Petition letter urging the Philippine government to ensure the survival of a sustainable farming community in Central Mindanao University

To:

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
President of the Philippines
New Executive Building
Malacañang Palace Compund
J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila
Tel: +632-564-1451 to 80; +632-736-1010
Fax: +632-735-8005
E-mail: corres@op.gov.ph

Hon. Purificacion C. Valera Quisumbing
Chairperson
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Building, Commonwealth Avenue
UP Complex, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel: +632-928-5655; +632- 926-6188/ +632-929-0102

Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman
Department of Agrarian Reform
Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel No: (632) 928-7031 to 39
E-mail: info@dar.gov.ph and nasserp@dar.gov.ph

The members of the Task Force Central Mindanao University (CMU):

Senator Jose Ma. R. Zubiri III
Senate of the Philippines
Email: sysad@senate.gov.ph
Send a short note to:
http://migzzubiri.org/index.php?page=contact_migz

Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri
Province of Bukidnon
Malaybalay City
Tel: (088) 221-2551
Fax: (088) 221-2124

Mayor Jose Obedencio
Maramag, Bukidnon
Telefax: (088) 3561609
Or send a short note to:
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/

Engr. Julio C. Celestiano, Jr.
OIC - PARO II
Casisang Rd., Airport Village, Malaybalay
North Bukidnon
Tel: (088) 221-37-01; 221-37-69
Fax: (088) 221-23-15
Mobile: +63-918-9271015

Dr. Mardonio Lao
President
Central Mindanao University
University Town, Musuan, Bukidnon
Tel. Nos. (088) 3561872 to 73
Tel. Fax Nos. (088) 356-1876; (088) 222-5748

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am highly concerned about the eviction threat facing some 800 rice farming families from 400 hectares of the Central Mindanao University (CMU) premises in Southern Philippines. I believe that as an agricultural school, the CMU ought to support the sustainable farming community established by farmers who have tilled the land for decades. Instead of leasing the land to big agri-businesses that produce export cash crops, I believe that the CMU must prioritize the food security of the Filipino people and farmers of the organization Buffalo-Tamaraw-Limus (BTL).

I am alarmed that Dr. Mardonio Lao, the University president, is once again using violent and undemocratic methods in forcing out the farmers from their land. An International Fact-Finding Mission (IFFM) held recently confirmed that CMU security guards were responsible for the shooting of BTL farmers last June 22, 2007, nearly killing several, including women. The farmers committed no crime; yet their attempt to cultivate the land to fill their empty stomachs was met with bullets.

I am aware that the 5-year lease contract between CMU and BTL was supposed to expire last March. However, the appropriate government agencies have failed to provide the farmers with a suitable relocation site. Until then, I believe that the CMU has no right to prevent the farmers from planting rice---their only means of survival.

Instead, in the interest of justice and respect for basic human rights, I recommend the following:

1. The CMU to desist from harassing BTL farmers and preventing them from cultivating the land;
2. The Task Force to immediately convene and examine if the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been implemented accordingly;
3. The Task Force to renew the lease contract between BTL and CMU pending relocation. This will not only benefit their own community but will also help promote sustainable agriculture in the Philippines;
4. The BTL members and their families who were victims of human rights violations be given justice and indemnification and perpetrators such as CMU security guards Antonio Pamisa and Nelson Martinez be prosecuted;
5. Dr. Mardonio Lao to be removed as CMU President and be investigated for all the crimes he committed against BTL farmers;
6. The Department of Agrarian Reform and the Provincial Agricultural Reform Officer to intervene in behalf of the BTL farmers, who are holders of Certificate of Land Ownership Awards and beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP);
7. The Supreme Court to immediately review its 1992 decision to exempt CMU from CARP coverage;
8. The Macapagal-Arroyo administration to reconsider its decision to extend CARP and instead conduct an independent evaluation the CARP's implementation; and
9. The Philippine government to enact a genuine land reform law in order to resolve the causes of unrest in the countryside.

I am hoping for a just and fair settlement of this conflict in the interest of the farmers, which contribute much to global food security and the movement for land and food without poisons.

I would greatly appreciate you keeping me informed about any future developments in this case.

Yours Sincerely,

Name
Country
E-mail
Organisation