Government projects
“The recent skirmishes and heavy deployment of military in Maria Aurora is just the tip of the iceberg. The government has steadily militarized Aurora over the past years as the province is a priority area for its anti-insurgency campaign in Central Luzon, and to secure the development projects under the Super Regions”, Ruiz said.
Antonio Flores, KMP spokesperson, said that the massive military operations are measures of the government to pave way for the projects targeted in Aurora.
Bills proposed by Representative Sonny Angara and Senator Edgardo Angara seek the creation of Aurora Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). At least 2,000 hectares are to be used for the said project. Included in the ASEZA are building of airport and seaport.
Moreover, Maria Aurora town is the target base of the Aurora Food Production and Agro-Forestry Project or labeled as “Aurora Food Basket”.
The local peasant group PAMANA said that the ASEZA of the Angaras will encroach on 312 hectares of farm lands and displace hundreds of farmers.
Other projects targeted in the province include a rice processing complex in Baler, coconut seed farm in Dinalungan, the 76,000-hectare Aurora Memorial National Park and 28,000-hectare eco-tourism areas in Dingalan town.
Flores said, “The Arroyo government is displacing many peasants just to push through with her program. She is paving the way by the use of the military for the benefit of big landlords such as the Angaras and their foreign partners, sacrificing the peasants in the process.” (Bulatlat.com)
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matindi nga militarisasyon sa aurora sa ngayon at marami na itong buhay at kabuhayan na sinalanta. Nanawagan ako sa aking mga kababayan na makaisa at tutulan at labanan natin ang ganitong gawain ng mga militar at pamilya ANGARA!!!