BANGUED, Abra – The Kakailian Salakniban Tay Amin a
Nagtaudan (KASTAN), the local chapter of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance here
urged presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte to dismantle private armed groups
in the province.
Abra is
reportedly one of the provinces known for the presence of private armed groups
(PAGs) allegedly being maintained by some politicians.
“President
Duterte should uphold his promise of genuine land reform and national
industrialization so that the economic standing of the people will improve.
Many people are forced to join private armed groups to feed their family,” said
Villamor Pati, chairperson of Kastan.
Based on
interviews from former members of private armed groups, their salary ranged
from P3,000-6,000 monthly including food. Accommodation is also provided by
politician-bosses.
During
election period, it was a common knowledge in Abra that politicians used
private armed group for their own interests.
Reports
reaching Kastan said election-related violations such as vote buying were
allegedly perpetrated by private armed groups.
“Joining
PAGs has been the alternative livelihood for some Abrenians due to lack of
economic opportunities in the province. Even if you own a small parcel of land,
the absence of irrigation system in Abra makes it very hard for farmers to
cultivate crops. And despite the dangers of being in a private armed group,
many people still gamble their safety so that they can feed their family. We
call on the incoming President Duterte to listen to our demands,” said Pati.
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