Farmers group slams red-tagging of leader in Iloilo

By Juliane Judilla

The Paghugpong sang mga Mangunguma sa Panay kag Guimaras (PAMANGGAS), a farmers’ alliance in Western Visayas, has condemned what it called malicious and baseless accusations aired by GMA Super Radyo Iloilo following an interview with Col. Erwin Lamzon of the 3rd Infantry Division.

In the interview, Lamzon labeled PAMANGGAS leader Lucia Capaducio a “rebel” and claimed she was “at large.”

PAMANGGAS, a legal coalition of small farmers’ organizations in Panay and Guimaras, is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and serves as the local chapter of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.

Capaducio, the group’s current chairperson, plays a key role in organizing community-based campaigns for land reform, food security, and the protection of farmers’ rights.

She denied the allegations, calling them “malicious” and “baseless.”

“I join rallies, pickets, and dialogues — how can the army claim I am ‘at large’? The work of PAMANGGAS is to help carry out relief efforts during disasters for farmers and others in need,” she said.

Capaducio expressed frustration over what she described as persistent efforts to discredit her and the organization.

PAMANGGAS has consistently pushed for genuine land reform, which it considers vital to improving the lives of farmers in the region.

“The continuous red-tagging of farmer leaders, particularly those who are vocal about the need for systemic change, is not only damaging to our integrity but also puts the lives of our members at risk,” she said.

“We will not be silenced by these baseless accusations,” she added.

In a separate statement, the group stressed the serious risks associated with red-tagging.

“By associating legitimate organizations and leaders with illegal activities or insurgent groups without evidence, these accusations create a climate of fear and hostility that undermines the fundamental rights of citizens to express their concerns and advocate for social change,” it said.

PAMANGGAS urged the media to exercise greater responsibility by verifying facts before airing potentially harmful or misleading reports.

The group also called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to stop making unfounded claims and to acknowledge the legitimate struggle of Filipino farmers for land, life, and justice.

“This is not a matter of ideology or rebellion,” Capaducio said.

“It’s about protecting the basic rights of farmers, ensuring that they have access to land, and advocating for policies that address the struggles of rural communities. The real rebellion is against the system that continually marginalizes the Filipino farmer,” she added.