The Samahan ng Magsasaka at Mamamayan ng Tartaria (SAMATA, or Tartaria Peasants’ and Peoples’ Association) condemned the illegal fencing off by armed private goons from Jarton Security Agency on April 15 in Barangay Tartaria, Silang, Cavite. The goons blocked the farmers’ access road to their farms.

Residents said the agency showed no proof to justify its operation. “What will happen to our livelihood and our families’ future if the very road to our source of income is being seized and closed?”

Colluding with the Ayala Inc conglomerate, the Aguinaldo clan has been attempting to grab the 200-hectare Tartaria land for more than six decades. Using the notorious Jarton Security Agency, the landgrabbers sowed terror, harassed, and assaulted farmers to force them out of their land.

Ayala Inc and the Yulo clan also used the same agency to drive out farmers from Hacienda Yulo in Barangay Canlubang, Calamba City.

SAMATA called on the public to stay vigilant and support the farmers’ struggle in Tartaria. The pestilent landgrabbers Ayala-Aguinaldo and the armed Jarton Security Agency must be expelled from the community.

“Let us not allow the violence and oppression of big corporations and exploitative landed families to prevail,” the group said.