Farming residents of Barangay Casile, Cabuyao, Laguna protested against the move to fence off the 24-hectare land by the Emirates Security Agency and Santa Rosa Realty Development Corporation (SRRDC), owned by the Yulos, on September 23. The Pagkakaisa’t Ugnayan ng Magbubukid sa Laguna (Pumalag) condemned this illegal action of the Yulos, one of the largest landlords in the province.

The report said farmers cannot access their crops inside the fenced area. Guards allow entry but threaten the 11 families living inside the property. They said the guards also built an additional outpost at the entrance of the fenced land.

“This baseless move, carried out in the wee hours of the night, not only violates the rights of local farmers but also threatens the livelihood and security of the community,” Pumalag said.

At the height of the fencing, the Samahang Magsasaka ng Casile immediately confronted the corporation’s security personnel to assert their right to the land. The association said the latter were not able to show papers or permits authorizing their action.

“Instead of following legal processes, the agents resorted to intimidation, threatening punishment to anyone who dare challenge their actions,” Pumalag said.

To the surprise of the farmers’ association, they received the cancellation of their Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) the next day. This has caused serious concern regarding the ongoing land disputes the community has been facing since the 80s.

Pumalag said the actions of the SRRDC and its agents not only show disregard for the law but also the long-standing issue of land grabbing against farmers.

“This situation shows the urgent need for comprehensive land reform and the protection of farmers’ rights in the face of continued exploitation and violence,” the farmers said.