Indigenous peoples’ group KATRIBU on Thursday condemned the planned demolition of homes in Sitio Mainang, Barangay San Nicolas in Bamban, Tarlac, urging authorities to halt the operation and respect residents’ rights to land, housing, and livelihood.
The group said residents received a notice from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Oct. 12 informing them of a scheduled demolition in the community despite ongoing appeals from affected families.
KATRIBU alleged that the planned demolition would displace long-time residents and pave the way for corporate projects, including a reported solar power development in the area.
The organization also criticized the BCDA for allegedly disregarding a July 8, 2026 resolution of the Bamban Sangguniang Bayan seeking to elevate the land dispute to the Office of the President and defer related actions.
The group further claimed that the situation in Sitio Mainang reflects a broader pattern of land acquisition in Central Luzon linked to military reservations, economic zones, energy projects, and infrastructure developments.
It alleged that the area could be affected by projects associated with the Luzon Economic Corridor and Pax Silica.
KATRIBU maintained that the planned demolition constitutes a violation of residents’ rights and called on the BCDA to stop the operation and be held accountable for alleged human rights violations.
The BCDA has yet to issue a public response to the group’s latest statement. # (ZIA LUNA)
