The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) condemned in the strongest terms the demolition being done against farmers under the PUMALAG peasant organization, the provincial chapter of KMP in Laguna. According to Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos, secretary general of KMP, “what these hired goons as well as their employer is doing is highly illegal and they can be charged in court for arson, qualified theft and destruction of property. Why are the goons wearing bonnets if not to hide their hideous identities, for all we know they may be the notorious “Bonnet Gang” known to harass and kil farmers who are fighting for their rights,”

“The farmers have long tilled the land in Baranggay Estrella, San Pedro, Laguna and the greedy developer   who wants to evict the farmers is none other than the former mayor of San Pedro, Calixto R. Cataquis and now his wife is the vice-mayor. They do not have the right to displace the peasants who have spilled blood and sweat on the land, just to eke a living,”

As for his part Alexander Arias, secretary general of PUMALAG, “the Calixto R. Cataquis Development Corporation ordered the demolitions, hiring goons to torch and bury the houses of peasants in Brgy. Estrella, they have destroyed the lives and livelihood of the farmers, so that the greedy Cataquis can have more profits,”

“The farmers of Laguna will continue to resist this onslaught of this despotic landlord even if we reach Manila in combating his evil deeds, his political clout will amount to nothing compared to the united strength of the people,” ended Arias. # # #
 

KMP - 28 October 2004