Heightened security is in place as the Department of Agrarian Reform in Negros Oriental schedules another installation ceremony for the 145 farmer beneficiaries of the Diaz Hermanos landholdings in Bagtic, Mabinay next week.

This was after the bloody confrontation between the FBs and the petitioners last week where alco guns, bolos and firearms were reported.

Provincial agrarian reform officer Stephen Leonidas said he is waiting for the approval of their request for police assistance from the Philippine National Police in Region 7, while coordination meetings have been held among officials of the DAR provincial office, the PNP and the 302nd brigade headed by Brigade Commander Col Francisco Patrimonio, following resistance from petitioners actually tilling the land.

An FB was killed and another seriously wounded during the installation initiated by the FBs themselves Wednesday, the day Leonidas assumed as PARO in Negros Oriental.

PNP provincial director, Senior Supt. Eduard Carranza, confirmed receipt of the request for police assistance today and is awaiting the approval of the regional commander, before sending a contingent from the Regional Public Safety company for the installation.

Another request for police assistance was received by the provincial command for the relocation survey by DAR personnel in the province scheduled today.*JG

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