In a dramatic display of dissent, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) forcefully entered the provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Tagum City on February 20, 2026. Their protest centered on what they describe as a "systematic corporate land grab" targeting more than 250 hectares of prime agricultural land, a situation they claim threatens their livelihoods and violates legal protections.
Allegations of Unauthorized Land Sales
Representing the San Isidro, Libertad, San Remegio-Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SLS-CARBMCO), the protesters demanded an immediate investigation into a ₱250 million land transaction. They allege that this deal was executed by Helen S. Perez using a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) without proper consent from the general assembly. The farmers assert that sales to entities such as Old Country Acres, Western Feedmill Corp, and Draco Wolverine Agricultural Corp breach the foundational principles of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), designed to protect small-scale agricultural workers.
Legal Maneuvers and Local Restrictions
A spokesperson from the Kilusang ARBs ng Samal para sa Lupa’t Kabuhayan highlighted concerns over the alleged conversion of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) into Transfer Certificates of Title (TCTs). They argue this is a legal tactic aimed at circumventing the safeguards of Republic Act 6657, effectively transferring ancestral lands to corporate speculators. Tensions have been exacerbated by Igacos Executive Order No. 24, which farmers claim has barred them from accessing their own land since April 2024, adding to their displacement woes.
Protest Demands and Historical Context
The protest underscored the irony of land once leased to the Philippine Tourism Authority (Tieza) for the failed Samal Casino Resort now allegedly being sold to private interests, while the original tillers remain displaced. During the demonstration, farmers presented a list of four critical demands to address the crisis:
- Nullify all land sales conducted via SPAs that lack genuine assembly approval.
- Conduct a full audit of the SLS-CARBMCO leadership and ensure transparency regarding signatures used in the 2024 board resolutions.
- Enforce the strict implementation of the May 2024 DAR Cease and Desist Order (CDO) against all development activities on the disputed titles.
- Investigate and immediately lift local restrictions preventing farmers and residents from entering and working their awarded lots.
Vow for Continued Action
Reiterating their battle cry, "Yuta alang sa nagtikad ug nanarbaho sa yuta" (Land for those who till and work the land), the ARB community vowed to persist in their "storm" of government offices and hold accountable parties responsible. They pledged to continue their efforts until their land titles are secured and corporate encroachment is permanently halted, emphasizing their commitment to defending their rights and agricultural heritage.
