Farmer-groups vow continuous support to army’s call for peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 7): Farmer-groups vow continuous support to army’s call for peace

Two farmer-organizations from Calubian and San Isidro, both from the province of Leyte, reiterated their continuous support to the 802nd Infantry Brigade’s call for peace during the 12th Anniversary of the“Balik-uma” (back to farm) held at Barangay Jubay this town on Wednesday, April 3.

First Lt. Rod Vincent F. Babera, of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, identified the two organizations as the Samahan sa Mag-uuma sa Calubian (Samaca) and Kahugpungang Mag-uuma sa San Isidro (Kamas).

During the whole day celebration which started with a mass followed by short program with Col. Rafael Valencia, the commanding officer of the Ormoc based 802nd Infantry Brigade as guest speaker, the leaders of the two organizations expressed their gratitude to the military for the support it has been extending them.

The leaders said ever since they turned their backs on the New People’s Army, they have been enjoying peace with their families and they are hopeful that more and better opportunities continue.

Kamas and Samaca which have nearly 2,000 followers, were formerly communist-inspired organizations according to a certain Mayang, former secretary of the decimated Northern Leyte Front of the Communist Party of the Philippines in Leyte.

For years, Kamas and Samaca battled over rights to farm within the thousand hectares of land owned by the Larrazabals. Their call was officially heard on April 3, 2001 when the landowners offered portions of their land to be nurtured by the members of the farmers groups.

In his speech, Valencia said the military will continue to implement actions to encourage rebels to abandon the armed struggle which had been futile for more than 40 years, and return to the fold of the law.

Earlier, Valencia suggested the reorganization of Kamas and Samaca into eight associations. Valencia also initiated visits and consultative dialogues with local chief executives and appropriate government agencies for legal, administrative, and financial support to the said associations.

With the support of the military, the Taglawigan Farmers Association of San Isidro, Leyte was officially registered in the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) a day before the Anniversary of Balik-uma.

The same support is being extended by the troops of 19th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac to the farmers associations in Calubian and San Isidro, Leyte.

Applications for registration of other six farmers associations and one fisher folks association are now being processed at the DOLE Regional Office -8 , it was learned.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1141365295904