WE condemn the use by an agrarian reform sheriff of elements of the 39th Infantry Battalion of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army to install claimants of the Tenorio farm in Malalag municipality last July 17.
The raw display of firepower was totally uncalled for and their expulsion of the security personnel of AMS Group of Companies by soldiers in full-battle gear in a manner that can only be described as “coercive” and “discourteous” are contrary to the AFP’s civil-military relations program
Their action did showcase our military’s capability for small-arms anti-insurgency operations, but having been directed against a law-abiding, tax-paying and legitimate business entity, sent a wrong message to both local and foreign investors. It was disruptive, uncalled for and showed a callous disregard of AMS’s right to protect its facilities and products.
We acknowledge the legality of the agrarian reform provincial sheriff’s decision to turn over the farm to four claimants by virtue of a Supreme Court decision, but seeking the assistance of the military to enforce said decision without proper coordination with the local government unit and local police authorities raised issues, foremost of which is the subordination of civilian authority over the military and questions when our military was vested with police authority.
The provincial agrarian reform sheriff deserves recognition for asserting his sworn duties and responsibilities, but to many residents of Malalag and workers of AMS, a C minus in leadership, common sense and competence for jeopardizing their livelihood and the integrity of the Philippine export banana industry in the global market.
STEPHEN ANTIG
President
Philippine Banana Growers, Exporters Association
July 21, 2009
