Commotion breaks out between police, protesters at DAR

A commotion broke out between police officers and protesters at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Quezon City on Monday. Photo courtesy of the College Editors Guild of the PhilippinesMANILA — A commotion broke out between police officers and protesters at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Quezon City on Monday due to arguments over where rallyists could stay.

Based on estimates from one of the participating groups, Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA), hundreds took to DAR in support of a dialogue with the agency to forward farmers’ concerns.

This includes the threat of farmer displacement due to Pax Silica, solar projects, and other land dispute cases.

But interactions between the Quezon City police and protesters eventually turned physical as the latter were allegedly told they were staying past the allowable area at around 5 p.m.

“Mayroong pumasok na ahente nila na nakasibilyan pero may kargada, nami-micture ng aming lider. Kaya sinita ng aming marshal din… Nagkahatakan sa mga pulis,” UMA Chairperson Ariel Casilao told ABS-CBN News.

“The usual naman ‘yan. Mamartsa ka, papasok sa loob. Eh sila, dahil nagmartsa doon sa isang—hindi naman nakabara sa daan… Ayaw talaga nila kaaga… Kapag kami ay kanilang hina-harass, tungkulin din naming depensahan ang aming sarili,” Casilao added.

Casilao said they acquired the necessary approval from both the local government and the DAR to camp out.

The Quezon City police said otherwise, as a letter presented by Casilao is supposedly only a request received and not necessarily approved by the LGU.

“In connection with the dialogue, the farmers have expressed their intention to temporarily stay or camp along the sidewalk beside the DAR premises, which is a pedestrian passageway. They have reportedly been unable to secure the necessary permit to conduct a picket or rally. Their immediate concern is that they have no other available place to stay while their concerns are being addressed,” a letter dated October 19 from DAR officers addressed to the Quezon City government shown by Casilao reads.

“We respectfully request the Quezon City Government to assess the nature and circumstances of the farmers’ proposed temporary stay and picketing along the sidewalk beside the DAR premises, considering that these activities are contemplated in connection with their participation in the ongoing dialogue with the DAR from October 19 to 21, 2026, and to determine whether the same may properly be treated as incidental to the dialogue rather than as a separate public assembly,” the letter said with a “received” stamp said.

Casilao and a police officer, however, were seen reaching an agreement by shaking of hands past 6 p.m.

According to the Quezon City police, they permitted the protesters’ activities in consideration of the DAR’s approval.