Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said he is asking the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process to hasten the closure of the peace agreement between the government and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas–Revolutionary Proletarian Army–Alex Boncayao Brigade (Tabara-Paduano Group) so it can be signed before the State of the Nation Address of President Benigno Aquino III on Monday.

But Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo of the OPPAP said they might not make it before the SONA, because the endorsements of the local government units in Panay and the Regional Peace and Order Council are still being awaited.

The signing could take place shortly after the SONA, he added.

The governor also called on the Department of Agrarian Reform to hasten assistance to agrarian reform beneficiaries so they can increase productivity on their land.

At the same time he scored the DAR annotation of land titles for CARP coverage without consulting landowners.

He said it is arbitrary and infringes on the rights of landowners who are denied due process.

The DAR should issue a clarification on this matter, he said.*CPG

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