24/10/2025
FREE THE HANDS WHO NOURISH THE LAND!
As we celebrate Peasant Month this October, we highlight our peasant defenders, farmers, organizers, and land rights advocates who remain behind bars and continue to suffer from state persecution for standing up for land, rights, dignity, and freedom.
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ALVIN “CHAI” FORTALIZA
FOUNDER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, BOL-ANONG ARTISTA NGA MAY DIWANG DAGOHOY (BANSIWAG) and
VICE-PRESIDENT FOR VISAYAS, SINAGBAYAN
Alvin “Chai” Fortaliza is a cultural artist in Central Visayas, known not only for his talent but for the depth of his commitment to farmers and their rights.His advocacy for farmers’ rights and welfare shines through her powerful choreography and performances, whether on stage, in the streets, or in different communities.
He founded the Bol-anong Artista nga may Diwang Dagohoy (BANSIWAG) Cultural Network in 2010. Chai is also the Vice-President for Visayas of Sining na Naglilingkod sa Bayan (SINAGBAYAN)- a national organization of cultural workers, theater artists, poets, musicians, writers and visual artists aiming to create and popularize people's arts and literature drawn from integration with the people.
On March 4, 2019, while campaigning for Anakpawis Partylist, Chai was unjustly arrested and accused of 2 counts of murder and attempted murder.
To date, all charges against him, except for the attempted murder case have been dismissed by the court.
Despite imprisonment, Chai remains steadfast in pursuing his art and depicting the plight of the farmers through his paintings. His conviction stands as a powerful testament that no prison bar can break the spirit of a true cultural worker and activist.
Free Alvin Fortaliza Now!
Free Peasant Defenders!
Free All Political Prisoners!
Land to the Tillers!
Artwork by Bugz Saavedra
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This Peasant Month, Karapatan Central Visayas reiterates its urgent call for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Cebu, Bohol, Negros, and across the country who suffer unjustly for defending the rights and welfare of farmers, and for standing firm in the struggle for genuine agrarian reform and social justice.
In the region alone, 2 political prisoners remain detained in Cebu, 13 in Bohol, and over a hundred in Negros Island. Many of them are farmers, peasant leaders, and land rights advocates imprisoned for defending their land.
Join our campaign to free the hands that nourish the land!
Your solidarity can make a difference.
You may send your donations through the QR code in the comment section to support our continuing efforts for the welfare and freedom of political prisoners.
Be a human rights defender.
Join Karapatan Central Visayas, click the form below:
https://tinyurl.com/VolunteerForKarapatanCENVIS