The Alyansa ng mga Magsasaka para sa Kumpensasyon (AMK) and Sugarfolks Unity for Genuine Agricultural Reform (SUGAR) formally filed a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights on September 4 against the 59th IB for its recent harassment and red-tagging against their members and leaders.

“Instead of addressing our urgent demand for compensation for farmers and fisherfolk who suffered from the calamity, the state chose to send soldiers to terrorize us,” AMK spokesperson Ayrene Marasigan said.

According to the groups, two men who introduced themselves as soldiers, approached Marasigan’s husband and pressured him to act as the military’s “eye” inside the organization. They also threatened that both police and soldiers would come to their house unless Marasigan comply with the soldiers’ summons.

Members also received threats that they might be “ambushed” if they continued joining the organization’s activities. A soldier who introduced himself as 59th IB personnel “Ian Marasigan” maliciously accused Marasigan of being a revolutionary group member, along with Batangas progressive leaders Louie Quiroz, Ahla Fortuno and Hailey Pecayo.

Soldiers already red-tagged SUGAR officer Desiree Dimailig last February.

“Almost a year after typhoon Krisine hit, worsened by the substandard DPWH floodway project in our district, the 59th IB even continues red-tagging us. Our livelihood has already been destroyed, and now they want to destroy our lives,” another SUGAR officer Louie Quiroz declared.

“If something bad happens to us, the 59th IB alone is to blame!” Quiroz added.