Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman yesterday said his office is still conducting an assessment of the situation at Hacienda Velez-Malaga in Barangay Robles, La Castellana to ensure that when it installs the farmer beneficiaries the members of the opposing groups can live in peaceful co-existence.

He told the DAILY STAR that if those calling for his resignation can install the beneficiaries on the farm tomorrow without violence breaking out, he is willing to step down as DAR secretary.

Pangandaman who was in Negros last week was expected to install the 122 Task Force Mapalad farmer-beneficiaries on 144 hectares of the farm but it did not take place, prompting them to call for his resignation.

"We cannot risk an outbreak of violence that could lead to bloodshed," he had said, after opposing farmers massed at the farm to block any installation.

Yesterday he said the DAR wanted to ensure it had a comprehensive plan in place before installing the beneficiaries. "We value land, but we value more the lives of the people," he said.

About 198 members of the Malaga Cuenca Multi-Purpose Cooperative and the Hacienda Malaga Independent Workers Union, who are also workers of Hacienda Velez Malaga are opposing the installation of the TFM members on what they claim is the prime area of the farm.

Of the 122 TFM beneficiaries of 144 hectares, 20 have returned to their side and only 57 are original tillers of the land, they said.

Pangandaman said he has tapped local leaders, whom he would not name, to help find a peaceful solution to the problem at Hacienda Velez-Malaga.

The DAR secretary said he is also looking into the call of some of the farmers for a review of the CLOAs that have been issued.

As to the TFM threat not to end a hunger strike in front of the DAR until farmers are installed, Pangdandaman said they are trying to pressure him into acting but he has an obligation to ensure that when the farmers are installed on the farm no violence breaks out.*CPG

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