DAR Secretary asked to hasten distribution of 73.1158-land in Panaogao, Silay

A group of farmer-beneficiaries is asking Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Atty. John R. Castriciones to hasten the distribution of a landholding in Silay City which has been decided in their favor years ago.

Task Force Kasanag National commander John Chiong said he will write to Castriciones in view of the complaint of Dominador Tumbale, chairman of the Samahan ng Maralitang Manggagawa ng Hacienda Panaogao, Silay City, for the awarding of the landholdings under the CARP which was decided in favor of the farmer-beneficiaries.

Tumbale who sought the help of TFK, told reporters today that until now the 73.1158-hectare property has yet to distributed to the 13 beneficiaries including himself.

An agro-industrial corporation which contested the distribution of the landholding filed an appeal but was dismissed, documents show.

Tumbale said he sought the help of TFK after he was “visited” by alleged personnel of a Regional Trial Court (RTC) accompanied by uniformed men asking them to vacate the property.

Chiong said land conflict especially those concerning properties under CARP are under the jurisdiction of DAR, as he questioned the court personnel’s action.

He said he accompanied Tumbale to the DAR office in Silay City to complain and follow up on the land distribution but they were surprised to see not a single personnel was around.

Chiong said he will also bring the said concern with DAR higher ups.

Documents presented by Tumbale also showed an order issued by Castriciones dated Feb. 3, 2020 affirming the decision of the DAR regional office, then under Alexis Arsenal three years ago awarding the property to Tumbale and his group.

TFK, a civil society organization, Chiong said is also a partner of the Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA).*