BMFI

Sumilao Farmers' Journey in Visayas II
Crossing the Rubicon
8-9 November 2007

"The die is cast."

These are the famous words of Julius Ceasar, the great Roman emperor, when he crossed the Rubicon. Rubicon was the river that Julius Caesar crossed when he marched his armies, in defiance of the Senate, against the armies of General Pompey. His strategy was one of "conquer or die." Once he crossed the river, there was no turning back. So, the phrase "crossing the Rubicon" has become a popular idiom meaning to go past a point of no return.

This day also marks the "Crossing of the Rubicon" for the Sumilao farmers when they crossed the San Bernardino Strait from Northern Samar to Matnog, Sorsogon, at 4 in the afternoon.

Last moments in Visayas

Yesterday, they were in San Isidro. They reached the place at 2 p.m., after walking for 26 kilometers from barangay Pena, Calbayog, Samar starting at 4 am.

Upon reaching San Isidro, they were warmly welcomed by the support groups. The PARO (Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer) visited the farmers and ensured their food and accommodation. The farmers were thankful for the goodness shown by the DAR, they were unequivocal in their message that more than charity and kindness from DAR, they demand for DAR to perform its duty and give them justice.

Concerned of their safety, the local police also escorted their day's walk.

While at San Isidro, they paused for reflection. There was a meeting of the team leaders, and a general assembly, where everyone shared their reflections, and discussed their next course of action upon reaching Luzon. Atty. Marlon Manuel of SALIGAN visited the farmers and personally expressed his solidarity and support.

The farmers left San Isidro Parish at 5 o'clock this morning to walk to Allen, their last stop in Visayas. Bishop Gaspar Balerite was waiting for them at Allen and gave his blessings for the safe and successful journey of the farmers. At 4 in the afternoon, the ferry left Allen and made its way to Matnog, Sorsogon.

Again, unexpected gifts just poured in. The farmers boarded the ferry for free, courtesy of Ms. Ethel, a classmate of Atty. Kaka Bag-ao from Ateneo Law School.

Historic crossing of the struggle

The crossing of the Sumilao farmers to Luzon marks a historic moment of their struggle, as well as the struggle of the peasant sectors of the country. While their crossing of the St. Bernardino strait may be compared to the Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon, the two historic events have striking contrasts.

First, Julius Caesar and his army sought glory, while the Sumilao farmers seek justice.

Second, Julius Caesar and his army had strong bodies and carried swords to destroy life, while the Sumilao farmers have weak bodies due to physical exhaustion from walking, and they only carry hope in their hearts that they may give life to their children by having a land of their own to till.

And third, Julius Caesar and his army violated the law when they crossed the river, because it was forbidden under the Roman Law, while the Sumilao farmers did not violate any law; instead, they are seeking redress for gross violation of their rights as granted to them by law.

Today, the farmers are so near Malacañang.

Today the Sumilao farmers cry, the "die is cast!"

Today and Tomorrow

The farmers shall rest at the parish of Matnog, and shall commence to walk early tomorrow at towards Irosin, spanning a distance of 23 kilometers. To begin their walk for Luzon, they performed a ritual asking the spirits to give them the same guidance while they were in Mindanao and Visayas.

The support groups: SANDIGAN, SALIGAN, PAKISAMA, LIKAS, DAR (provincial office), and the parish of Matnog shall accompany them in their walk to Irosin.

Revisiting the Case

The conversion order of then Executive Secretary Ruben Torres should be cancelled/revoked.

The reason for the cancellation/revocation of the conversion order, among others, is that more than five years passed but no development was ever introduced in the area, which is a violation of the existing law. Worse, said landholding was sold to San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI), which only shows the lack of interest on the part of NQSRMDC to pursue its development plan.

Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2002 (2002 Comprehensive Rules on Land Use Conversion) is very clear. Said administrative order says that within one year from issuance of the Conversion Order, the landowner and/or developer shall commence development on the property approved for conversion and shall complete development not later than the deadline(s) set forth in its site development plan schedule, but in no case shall development extend beyond five (5) years from the issuance of the Conversion Order.

Hence, having failed to initiate or undertake any single development work in the area, in violation of the conditions of the conversion order pursuant to the rules governing conversion, said conversion order should be revoked/cancelled.