KMP scores demolition of farmers' houses in Pangasinan

MANILA, Philippines - In anticipation of Human Rights Week, militant farmers said it will intensify their call against landgrabbing and demolition of farming communities following a recent incident where 50 houses of farmers in Sta. Barbara town of Pangasinan, have been knocked down.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) strongly condemned the Nov. 23 violent demolition of about 50 houses of farmers in Barangay Tebag. The group likened the day-long demolition to the Hacienda Luisita massacre as elements of the Philippine National Police reportedly fired shots wounding a 13-year-old boy, and afterwards, arrested four farmers.

“We condemn this latest attack on farming communities, without notice though they were Certificate of Land Title (CLT) holders. We blame this on the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with ‘Reforms’ or CARPer as this law did not give any protection to the farmer-beneficiaries,” said Antonio Flores, KMP spokesperson and Tanggol Magsasaka co-convenor.

Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon reported that this is the third attempt of demolition, the last was on May 25. The affected farmers were holders of CLT or beneficiaries of Presidential Decree 27 – the Land Reform Program of the Marcos regime. They were tilling the lands for about 30 years but now they are being driven off by a landlord identified as Humberto Solis, in collusion with government officials and forces.

AMGL said on Tuesday morning, a 60-man demolition team and 50 elements of PNP in full battle gear with no name tags, along with a fire truck of the local government arrived at Barangay Tebag. There were no prior notice to the farmers that their houses would be demolished, thus, they prepared themselves to defend it.

Police forces are said to have started firing shots and the farmers retaliated by throwing stones. The demolition team and the police retreated.

The farmers claimed a boy was shot at the leg, 13-year-old Renelo Cablayan.

Police also beat up a 35-year-old farmer, Jerry Arandia and arrested four farmers, Diosado Dalupe, 24, Grace Dalupe, 27, Arnold Montemayor, 35, and Domingo Neri, 64. The farmers also lost their belongings during the demolition.