Threat of violence

Ben Contreras

VIOLENCE is threatening to break out in Maramag, Bukidnon, and unless the problem is handled with prudence––and judiciously––it could put the people’s trust in our government under serious question.

It looks like a case of land grabbing, not the kind where the poor try to grab or occupy untended lands of the rich. It’s the other way around.

Small landowners and farmers have sought the assistance of the media on their plight against seemingly powerful personalities. The use of unknown persons, the display of high-powered guns, including shotguns, Armalites, AK47 machine guns and carbines, certainly, does not suggest a friendly confrontation. It is simply a show of force, intimidation and injustice.

It’s surprising that only the name of the Bukidnon governor was heard and not of the mayor of Maramag. When we passed by Maramag during our trip to Davao months ago, the LGU of Maramag was talking about big plantation owners to field their own candidates this coming election––candidates who would be friendly to their business interests. The business sector’s beef has something to do with the LGU’s water supply source which might be contaminated by heavy use of chemicals by plantations. The LGU stood their ground in the protection of their water source. They are pro-people.

Now, this controversy has indeed reached the mayor of Maramag. Apparently, the mayor was not able to do anything to help them as alleged.

The Police provincial commander was also informed. An investigation was allegedly conducted but nothing came out of it. In fact, the provincial commander seemed to have distanced himself on the issue.

Are these farmers against a power so big and potent that their LGU and the police seem to be helpless in giving assistance to the aggrieved parties? Are our authorities resigned to their inutility? Or would they rather wait for bloodshed to happen which the aggrieved parties are ready to face if justice is nowhere to be found.

Their farm products were uprooted, their lands occupied by unknown people, they claimed to be harassed by intruders.

People seek assistance from the Left when those who are supposed to help and give justice turn a blind eye to their plight.

Problem like this happens when government agencies are infested with rats and cockroaches conniving with influential politicians.

I hope our police regional director will start a thorough and honest investigation into this issue. Blood will be in his hands if he doesn’t lift a finger to investigate and help the aggrieved parties.

To the police provincial commander of Bukidnon, the heavy caliber guns aren’t toys by any standard. If their presence is not a cause for alarm and would merit an investigation, then I really cannot understand what you are there for.