Farmers denounce NPA, pledge support for Carigara's peace and development

CARIGARA, LEYTE ,Philippines  — Farmers of this town, while refuting allegations of food blockade and misconduct committed by the military, have denounced the atrocities of the New Peoples Army and pledged to support the peace and development programs of the municipal government.

In a consultative dialogue held in this town, Municipal Farmers Association of Carigara (MUFAC) spokesperson Alicia Castañares denied to Mayor Trinidad Apostol and Lt. Col. Francis Cabugon, commander of the 19th Infantry Battalion, the group's alleged alliance with the communist rebels.

MUFAC has been organized to help and uplift the lives of the farmers. "MUFAC is not of the NPA. The projects we implement are of the Anak Pawis party-list and not of Satur Ocampo," said Castañares. 

Castañares, who previously accused soldiers of food blockade and misbehavior in the hinterlands of this town, lately said she was convinced that the 19th IB has been sincere in its mission of bringing peace and development in the town.

Cabugon said the government troops have been in the barangays to win the peace. The LGU and the 19th IB joint efforts for peace and development will pave the way to the delivery of basic services to the people, he said.

Meanwhile, the threat received by MUFAC chairman Mamerta Dagalea, as presented to Apostol and Cabugon, was evaluated and the group concluded that it could not be blamed to the military, citing the form of writing that any one could write just to discredit some people.

"I have been reminding my men to always respect human rights, preserve the constitution and protect the citizens. As to violations, I ascertain you non-tolerance of misbehavior among my troops," Cabugon declared.

The dialogue was concluded with MUFAC's pledges to support the programs of the municipal government, while Castañares requested Cabugon for security of MUFAC officers and members, and other services such as transportation and medical personnel for the coming MEDCAP.

Cabugon in turn assured the farmers and the LGU that the 19th IB is committed for peace and development.—1st Lt. Philip James Hocson, Civil-Military Operation officer, 19th IB