Farmers associations denounce harassment on land issue in Gapan
Members of the two farmer associations being interviewed by the media in Gapan City Regional Trial Court on 28 October 2026.
"HINDI KAMI SUSUKO. ANG LUPA, KABUHAYAN AT KINABUKASAN NG AMING MGA ANAK ANG AMING IPINAGLALABAN!"
This was the statement made by the two farmer associations as they denounced the alleged harassment being done against them by certain local officials at Sitio Sangilo, Barangay Macabaklay in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija.
According to the Bayanihang Magsasaka Ng Sangilo Association Incorpotated (BMSAI) and the Sitio Sangilo United Farmers Association Incorporation (SSUFAI), some personnel from the Gapan City Assessor were allegedly measuring the farm lands of the members of the two farmer associations.
A cyber libel hearing was conducted on 28 October 2026 at the Gapan City Regional Trial Court Branch 34.
The members stated that around 300 families rely on the production of the farm lands in the said areas, adding that the farm lands in sitios in General Tinio, and Sitio Sangilo in Gapan City are owned by their ancestors.
The group furthered that an incident occurred in 2025 about the measuring of these farm lands, statements of these farm lands sold, and the destruction of the crops.
The group stated that from 3 March 2026 up to today, incidents of destruction of crops continue, encompassing 30 hectares of farm lands.
The group also reported incidents on 18 June, 2 July, and 25 September 2026 of confrontations, threats, illegal entry of vehicles, bulldozing, and planting at the parcels of land in the areas.
The group has since filed civil and criminal cases against these people.
The group has since thanked the personnel of the Provincial Government and other authorities for removing the clump of soil that was used as a blockade for farmers accessing their farm lands. The said removal was conducted on 18 October 2026.
The group has since filed other cases including cyber libel cases against Congressman Emerson “Emeng” Pascual; cyber libel against Lucila Buslapa; ejectment/ forcible entry; malicious mischief/ usurpation of real rights in property; frustrated murder/ serious physical injuries; and falsification of public documents.
The group has aired their sentiments to the public official, citing, "At sa iyo, Congressman Emeng Pascual, ito ang aming taimtim na panawagan:
Tantanan na po ninyo kami.
Kung tutuusin, kayo ay nasa posisyon ng kapangyarihan at may kakayahang ipagtanggol ang inyong mga interes. Kami, ang lupang sinasaka at ang kabuhayang nakukuha namin dito ang halos tanging maaasahan upang mabuhay ang aming mga pamilya."