By PR | 09:43 AM October 21, 2023
A former chairperson of a farmers’ group in Bohol long suspected of being a legal front has surrendered to the government.
Danilo Olayvar was the former chairperson of the Hugpong sa Mag-uumang Bol-anon (Humabol), the local affiliate of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, until he decided to come clean.
Olayvar, who led the legal front organization that fought against landlessness and security issues faced by farmers, made the decision to surrender after realizing that the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) offered better programs and assistance to farmers.
Humabol had promised to implement the free distribution of land to farmers, but Olayvar acknowledged that the group had failed to deliver on this promise.
Despite claims of achieving genuine land reform, Humabol had not taken any concrete actions to address the farmers’ concerns.
As the chairperson of Humabol, Olayvar faced constant threats and tension in his life, often being the target by armed pursuers.
In 2020, in the heat of military operations, he was forced to flee and seek refuge in Mindanao.
Realizing that he would never be able to return home without fear of legal repercussions or being targeted by soldiers due to the presence of armed rebels associated with Humabol, Olayvar made the difficult decision to surrender.
His primary motivation was to reunite with his family and live a peaceful life.
Olayvar joined the PTF-ELCAC program, aiming to clear his name and rebuild his life alongside his loved ones.
At the same time, he expressed hopes that other farmers who are still involved with leftist groups will follow his lead and return to the government’s fold and live a peaceful and a tranquil existence.
Olayvar also encouraged them to condemn the actions of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
His surrender highlights the challenges faced by farmers in their quest for land reform and the consequences of getting involved with groups that fail to fulfill their promises.
Olayvar’s story serves as a yet another reminder of the importance of seeking legitimate channels to address grievances and work towards a better future for farmers across the Philippines.
