Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid ng Asyenda Luisita (AMBALA, or Alliance of Hacienda Luisita Farm Workers) newly elected officers took their oath at a gathering in Barangay Lourdes, San Miguel, Tarlac City on November 16.

They held the ceremony concurrent with marking the 2004 massacre committed by state forces killing seven farmers in Hacienda Luisita. The United Luisita Workers Union and the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Labor Union were then on strike against the illegal dismissal of 326 unionists. The strike also protested the company’s slave-like wages, which then dropped to ₱9.50 per day.

Concluding the gathering, the farmers marched through the streets of Tarlac City, carrying their calls for the right to land, livelihood, and housing.

Ambala’s new officers were elected during its assembly on November 15, where members from various barangays attended. Most of the newly elected officers are women. They now assume the task of reclaiming the gains of the people’s strike and revitalizing and strengthening the organization.