BACOLOD CITY – Two farmers affiliated with Task Force Mapalad were shot dead yesterday allegedly by three security guards at Hacienda Velez-Malaga in Barangay Robles, La Castellana town, after their group attempted to prepare a portion of the 144-hectare contested area for planting of sugarcane.
Four other farmers sustained various injuries during the incident, according to the town police chief Regidor Alvarado. He said more than 50 TFM farmers barged into the area early morning yesterday but were prevented by the guards from Cornerstone Security Agency. Heated arguments followed resulting to a confrontation that lead to the death of Alejandro Garcisa, Ely Tupas and injuries on four others. The shooting incident came two months after Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman installed 57 TFM farmers in the 51-hectare area amid questions on its legality. – Antonietta Lopez