Timeline: Kidapawan violence

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights on Thursday (April 7) is conducting its first investigation into the violent dispersal of farmers in Kidapawan City last April 1.

Read: What we know so far on the Kidapawan incident

Leading the hearing in Davao City is Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, together with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Teofisto Guingona III.

Here's a timeline of the events that transpired in the last few days leading up to the Senate hearing.

March 30

Farmers in North Cotabato were demanding immediate release of calamity aid from the local government. They said they had been experiencing severe hunger because of the drought affecting their crops.

The farmers started blocking several roads in Kidapawan as a sign of protest.

April 1

The farmers blocking the Davao-Cotabato Highway in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato were dispersed. But things went violent, leaving three farmers and dozens of others wounded.

According to the Kabataan Partylist, members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) opened fire at the protesters.

North Cotabato officials said the violence started after a number of the protesters attacked policemen escorting a group of social workers out to rescue minors in the barricade set up along the highway.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the Philippine government to immediately respond to the violence.

"The government needs to urgently investigate the incident, particularly the conduct of law enforcement personnel that may have led to the bloodshed, and hold accountable anyone found responsible regardless of rank or affiliation," HRW said in a statement.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) said the Aquino administration and Gov. Mendoza should be held accountable for the incident. They also said the provincial government failed to deliver on its promise to provide food relief to the farmers after placing North Cotabato under a state of calamity.

April 2

Malacañang called for an immediate, fair and thorough investigation to hold those accountable for the violence.

April 4

Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista said around 43 farmers are facing criminal complaints and are being held liable for possible illegal assembly and direct assault against persons in authority, among others.

City Deputy Chief of Police Sr. Insp. Andres Sumugat also said more raps were being readied against the protesters.

April 5

The PNP created a fact-finding team to look into the operations, administrative, and disciplinary aspects of the violent dispersal of protesters.

The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights scheduled a public hearing in Davao City on April 7 in the light of the incident.

April 6

Farmers and the local government of Kidapawan City reached an agreement. The farmers ended their protest, and as part of the negotiation, police and military troops pulled out of the area.

But militant groups in Manila launched their own protest. They condemned Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala, North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza, and President Benigno Aquino III for the incident.

Alcala admitted in a press conference that they fell short on providing relief to the farmers. But he believes the protest was politically motivated.