Luisita farmers warn DAR of being used to reverse Supreme Court ruling
The Philippine Star
January 23, 2012

 ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Farmer-leaders at Hacienda Luisita warned yesterday the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) against being used as a tool to subvert the Supreme Court (SC) decision to distribute to them lands in the estate controlled by the family of President Aquino.

The Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL) and the Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (Ambala) issued the warning after Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes and some 200 DAR employees unexpectedly went to the hacienda last Saturday to conduct briefings on the SC decision in at least 10 barangays.

Felix Nacpil Jr., Ambala chairman, said they learned of the DAR’s activity when they saw the announcement posted in different barangays.

“They did not inform us of this activity, and they coordinated with barangay officials who are known for cooperating with the Cojuangco-Aquinos.

“We are the legitimate beneficiaries (of land reform), they (DAR) did not bother to inform us, thus, we view this (visit by DAR) as undermining our leadership among the farm workers,” he said.

Joseph Canlas, AMGL chairman, warned the DAR against misleading Hacienda Luisita farm workers.

“We believe this is an effort to divide and conquer the Ambala-led farm workers,” he said.

“They (DAR workers) are under the control and influence of President Aquino.”

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