Farmers denounce NPA, pledge to support peace and development of Carigara

By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
September 19, 2011

CARIGARA, Leyte  –  The Local Government of Carigara through the 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion has gained the support of the nearly 60 farmers amid the disproved food blockade and misbehavior allegations raised by the Municipal Farmers Association of Carigara (MUFAC).

In a consultative dialogue being carried out by MUFAC at the ABC session hall recently, farmers publicly denounced the atrocities of the New Peoples Army in the town of Carigara and pledged to support the peace and development programs of the municipal government.

MUFAC spokesperson, Mrs. Alicia Castaňares, denies before Mayor Trinidad Apostol and Lt. Col. Francis B. Cabugon of 19IB, the association’s alleged alliance with the New Peoples Army. She claimed that MUFAC was 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”, Castaňares said.

Castaňares who previously accused soldiers for food blockade and misbehavior issues in the hinterlands of Carigara later found out that 19th IB is sincere in its mission of bringing peace and development in the town.

Lt. Col. Cabugon, the commanding officer of 19th IB told MUFAC that soldiers are in the barangays to implement peace and development operation under “Oplan Bayanihan”. The peace and development team will pave way to the delivery of basic services to the people in the hinterlands.

Meanwhile, the threat received by MUFAC chairman Mrs. Mamerta Dagalea that was presented to Mayor Apostol and Lt. Col. Cabugon was not honored. Accordingly, the content and the form of writing were very local. And the mere fact that anybody can write just to discredit others could be possible made the evidence insufficient.

“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 deliberately stressed.

Lt. Col. Cabugon likewise urges MUFAC members to respect and support the duly constituted government in order to achieve a peaceful and developed society.