MANILA, Philippines -- Farmers in the 8,650-hectare Hacienda Looc in Nasugbu, Batangas and Maragondon, Cavite have asked the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to stop the conversion of the estate for the benefit of giant real estate firm.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and the Ugnayan ng mga Mamamayan Laban sa Pangwawasak ng Kalupaan ng Hacienda Looc (Umalpas- Ka) also accused DAR officials of colluding with SM Land executives in evicting farmer-beneficiaries in the large property.

The KMP and Umalpas-Ka also announced that more than 100 farmers from Hacienda Looc will start a three-day camp-out before the DAR to demand officials to issue a “cease and desist order” against what the group described as “SM Land’s illegal conversion.”