughter’s tuition. As a barangay kagawad, his daughter’s tuition was covered by the state. When he was shot on June 5, 2009, that benefit was revoked. Though we’d love to give him justice, we’re happy with just assisting with his daugher’s tuition.

Using all means to be heard, peasant leader Rene Penas jumped into the Manila Bay while we were talking by the wall…. he jumped in so he can say his piece. Us, boring folks (me esp) just watched in awe at the tenacity of this man. We should all be so brave. Ka Rene was gunned down on the evening of the 5th of June on his way home in Sumilao. Less than a week after the CARP -Extension Law was passed in Congress. I guess some landed people wanted to remind the farmers of their power. And that is my issue. -Gang

Unedited conversation on Ka Rene Penas. Shot 8 June 2009, 2am. (Yoyong and Dodong, both of the Sumilao Farmers’ Group tell me what they remember most about their slain leader Ka Rene.)

Three days after Sumilao farmer-leader Ka Rene Penas was shot I had the opportunity to ask two of his constant companions (Yoyong and Dodong- also farmers) to tell me more about this great man. (unedited, shot June 8 2009 – 1am)

Three days after Sumilao farmer-leader Ka Rene Penas was shot I had the opportunity to ask two of his constant companions (Yoyong and Dodong- also farmers) to tell me more about this great man. (unedited) Shot 8 June 2009 -1am.