CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Governor Lilia Pineda appealed to the affected farmers to observe the rule of law over a land dispute in Barangay Maimpis, this city, while it is being heard before the court.
Some 59 farmers were summoned Wednesday to a consultation at Capitol, after another four of their members were hurt over a demolition going on in the disputed property.
"Our farmers and other claimants should be in 'status quo' while the case is being heard before the court. Dapat lahat naaayon sa batas at doon tayo sa legal side. Hintayin natin ang decision ng korte," she said.
She told Sun.Star Pampanga that she also asked the farmers to pray and avoid heated confrontations with the demolition team.
"Sabi ko nga sa kanila, magdasal tayo para sa magandang kalalabasan ng usapan na pangungunahan ng Capitol. At sana, wag mainit ang mga ulo nila para maiwasan ang ano pa mang sakitan at wala ng barilan," Pineda said.
The governor also said that Capitol has extended food and other assistance to the displaced farmers while negotiations are going on.
"Binigyan natin sila ng food at financial assistance kasi sinira ang kanilang pananim na kanilang tanging inaasahan. Sana ay ma-resolve agad ito dahil ayaw ko na may masaktan pa," she said.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda said that Capitol will help the farmers in legal means.
"Magtulungan tayo with your lawyers pero kayo (farmers) pa rin ang magdi-disisyon. Ilalatag lang natin ang pwedeng gawin pero korte pa rin ang magdi-decide nito," he said.
Similarly, Pampanga Police Director Senior Superintendent Marlon Madrid, concurred with the Capitol officials and said that they’re job is to equally protect the rights of both parties: "We are not siding anybody here. We're here to mediate and implement the law with maximum tolerance making sure everyone's safe.
Department of Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Myrvi Fabia, for her part, told the farmers that the agency will do its best to retrieve their lands in accordance with the law and should be settled harmoniously and amicably. (JTD)