Slain Davao protest leader laid to rest

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Thousands joined the funeral march yesterday for the slain leader of protests against the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s slow distribution of relief goods to victims of typhoon “Pablo.”

Cristina Jose, a kagawad of Barangay Binondo in Baganga, who was gunned down by unidentified men last March 4, was laid to rest in Baganga, Davao Oriental.

Hamimay Suazo of Karapatan Southern Mindanao told The STAR that military and police officials attempted to block the buses that ferried those who joined the funeral march.

“They prevented at least three buses loaded with other Barug Katawhan members from Compostela Valley and other places in Davao Oriental from entering Baganga and joining the funeral march,” Suazo said.