By JEN BAYLON
Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares ordered an investigation into an incident where a security guard allegedly fired his weapon at several agrarian reform beneficiaries due to a land dispute at Hacienda San Antonio Dos in Barangay Dos Hermanas.
“The recent incident is alarming and unacceptable,” Lizares said in a statement on Saturday, February 1.
“I have always been clear on my stand that I do not and will not tolerate any kind of violence against any Talisaynon. Instead, I always promote resolving legal issues in a legal and peaceful manner,” he added.
The viral video, showing heightened tensions between local farmers and individuals linked to a Chinese claimant on Friday, January 31, has sparked concern over the weekend.
The dispute involves farmers holding their Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA), while private representatives assert ownership over the contested land.
An angry man allegedly fired his gun at a woman who held up her phone as other agrarian reform beneficiaries shouted.
Lizares said the local government unit is taking the matter seriously and has ordered a full investigation into the incident to ensure legal actions are taken against those responsible.
“I urge all Talisaynons to respect and value each other’s lives. No kind of violence can ever be justified,” he added.
To prevent further escalation, personnel from the Talisay City Police Station have been deployed to monitor the area closely, Lizares said.
Authorities have been given strict orders to maintain peace and order as tensions between the groups remain high.
In an effort to mediate the dispute, Lizares said the city government has scheduled a meeting with both parties involved, alongside the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office, on Monday, February 3.
Local officials hope that through dialogue, a legal and peaceful resolution can be reached.
Manhunt
Meanwhile, Talisay police chief, Lt. Colonel Salvador Trono, Jr. said they are searching for the security guard who allegedly fired his gun during the land dispute.
Trono said the man, believed to be more than 60 years old, could not be found at the addresses given to the police.
He will face charges for violating the Commission on Elections’ gun ban, grave threats and illegal discharge of a firearm.
Negros Occidental provincial election supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria also requested the city police to investigate the incident in violation of the gun ban.
Meanwhile, Lani Factor, Task Force Mapalad deputy national coordinator, said the 50-hectare Hacienda San Antonio Dos was awarded after the Department of Agrarian Reform issued CLOA to some agrarian reform beneficiaries in 2001.
The beneficiaries leased their land to Paul Chang, and want to regain control of their property, Factor said.
“Leaseholder Chang has no more rights as his lease contract expired and proposals for extension were rejected by the CLOA holders,” she added.
In September 2024, the awardees sent a demand letter to Chang, expressing their desire to have their land back./JB, WDJ