Disputed Territories: A Land Boundary Conflict in Northern Negros Occidental Threatens Agrarian Reform

Vast tracts of sugarcane plantations in Barangay Jonob-Jonob, Escalante City, Negros Occidental. (Google Maps)

In the heart of northern Negros Occidental, amidst the sprawling fields and agricultural promise, a conflict simmers, threatening to undermine the very foundation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

This isn't a clash of ideologies or a battle for resources, but a localized dispute over a few hectares of land, specifically in Barangay Jonob-Jonob, Escalante City.

At the center of this storm are five Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and a previous landowner locked in a battle over the precise demarcation of land boundaries.

The Seeds of Discontent

CARP, a cornerstone of Philippine social justice, aims to redistribute agricultural land to landless farmers and agricultural workers, addressing historical inequalities and fostering rural development. Escalante City, like many areas in the Philippines, is actively engaged in this process.

While progress has been made, the path is far from smooth, riddled with legal disputes, administrative hurdles, and the ever-present challenge of balancing the rights and interests of all parties involved.

The conflict in Brgy. Jonob-Jonob began when a lot was subdivided among five ARBs under the Compulsory Acquisition (CA) scheme. This scheme empowers the government to acquire private lands for redistribution, a critical tool for achieving CARP’s objectives.

However, the implementation of this scheme on the property has become a flashpoint.

Metes and Bounds: The Devil in the Details

The core of the dispute lies in the “metes and bounds”—the precise boundaries of the land allocated to the ARBs.

The previous landowner has raised concerns that the established boundaries encroach upon his remaining retention area.

He argues that the land survey, conducted on January 1, 2014, to determine the allocation, was flawed, leading to an inaccurate demarcation that threatens his legal and financial interests.

For the ARBs, the boundary disputes create a different set of challenges. They face uncertainty and confusion regarding the exact extent of their holdings, hindering their ability to fully utilize the land for agricultural purposes.

This uncertainty undermines the very purpose of CARP, which aims to provide land security and empower farmers to improve their livelihoods.

A Timeline of Tensions

The roots of the conflict can be traced back to:

• May 27, 2013: A Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer issued an Acceptance Letter, signaling the inclusion of the land in the CARP distribution process. The previous owner’s party received this on June 6, 2013.

• December 16, 2013: A Notice of Coverage was issued to the co-owners, formally initiating the land acquisition process.

• January 1, 2014: A land survey was conducted to determine the precise boundaries and allocation of the land.

• April 30, 2015: The Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) was officially registered, solidifying the land distribution.

• April 7, 2022: CLOAs were distributed to the qualified Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), granting them formal ownership.

• October 10, 2022: A Writ of Installation was issued to facilitate the physical transfer of the land to the ARBs.

• August 2, 2023: An Affidavit of Undertaking was issued by the Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudicator Council (PARAD), requesting police assistance to enforce the Writ of Installation. This highlights the escalation of the conflict and the need for intervention to ensure a smooth land transfer.

  
  

Mapping the Conflict: A Multi-Faceted Approach

Recognizing the complexities of the situation, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has initiated a conflict mapping and study process. This involves a multi-faceted methodology:

1. Sending of Letter Invitations: Formal invitations are extended to all concerned parties, including the ARBs, the previous landowner, and the geodetic engineers involved, setting the stage for open dialogue.

2. Conference Participation: A conference is held to encourage voluntary participation, allowing each party to express their views, provide input, and outline their perspectives on the land demarcation issues.

3. Data Collection: Structured questionnaires are administered during individual interviews to gather detailed information on each party's positions and concerns. A focus group discussion is then conducted to facilitate a collective examination of the issues.

4. Data Analysis and Confidentiality: Responses from questionnaires and focus group discussions are carefully analyzed, with strict confidentiality maintained to protect the privacy of the participants.

   
   

The ABCs of Conflict: Antecedents, Behaviors, and Consequences

The conflict over land boundaries triggers a chain of negative consequences, impacting agricultural productivity, land use planning, and trust between parties.

This can be visualized through the “ABC of Conflict”:

• Antecedent (Activating Event): The core issue is the conflict over the precise boundaries of the land between the previous owner and the ARBs.

• Behaviors: This conflict leads to uncertainty for both the ARBs and the former landowner, creating confusion about land rights and usage.

• Consequences: The uncertainty then manifests in several negative outcomes:

  1. Hindered Agricultural Productivity: Unclear land boundaries affect farming activities and yield.

  2. Disrupted Land Use Planning: Planning for land use becomes difficult with unresolved boundary issues.

  3. Distrust and Dissatisfaction: The conflict breeds distrust and dissatisfaction among the parties involved, affecting their relationship and cooperation.

     
     

Breaking the Circle: The Path to Resolution

The conflict in Barangay Jonob-Jonob is a microcosm of the challenges facing agrarian reform in the Philippines. It underscores the need for:

• Clear and Accurate Land Demarcation: Precise delineation of land boundaries is essential to prevent overlaps and encroachments, fostering clarity and security for both ARBs and former landowners.

• Effective Communication and Dialogue: Open communication and collaborative problem-solving are crucial for bridging the gap between conflicting claims and finding mutually acceptable solutions.

• Impartial Mediation and Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: The DAR plays a vital role in mediating disputes and ensuring a fair and equitable resolution process.

• Respect for the Rights and Interests of All Parties: Balancing the rights of ARBs to land ownership with the legitimate concerns of former landowners is essential for achieving a just and sustainable outcome.

  
  

Resolving the boundary conflict in Barangay Jonob-Jonob is not merely about settling a localized dispute; it's about reaffirming the principles of agrarian reform, fostering equitable land distribution, and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

The stakes are high, and the path forward requires careful consideration, collaboration, and a commitment to justice for all.