Palma willing to help settle Aloguinsan feud

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma is willing to meet with farmers and landowners in Aloguinsan town in southern Cebu to settle their land dispute.

Palma yesterday said that he would welcome any request for assistance to settle the problem in Aloguinsan.

“ I’m open for people to come,” Palma said.

The farmers, including three college students, were arrested last Monday after they clashed with policemen over ownership of an agricultural land in Aloguinsan.

The farmers were accused of attacking policemen using pieces of wood, bamboo lances, scythes, bolos, slingshots, improvised bow and arrow, and knives during the enforcement of a temporary restraining order issued by the court.

Palma said that a solution that would settle the feud should be deliberated by the concerned government officials.

“ We will find a way to reach out to them,” he said.

As a shepherd of the Cebuano flock, Palma said it would be important for both parties to discuss the issue and for the clergy to mediate so that the process would be settled peacefully.

“ Sooner or later, we need to discuss these issues with them,” he said.

The court allowed the Gantuangco family to fence a parcel of land in barangay Bonbon, Aloguinsan but when the sheriff tried to implement the court order, the respondents allegedly argued and asserted their claims on the lot.

Thirty-nine people were arrested including three minors and three university students after the riot that happened.

All those arrested were released last Saturday after they posted bail. /Reporter CAndeze R. Mongaya