MMDA denies role in DAR dispersal

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Bayani Fernando denied yesterday that his men took part in the breaking of the picket line of militant farmers at the Department of Agrarian (DAR) building along Elliptical Road in Quezon City.

"The MMDA was there because the PNP (Philippine National Police) asked us to clean the area, not break the picket line. That’s not part of my men’s job. Dispersals are the work of the police," Fernando told The STAR.

Fernando said the MMDA sidewalk-clearing personnel did arrive early at the picket area because the police wanted them to clean the place.

"Marumi nga raw kasi ang lugar dahil matagal na sila (picketers) duon," Fernando said, adding his men had to wait for the police to arrive before they could start their work.

Some 100 militant farmers, who have been calling for the resignation of DAR Sec. Roberto Pagdanganan, have converted the sidewalk in front of the DAR building into their sleeping quarters.

"They have put up shanties and clotheslines in the area, causing inconvenience to many pedestrians who were ultimately forced to walk on the road," a 20 year old resident near the area told The STAR.

Fernando said he has received death threats from texters who claimed to be from leftists group after it was reported that it was the MMDA that broke the farmers’ picket line.

Eleven people were hurt in the incident.

In a related development, elements of the Central Police District (CPD) were fully prepared for a possible clash near the DAR offices as farmers tried to once again stage a rally yesterday.

The farmers and their militant allies could go no further than the Philippine Coconut Authority building.

CPD-Station 2 chief Superintendent Julius Abanes stood firm in not allowing the farmers from advancing since they did not have a permit to hold a rally in front of DAR.

Abanes suggested to demonstrators that they hold their program at the Freedom Park or return on Monday after they secure a mayor’s permit. – With Katherine Adraneda