CAPAS, Tarlac — An estimated 3,000 Capas residents, mostly indigenous Aeta people and local farmers, held a mass protest against the military restrictions inside the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) unilaterally imposed “Danger Zone” in five barangays on July 14, 2026.
The mobilization targeted strict entry checkpoints and alleged harassment around Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base (CERAB), historically known as Crow Valley.
The protest began at 5:00 AM at Sitio Calanat in Barangay O’Donnell and marched northwest towards Sta. Juliana. The marchers were blocked by military personnel at a checkpoint before they reached Sta. Juliana.
The mass action coincided with the PAF’s 79th Founding Anniversary and President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr’s visit to the nearby National Academy of Sports in New Clark City.
Local officials from the affected barangays of Sta. Juliana, Maruglo, O’Donnell, Sta. Lucia, and Bueno joined the Aeta communities to demand respect for their ancestral domain and livelihoods.
Protesters carried placards demanding an end to land-grabbing and calling for unhindered movement through checkpoints.
“Kapag nagpapasok kami ng mga produkto namin, mga materyales na gagamitin sa bahay, pati ‘yung mga nitso hinaharang, kailangan pa raw kumuha ng permit,” said an Aeta resident who joined the protest.
“Hinaharang kami, tinatanggalan kami ng karapatan sa lupa ng ninuno namin,” he added.
Capas Mayor Roseller “Boots” Rodriguez visited the site to meet with constituents and expressed support for their cause.
“Matagal na po kaming humihingi ng diyalogo sa Philippine Air Force, umabot na po kami sa Villamor Air Base. Sana maging maayos yung patakaran nila, dito man lang sa pagpasok, kasi taga-dito po sila sa baryo,” Rodriguez said.
Meanwhile, the PAF defended the restrictions imposed on residents, farmers, and indigenous people, saying the measures are necessary for public safety.
PAF spokesperson Col. Christina Basco emphasized that the contested area remains an active military zone.
“It is a military reservation area. Dito po kasi ginagawa ang ating military exercises using live ammunition. For their safety and protection, hindi na po puwedeng ipagpatuloy ang development ng kanilang communities. Their presence there is unauthorized,” Basco said.
She added that the PAF continues to hold consultations and dialogues with affected residents to address their concerns.
The protest march dispersed at around 10 AM without any major incident. Photos by Joseph Mendoza, Nikka Salamanca (The Work), and the Capas Information Office
