At least 150 Jartoon Security Agency armed guards, who serve as the land-grabbing Ayala-Aguinaldo tandem’s private goons, were sent to Lupang Tartaria in Silang, Cavite on January 21. The guards are set to continue the illegal fence construction around the confiscated land in the boundary of Barangay Lumil and Tartaria which started in April 2024.

According to the Samahan ng Magsasaka at Mamamayan ng Tartaria (SAMATA), the soldiers swiftly excavated to build new fences and to repair damages in previously constructed parts. The residents firmly resisted what they called an illegal action by the guards and interference in their cultivated land.

The guards even prevented farmers and residents from entering their own land. “People are accosted and not allowed inside when they only desire to trim and plant crops”, the group said.

In addition, the paid guards also destroyed the fences the residents built to protect their land. Alternative media Bulatlat reported that tension occured between farmers and guards when 10 armed guards ganged up against a resident in pushing to build a fence, injuring the old man.

SAMATA said the guards wore jackets and were either not wearing or covering their name plates. Residents demanded the guards and the Ayala-Aguinaldos to leave their land.

The Katipunan ng Magbubukid in South Tagalog also condemned the guards for their violence and land grabbing. They denounce the illegality of the fence construction because the land ownership decision is still pending in the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Supreme Court.

Tartaria is part of the 200-hectare claimed by the Aguinaldo clan in Cavite. The Aguinaldos are partners with land developer Ayala Land Inc. in seizing land.