THE Isabela Municipal Police Station is monitoring the reported presence of armed men in the farm owned by the family of former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo in Hacienda Bacan, Barangay Guintubhan.
The sightings have caused alarm to some 20 agrarian reform beneficiaries and their families occupying the farm.
Senior Inspector Anthony Grande, police chief of Isabela, said that he has received the initial report four days ago, and on Saturday night, residents called their attention anew after a shot was heard.
He said that when the police arrived, they did not find the alleged armed men.
One of farmer-beneficiaries, who requested anonymity, said the armed men were seen roving during night time.
She added that the property of the Arroyos was distributed to them in 2011, and most of them have their lands leased to the late Fifth District Board Member Renato Malabor, then the town mayor.
At that time, Malabor helped and sustained their families by sending them rice and foodstuff.
However, as soon as they got their certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs), Malabor had them sign documents that they are leasing their acquired properties to him, she claimed.
A total of 28 out of the 68 total beneficiaries of Hacienda Bacan covering 150 hectares leased their land with Malabor because they lack the resources to cultivate their acquired property, and they were given rice and foodstuff and P5,000 every two weeks.
After Malabor was killed in June 29, 2015, she said his widow, Araceli, took over the management of the farm.
They were allowed to loan money amounting to P150,000 per hectare, however, when she and her group sought Mrs. Malabor last week to borrow additional money, she turned them down.
She said that Mrs. Malabor told them that if they want, they can get their land back but she will charged them P150,000 for the loan, and they will also be charged the expenses she incurred in cultivating their respective properties.
Mrs. Malabor also told them that if they insist, she will see them in court, the farmer-beneficiary added.
She said their group decided to hold on to their lands and to harvest the sugarcane planted, and at the same time put up barricades leading to their properties.
Then starting last week, armed men, some carrying long firearms, came and allegedly preventive them from loading their sugarcane for milling.
For his part, Grande said he was directed by Isabela Mayor Enrique Montilla III to increase police visibility in the area to maintain peace and order while the dispute is being settled by both parties.