DAR chief hits farmers’ lobby group

Agrarian Reform Secretary Hernani A. Braganza yesterday lamented the ongoing protest action of Task Force Mapalad-Negros in front of the DAR central office, branding the issues being raised as "hollow and tainted with ulterior motives."

Braganza said Task Force Mapalad, which claims to represent some 5,000 farmers on Negros Island, engaged in disinformation, misrepresentation of facts, and foul tactics in a desperate attempt to force him out of office and pursue its objectives of installing its candidate.

"The continuing hostility of Task Force Mapalad is regrettable, because it is counter-productive and undermines efforts instead of promoting the interest of the farmers," Braganza said.