Ifugao farmers want military out of their villages

 Ifugao farmers want military out of their villages

By BRANDON LEE
Northern Dispatch

LAGAWE, Ifugao — Members of the Ifugao Peasant Movement (IPM) complained of military presence in their villages during a dialogue with Governor Eugene Balitang, May 24.

Modesto Hangoy, a farmer from Gumhang, Tinoc said soldiers occupied the public school compound. He added that soldiers removed a poster of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that states “all schools are peace zones.” The soldiers also accused the farmers of using farm tools made by New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas.

Daniel Tayaban of ACT Teachers Partylist, said that military presence within school compounds puts the children in physical danger. Tayaban added that soldiers court either married women or minor in Asipulo.

According to the IPM, red tagging and vilification is part of the military’s counterinsurgency program dubbed as Oplan Bayanihan, The group said they received reports of rights violations from different communities of Ifugao.

Edwin Bumolyad, IPM secretary general, told the governor that civilians, most of whom are farmers, are victims of military harassment, threats, and intimidation..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/06/18/ifugao-farmers-want-military-out-of-their-villages/