Tuesday, July 10, 2007 Guv to seek Arroyo intervention on Carp mess By Ma. Ester L. Espina
GOVERNOR Joseph Marañon is seeking President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo intervention on the recent discontent among local agrarian reform employees and executives as a possible means to put an end to agrarian related conflicts in the province.
In his letter to Arroyo, the governor said the recent allegations raised by the United Maros Association of Negros Occidental (Umano) and the employees union (Darfeu) is “very alarming” which warrants an investigation.
“We find the revelations relative to undue favors extended to Task Force Mapalad by the DAR leadership very alarming, thus, we are requesting a formal investigation to address the various issued raised by the employees,” Maranon said.
Both the Umano and Darfeu alleged in their manifesto that several top officials of DAR has been “accommodating, pampering and catering to the needs and demands of TFM, relying heavily on the pronouncements of TF Mapalad while disregarding the opinions and decisions made by the local officials, thus making a mockery of the dignity and credibility of DAR.”
They further alleged that DAR has used the agency’s resources to fund TFM-related activities and consultations, at the expense of the welfare of the employees.
The manifesto from both groups stemmed from their opposition to the recent order of Agrarian Secretary Nasser Pangandaman removing Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Stephen Leonidas from office, which they believe was done to accommodate TFM’s request for the latter’s ouster.
In his letter to Arroyo, the governor said “installation of TFM beneficiaries were often marred by violence, and in some instances death. This is simply due to the unusual manner by which they were undertaken unlike in other cases where consultations and dialogue among stakeholders and local government officials are held prior to actual land distribution.”
The same sentiments were raised by Umano President, Victor Montalvo, who in his letter to the Maranon said, “If left to the Maros, CARP implementation in the province would be fairer and non-violent.”
“However, with TFM dictating our higher officials on what to do, agrarian violence occur every time TFM are involved,” Montalvo added.
Umano and Darfeu also sought for the ouster of Undersecretary Narciso Nieto whom they have accused of “obvious favoritism of TFM to the disadvantage of DAR personnel and other NGOs and Pos who advocate agrarian reform program.”
Noticeable however is the failure of La Castellana Maro Nilda Salmorin to sign the petition. Umano officials said attempts to reach her and ask for her signature to support the cause went unheeded.
Both DAR organizations also called for the reinstatement of Leonidas and delineation of responsibilities and interference of the central office with local DAR matters.
