The computation of damages is still under evaluation but likely to exceed $98,000, said attorney Ramon K. Quichocho in his submitted initial disclosures to the U.S. District Court for the NMI.
Quichocho is representing Nurul Islam Paeda and Elizabeth Atalig Paeda who also named as defendants David M. Calvo, Brian M. Mendiola, Harry M. Mendiola, Francisco L. Mesngon, Michael B. Manglona, Benedicto M. San Nicolas and 10 Does.
The defendants, who are being represented by Joaquin DLG. Torres, denied all allegations for lack of truth, and/or unapplicable statutes or coded stated in the complaint.
The defendants also said the plaintiffs failed to state a claim.
The Paeda couple is seeking damages, declaratory relief, attorney’s fee and costs, and such other just relief from the court, the complaint said.
The couple alleged the violation of their constitutional rights to due process and equal protection of laws.
Starting in 1991, Quichocho said his client started farming in the Sabana Protected Areas.
Since 2003, Mr. Paeda has farmed the land that defendants invaded and destroyed, Quichocho added.
He said his client has been discriminated in the past because he is originally from Bangladesh.
Quichocho said on or about Jan. 21, 2011, the defendants bulldozed the plaintiffs’ crops. Mr. Paeda reported the incident to the police on Jan. 24.
The defendants also harvested some crops and plants, as well as opened four undesignated rights of way through his clients’ farm areas, Quichocho said.
