Presidential Adviser for Western Visayas Rafael "Lito" Coscolluela yesterday backed the move of Governor Joseph Marañon for an audit of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in Negros Occidental.

"Let us see what has been the effect of CARP to agrarian reform beneficiaries," Coscolluela said. Marañon, who called for an audit of the agrarian reform program, said it should be re-evaluated, to determine if it has fulfilled its mandate to alleviate the plight of the farm workers.

He also said the land distribution should be stopped when CARP expires June next year, but support services to those who are already beneficiaries of land reform should be continued.

Coscolluela said he has already briefed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the problem of CARP implementation in Negros Occidental.

"The problem of agrarian reform in Negros Occidental is not centered on Hacienda Velez-Malaga. It we are able to solve it, more similar problems are also coming," he added.

Marañon said they will go around Negros in July to determine if the land reform beneficiaries are still tilling the land and if they have adequate support services.

With regards to the Malaga case, Coscolluela said DAR central office maintains there is no legal impediments, and there should be no stopping the installation of farmer beneficiaries.

However, he added, (landowner Roberto) Cuenca and his group insist that there is a pending case before the Supreme Court.

Coscolluela said that if the local DAR personnel follow the orders given to them by the central office, "they will be slapped with charges".

"I pity those local DAR personnel", Coscolluela, said in an interview with Bombo Radyo.

Police records show that three TFM members were killed this year alone, as a result of the agrarian reform-related violence in Hacienda Velez-Malaga, La Castellana.*GPB

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