By By: Julrod Prino
ILOILO CITY – The Paghugpong sang mga Mangunguma sa Panay kag Guimaras (PAMANGGAS) condemned what it described as malicious and baseless accusations aired on GMA Super Radyo Iloilo following an interview with Col. Erwin Lamzon of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division. The report tagged PAMANGGAS chairperson Lucia Capaducio as a rebel and “at large.”
PAMANGGAS, a legally registered alliance of farmers’ organizations in Panay and Guimaras, stressed that Capaducio is a legitimate leader engaged in community work. She has led relief operations during disasters, organized dialogues, and spearheaded protests calling for genuine agrarian reform and greater government support for farmers.
“How can the army say I am ‘at large’ when I am present in rallies, pickets, and dialogues?” Capaducio said. “The work of PAMANGGAS is to deliver relief during calamities and help farmers in their struggle for land and livelihood,” she added.
Farmers’ organizations across the Visayas and nationwide released statements expressing support for Capaducio and PAMANGGAS.
MASIPAG Visayas, in a statement, condemned the act of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. The group, which has worked with PAMANGGAS on sustainable agriculture programs, said the accusations are “not only false but are dangerously irresponsible,” adding that Col. Lamzon himself admitted “no formal charges have been filed against Ms. Capaducio or her husband, revealing these accusations to be purely speculative and politically motivated.”
The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Tanggol Magsasaka likewise condemned the military, saying Col. Lamzon’s remarks “constitute red-tagging and thus threaten the life, liberty, and security of not just Nay Lucia but the entire membership and network of PAMANGGAS.” The groups pointed out that while corruption among government officials remains unpunished, “rural poor and advocates speaking out against exploitation and oppression are targeted by armed state forces.” They demanded that red-tagging and harassment against Capaducio and PAMANGGAS “be immediately stopped,” and urged GMA Super Radyo Iloilo to exercise greater caution in the information it broadcasts.
PAMANGGAS said such allegations not only undermine the integrity of their organization but also endanger the lives of farmers and community leaders. It called on the media to report responsibly and on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to “stop baseless accusations and instead recognize the legitimate struggle of farmers for land, livelihood, and justice.”/PT
