A group of Ilocano settlers in Barangay Sumogot, Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur, has sent a heartfelt and urgent letter to Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. They are appealing for the immediate cessation of what they describe as non-stop, forcible, and coercive evictions from their farmland. The settlers, descendants of Ilocano migrants, have been enduring destruction of their lands and crops, allegedly at the hands of two powerful corporations supported by local government units and national security forces. This article will delve into the settlers’ plight, the historical context of their land claims, and their urgent plea for justice and restoration of the rule of law.
The Plight of Ilocano Settlers
Since December 2023, the settlers’ farmlands have been relentlessly destroyed by tractors. The letter names Kennemer Food International and Asia Pacific Precision Agriculture Group as the corporations responsible for these actions, ostensibly sanctioned by the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA). The settlers argue that there has been no court order for their eviction, raising questions about the legality and morality of the actions taken against them.
The local government and the SPDA claim ownership of the 26,000 hectares of land, based on a presidential proclamation from 1981. However, the settlers, who have been occupying and cultivating the land since the 1950s during the presidency of Ramon Magsaysay, assert their prior rights to the land. The settlers’ farms are their primary source of livelihood, producing vegetables and sugarcane that support local economies in Davao and Cagayan de Oro City.
Violations of Rights and Rule of Law
The letter details a series of human rights violations, including the destruction of crops, intimidation by armed personnel, and the lack of due process in the eviction efforts. These actions have caused immense suffering and fear among the settlers, who feel abandoned and oppressed by their own government.
The settlers argue that their rights are protected under the Philippine Constitution, which guarantees that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. They cite the example of Mayor Elvino Nono Balicao Jr. of Wao, Lanao del Sur, who has respected the prior rights of settlers in his jurisdiction, allowing them to remain on their land and ensuring peace and justice. In stark contrast, the situation in Amai Manabilang is described as a travesty of justice, driven by the interests of powerful corporations and facilitated by local and national authorities.
Historical Context and Prior Rights
The Ilocano settlers in Amai Manabilang are descendants of migrants who settled in the area during the 1950s, under the resettlement program of President Ramon Magsaysay. These settlers were granted individual prior rights (IPR) to the land, which they have cultivated for decades, transforming it into productive agricultural areas. The settlers’ prior rights are rooted in their long-standing occupation and development of the land, a fact that they argue should be recognized and respected by the government.
The conflict arises from the claim by the SPDA, supported by the 1981 presidential proclamation, that the land belongs to the agency for its agro-industrial development program. The settlers counter this claim by pointing out the selective enforcement of this proclamation. The SPDA has not attempted to enforce its claim over the entire 26,000 hectares, particularly the 16,000 hectares in Wao, suggesting inconsistency and possible ulterior motives in targeting the lands in Amai Manabilang.
The Role of Local Government and Security Forces
The involvement of local government units (LGUs), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the eviction efforts has intensified the settlers’ suffering. Armed personnel have been present during the destruction of crops, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. This heavy-handed approach has raised serious concerns about the abuse of power and the erosion of the rule of law.
During a meeting on April 26, 2023, to discuss the plans of Kennemer and the SPDA, tensions escalated when a settler named Noel Subido voiced his concerns about the inadequate compensation for their land and the violation of their rights. He was subsequently assaulted by bodyguards of the mayor, in full view of AFP and PNP personnel, who did nothing to intervene. This incident exemplifies the broader pattern of violence and repression faced by the settlers.
Appeal for Justice and Restoration of Rule of Law
The settlers’ letter to President Marcos Jr. is a desperate plea for justice and the restoration of the rule of law. They seek an immediate halt to the destruction of their farms and a cessation of the forced evictions. The settlers are calling for a thorough investigation into the actions of the SPDA, the involved corporations, and the local authorities. They are also advocating for the recognition of their prior rights and the issuance of Individual Property Rights (IPR) to secure their tenure and livelihoods.
The settlers emphasize that their struggle is not just about land, but about their fundamental human rights and dignity. They argue that the development of the country’s natural resources should primarily benefit Filipinos, not foreign investors or powerful corporations. Their appeal highlights the need for a more equitable and just approach to land use and development, one that respects the rights and contributions of local communities.
Conclusion
The plight of the Ilocano settlers in Barangay Sumogot, Amai Manabilang, underscores a broader issue of social injustice and human rights violations in the Philippines. Their urgent appeal to President Marcos Jr. calls for immediate action to stop the forcible evictions and the destruction of their farmlands. It also demands a return to the rule of law and the recognition of the settlers’ prior rights.
This case highlights the tension between development initiatives and the rights of local communities. It raises critical questions about the role of government agencies, the influence of powerful corporations, and the protection of human rights in the Philippines. As the settlers continue to fight for their land and their livelihoods, their appeal serves as a powerful reminder of the need for justice, equity, and respect for the rule of law in all aspects of national development.