The farmers use the Methodist Church's compound as shelter during the 5-day blockade of Kidapawan National Highway.
The farmers and lumads were demanding the release of North Cotabato's calamity funds through rice subsidies. Mindanao has experienced severe droughts since 2015, which left the farmers with nothing to eat.
The full text of the letter is shown below:
April 01, 2016
BISHOP CIRIACO FRANCISCO
Spottswood United Methodist Church
Kidapawan City
Dear Bishop Francisco:
This has reference with the on-going protest rally at the National Highway fronting National Food Authority (NFA) Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City.
We have received reliable information that you are protecting and providing assistance to these illegal protesters and harboring them at the compound of the Spottswood United Methodist Church, Kidapawan City. This protest rally which have occurred for four days already have greatly impaired if not paralyzed mostly the daily routines of the people of the City and the Province as a whole and have caused economic sabotage to the businesses and welfare of our constituents.
With these, please be informed that your action of harboring these protesters is punishable by law. We might be constrained to take legal actions againts you unless you cooperate with us in addressing this issue formally and legally.
Sincerely,
Emmylou "Lala" J. Talino Mendoza
Governor
[ThinkingPinoy]
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