The National Democratic Front (NDF)-Negros Island condemned the 47th Infantry Battalion for deploying dozens of troopers in the barangays of Candoni, Negros Occidental in the past weeks. It said the Consunji family is using the 47th IB to sow fear in the communities and facilitate the takeover of 6,652.32 hectares of land.

The Hacienda Asia Plantations Incorporated (HAPI), a subsidiary of Sirawai Plywood and Lumber Corporation owned by the Consunji family and Alfred Joseph Araneta, grabbed hectares of land in several barangays in Candoni and Hinobaan to establish a ₱2 billion oil palm plantation.

Classified as forest lands, 4,000 hectares of the area is the indigenous Ati people’s ancestral land. Colluding with the Candoni local government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and National Commission of Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Consunji family seized the public land. The company was given permission to use the land for 25 years, which can then be extended for another 25 years.

NDF-Negros Island spokesperson Ka Bayani Obrero said the corporation has alraedy cleared 63 hectares of land covering 13 farms, started onsite construction and prevented the farmers from tilling their land.

“To make sure that the project goes smoothly, Consunji goons patrol the area sowing fear among the population,” Ka Bayani said. The 47th IB is also involved in intimidating the farmers’ leaders. The Consunji family’s lawyers are sabotaging the farmers’ legal struggle.

“Even the recent military operations in Candoni and nearby towns in the 6th district that mount checkpoints and impose food blockades serve as protection for the project,” the spokesperson said. This is proof that the Marcos regime’s soldiers are serving the interests of the landlords and ruling classes, he added.

In response, NDF-Negros Island called on environmental defenders, human rights advocates, church people, and other democratic sectors to support and join the struggle of the farmers and indigenous people for their land.