Koreans evict Pinoy farmers in Pampanga

At least six farmers have lost their livelihood after a Korean group ordered the clearing of their 18 hectares of farmlands in Pampanga province, all in favor of a new subdivision. Sun-Star Pampanga (www.sunstar.com.ph) reported Friday that the farmers’ sugar crops were bulldozed and about 60 trees planted to pave the way for the development of the subdivision. It said the planned subdivision was to be located near the Circumferential Road in Angeles City. The evicted farmers asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Angeles City government, and other government agencies to stop the work on the land. According to them, workers of the Korean financiers named only as Kim, Pak and Shim reportedly bulldozed the sugar crops of the tenants without giving them prior notice. Saying the Korean businessmen have no right to destroy their crops, the farmers stressed that concerned government agencies should stop the group from pursuing its activities. The Korean group has reportedly been clearing the land without having talked to the farmers, who until now have not been compensated for their landholdings and damaged crops. According to the Sun-Star Pampanga report, the Korean group "completely ignored" environmental regulations since its activities resulted in the burning and cutting of about 60 Balakat and Ipil-ipil trees planted by businessman Ruperto Cruz. Residents also said the Koreans ordered the burning and cutting of the trees that are now approximately at least 10 years old. They said the Korean group also felled trees on a watershed and the trees that were planted by the residents to prevent lateral erosions on the creek nearby. The farmers said they have been established as bona fide tenants of the land as they have been tilling it for many years now. On June 21, 2005, the Pampang barangay council represented by chairman Carlos dela Cruz certified that the farmers are bona fide tenants of the 18 hectares of sugar land in the barangay in Angeles City (near Bahay Bata Foundation Center) then owned by Albert Gonzales. The farmers mentioned in the certification of the Pampang barangay council are Fernando Magbag, Gregorio Mananalo, Mario Catap, Gregorio Cortez, Juanito Arceo, and Rustico Capili. - GMANews.TV