Saturday, August 30, 2008 KMP-Negros demands security for 'Cadiz 13'
THE Kilusang Mambubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP)-Negros has asked Gov. Isidro Zayco to ensure the full security and rehabilitation program for the 13 Cadiz men who were arrested by the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) last July 5.
They were arrested in Barangay Bonifacio allegedly for illegal logging.
Rolando David, KMP-Negros spokesperson, said in a pre-forum interview with Sun.Star that "they will demand for full security from the Philippine National Police" for the nine freed farmers and their families.
"Ang demands namin na dapat hindi na maulit ang illegal na pag-aresto sa mga maliliit na magsasaka sa amin. Tapos, dapat ibalik ng gobyerno ang mga nagastos ng mga biktima noong kasagsagan ng kaso," David said. (We demand that the illegal arrest of small-time farmers be not repeated. We also want government to reimburse the expenses of the victim at the height of the case.)
The 13 from Cadiz were jailed for a month and a half before nine were freed.
The remaining four are still behind bars after Cadiz City Prosecutor Marcelo del Pilar found probable cause to indict Jose Perez, Jaime Lambergo, Santiago Antipuesto, and Romulo Villanueva for violation of Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Code.
Task Force Ilahas earlier filed illegal logging cases against the "Cadiz 13," who denied the accusation. One of those arrested said "they were just farming in the field that day when suddenly, seven armed RPAs arrived and arrested them for illegal logging."
Zayco assured the farmers and their families of their safety when they return home.
"I assure you na wala kayong dapat na katakutan (you have nothing to fear) in regards sa presensya ng (to the presence of the) RPA sa inyong lugar (in your area), pero I cannot assure you na mapapaalis ko sila (that I can make them leave). They (RPA) are not under my office. Pero makikiusap ako sa kanilang leader about sa reklamo ninyo."
Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (Noppo) Director Rosendo Franco echoed the governor's assurance. "Walang problema sa PNP security, magtatalaga kami ng mga police officers to hold a regular patrol sa areas ninyo to monitor the situation."
Zayco also asked the Department of Agriculture in the province to study the group's rehabilitation demands.
They are asking for carabaos to be used for farming as well as fertilizers, tractors, and l farm facilities for them to be able to start anew.
Financial assistance and 10 sacks of rice were given to the farmers after the dialogue at Zayco's office.
The Provincial Health Office is also eying the conduct of a medical mission in Barangays Bonifacio and Caduhaan, Cadiz City.
KMP-Negros secretary general Elvira Arsenel, meanwhile, asked for the immediate release of the four remaining men. (Jerson Ong Coronica)
