BAI hit over inaction on crop destruction

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), has drawn flak for its alleged inaction on the destruction of crops by cattle in Coron, Palawan.

Former agriculture chief Leonardo Montemayor yesterday urged DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to investigate the incident.

Montemayor, manager of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), said he had asked Eduard Palay, officer-in-charge of the BAI-national beef cattle research and development center, to act on the matter.

Records showed that on Feb. 10, cattle owned by the BAI entered the farms of two FFF members in Sitio Pandan 2, Barangay Decalachao.

“The animals devoured the ready-to-harvest palay crop,” Montemayor said.

He said that on Feb. 16, he called BAI director Paul Limson to report the incident as well as relay the result of his conversation with Palay.

“Limson promised to investigate the matter, but on Saturday morning, BAI cowboys and blue guards allowed scores of cattle to devour the cashew trees, newly planted coconut seedlings and other crops of FFF members in the area,” Montemayor said.

Montemayor said the destruction of crops on Saturday was intentional.

“Around five BAI personnel and blue guards accompanied the cattle. They did nothing to stop the animals from devouring and destroying the crops. The cattle went to the highway, causing traffic in Sitio Pandan 2,” he said.

Montemayor cited an incident in September 2016, wherein a BAI guard shot and killed peasant leader Arnel Figueroa in an area claimed by BAI as part of its cattle breeding center.

Montemayor said Laurel promised him that action would be taken on the matter.