Sumifru workers under the Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Suyapa Farms (NAMASUFA) successfully defended their campout in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila last February 4. Their protest camp, now at its second month, began last November 27 to demand DOLE and Sumifru to recognize their union and regularize their workers. Their strike was launched last October 1, 2018.

Manila City local government threatened to demolish the campout to pave way for the supposed renovation of DPWH but failed to present papers to prove the plan. Threats of dispersal persist.

Before this, workers held a protest to end martial law in Mindanao last January 29 in front of the Supreme Court. Their protest was held in time for the court’s hearing on martial law extension. They were joined by students from different universities in Metro Manila.

Despite rains, members of Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda sa San Miguel Bay held
protest last January 20 in front of the municipal hall of Tinambac, Camarines Sur. They opposed the planned demolition of their biyakos (a structure made of bamboo and net for fishing) by the local government in Look River. According to Leo Velarde, chairperson of SMM-SMB, the Tinambac mayor disregarded their petition last December 2018 which led to the loss of the livelihood of about 60% of fishermen in the said town.