“For many decades, the people, especially the farmers, have been demanding for land, while some have already occupied farms but are faced with violent reprisals from the ‘oligarchs’ who use their private armed groups or PAGS,” Casilao said.
Casilao was referring to the case of farmers belonging to the Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association, Inc. (MARBAI) who were supposed to be agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) on the 145-hectare land located in Barangay San Isidro, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte. He noted that the farmers are now being ejected from their farms.
He said lawmakers in the progressive bloc are also the authors of House Bill No. 555 or Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB) that pushes for free distribution of land to farmers.
“Since late last year, Anakpawis has been coordinating with the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and allied farmer organizations on their call for dismantling haciendas, estates and plantations and land distribution,” Casilao also said.
He stressed that the “agrarian reform agenda in the country is of utmost significance, as it affects at least more than half of the population or the rural population.”
