The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) strongly deplores the illegal arrest yesterday, June 19 2025, of five farmers and fisherfolk — on top of the ruthless destruction and demolition of around 100 homes in Barangay Taltal, Masinloc, Zambales.

Among those detained were Neil Edward Geroca, spokesperson of SAMMBAT; Claire Elfalan, SAMMBAT secretary; and members Elmer Nollas, Elmer Madarang, and Alex Mose. They were arrested during the harsh demolition carried out by Sheriff Roy Mendones of the Provincial Sheriff’s Office under the Regional Trial Court of Iba, Zambales, with the support of around 50 police officers from the Masinloc Municipal Police Station.

This unwarranted aggression occurred in the middle of negotiations, after 13 leaders of the Samahang Magsasaka at Mangingisda ng Barangay Taltal (SAMMBAT) refused a bribe of P31,000 each intended to coerce them into cooperating with planned demolition operations affecting 32 hectares of farmland in Sitio Togue.

Masinloc’s Struggle Against Land Grabbers and Peddlers

The said 32 hectares in Sitio Togue are being taken from around 70 farming and fishing families by land grabbers and developers Jennifer Escala and Perpetou Yap (along with Daniel and Edgar Yap). These lands are part of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) coverage, with the DAR already promising to award the remaining 32 hectares to identified potential beneficiaries. However, Perpetou Yap filed a petition to exclude the area from coverage, falsely claiming the land is “rocky” and “hilly” and thus unsuitable for agriculture. This is demonstrably untrue—the land is currently productive and sustaining the livelihood of the local farmers.

Jennifer Escala had already carried out demolitions without a court order or Pre-Demolition Conference (PDC). She had also placed boundary markers within parts of the 32-hectare land. SAMMBAT filed a petition for revocation with the DAR Central Office, challenging DAR’s decision declaring the land “not suitable for agriculture.” Despite this, Escala continues to encroach and destroy the land. The community has persisted in cultivating the 32 hectares while fighting off Escala’s attempts at land grabbing. This legal struggle gained traction after SAMMBAT held their first dialogue with DAR in June 2024.

At a special session at the Masinloc municipal hall was called by Councilor Pedro “Daddy” Enciso to address a photo of a banner posted by SAMMBAT online, it was revealed that both Mayor Lim and Councilor Rommel Elbo had been offered deals to purchase the disputed land, while Councilor Pao Eamilao was directly acting as Escala’s agent. The session ended in disarray as Escala and the Mayor pushed for an immediate settlement.

On March 6, 2025, a Pre-Demolition Conference was held at the Masinloc municipal hall to plan the “humane eviction” of the farmers. SAMMBAT refused to attend, believing it was a trap and asserting that eviction matters should be settled in court. Despite their absence, authorities pushed forward with demolition plans.

Instead, SAMMBAT with nearly 100 members, joined the Central Luzon Farmers’ Campout Against Land-Use Conversion from March 24 to 28 in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform Central Office in Quezon City. As a result of this protest, the DAR Central Office issued a Certificate of Pendency, and Undersecretary Napoleon Galit signaled a favorable decision for SAMMBAT on their petition for revocation.

However, on May 19, despite DAR certifications and the ongoing petition, the MTC of Masinloc-Palauig ruled against SAMMBAT and issued a 15-day notice to vacate through Sheriff Roy Mendonez. In response, SAMMBAT brought their appeal to the governor’s office and sustained their protest until the notice’s expiration on June 19.

Following this, on June 10, a picket-dialogue was held at the PARO office. Through collective action and pressure, SAMMBAT compelled local agrarian officials to begin the long-delayed Ocular Inspection (OCI) of the contested 32 hectares.

The Present Turmoil

Despite partial legal victories, Sitio Togue residents raised the alarm that demolition crews, the PNP, and Escala’s group may carry out attacks against their homes and livelihoods anytime soon. Based on the most recent conversations following receiving a Notice to Vacate on June 2, the demolition is expected to take place on or around June 19—which indeed transpired.

Charges of Obstruction of Justice, Violation of Republic Act 148 & 151, and Physical Injury are filed according to Lt. Col. Cordero of Masinloc MPS. The arresting officers have also claimed confiscating a molotov cocktail and a slingshot. Bail for each person is rated at P50,000, amounting to a total of P250,000 for the temporary release of the Taltal 5.

This incident marks yet another gross violation of human rights that farmers and fisherfolk continue to face in the Philippines. Already burdened by landlessness and the ongoing loss of livelihood, they are now being stripped of their homes and even their freedom. The violent demolition, arbitrary arrests, and relentless land grabbing reflect a systemic assault on the lives and dignity of rural communities. Instead of receiving protection and support, they are criminalized for defending their right to land, shelter, and survival.

Free the Taltal 5! Free Neil Edward Geroca, Claire Elfalan, Elmer Nollas, Elmer Madarang, and Alex Mose! Denounce State-backed Attacks Against Farmers and Fisherfolk! Resist Land Grabbing, and fight for Land, Livelihood, and Human Rights! ###