19th IB condemns attack vs military, farmers partnership

KANANGA, LEYTE, Philippines  — The top official of the 19th Infantry Battalion has condemned the statement of the secretary-general of the Samahan han Gudti nga Parag-uma ha Sinirangan Bisayas (SAGUPA-SB) that was recently published in the group’s online bulletin.

Lieutenant Col. Alejandro Nacnac, commander of the 19th IB, said Nestor Lebico, official of SAGUPA-SB, might have invoked “his freedom of expression, but then he should have refrained from agitating the public and challenging the duly constituted government.”

Lebico was attacking the 19th IB’s partnership with the Municipal Farmers Association of Carigara (MUFAC), a group of farmers in Carigara town of Leyte. He accused the 19th IB of militarization of the town, contending that the farmers do not need the help of the military.

He also said that the public could not be “tricked by the military tactics because farmers, like MUFAC will oppose the rotten policies of the government, especially in the implementation of genuine land reform programs.”

Nacnac said he did not wonder why Lebico has tried to disturb the military’s initiative for partnership with the MUFAC.

“Lebico should neither challenge the government nor attack the military with phony issues. If he is preventing us and MUFAC from helping the farmers, then I must say that he is anti-peace and anti-development,” Nacnac said.

“It is obvious that Lebico is agitating MUFAC not to befriend the military using his defunct issues. The military in Carigara does not in any way hinder the traditional activities of the farmers. We come for peace and development,” Nacnac declared.

Nacnac on February 12 had a dialogue with MUFAC’s President Mamerta Dagalea and three other key officers at Brgy. Baruguhay Sur in Carigara, and they agreed that the organization and the military will conduct partnership activities, such as medical missions, in selected villages of the town.  (FREEMAN)