The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) has joined forces with the Katipunan ng mga Lehitimong Magsasaka at Mamamayan sa Lupang Ramos (KASAMA LR) in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, to raise concerns over the increased military and police presence in their community under the guise of monitoring and containing African Swine Fever (ASF).

On September 17, at least three officers from the PNP Dasmariñas entered the farming community of Lupang Ramos, alarming residents who had previously set up a community barricade in response to military checkpoint threats.

The officers were accompanied by a city planning coordinator and two officials from the City Veterinary Office. Initially, they claimed to be there to monitor hogs for ASF, but further questioning from the residents revealed plans to construct a social services office within the community, to be headed by the PNP Dasmariñas.

This move, which would increase state surveillance in the area, bypassed consultations with both the barangay and the local farmers and residents.

“Marcos Jr.’s national security policy is undermining the local government’s ability to provide basic social services. The case of Lupang Ramos highlights how it forces reliance on military and police for economic, health, and disaster response efforts. This approach not only risks diverting funds intended for social services into the already bloated defense budget but also exacerbates human rights violations nationwide,” said KMP national chairperson and Makabayan Coalition senatorial candidate Danilo Ramos.

The KMP emphasized that checkpoints and militarization are inappropriate and ineffective substitutes for ASF monitoring, containment, and compensation for hog farmers in affected or at-risk communities. Lupang Ramos has yet to undergo any health inspections or receive vaccinations or relief from the LGU. A genuine effort to combat ASF and support local agriculture would require a scientific approach led by qualified experts, along with active community participation. Instead, the Dasmariñas PNP has resorted to fear-inducing tactics.

This recent incident follows a surprise inspection on September 10, which lacked sufficient documentation and is suspected by KASAMA LR to have been a disguised military operation. The inspection involved a large contingent from the 2nd Infantry Division AFP, PNP Cavite, Task Force Ugnay, SWAT, Dasmariñas LGU, and BFP Cavite. Among the group were Atty. Reina Villaguro and ABC Kapitan Fernando Laudato, both of whom have been involved in previous attempts to evict residents asserting their land rights.

KMP calls on the local government to prioritize legitimate health services and compensate hog growers for rising losses. The peasant group continues to support Lupang Ramos’s militant struggle for land rights and resistance to militarization.

Hog deaths in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) persist due to the continued spread of ASF. #