Eastmincom insists soldiers keeping distance from schools

THE Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) yesterday asserted that their soldiers adhere to the policy in keeping distance from schools in far-flung areas under its areas of responsibility (AOR).

Eastmincom spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey issued such statement following the complaint of the Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center Inc. (STTICLCI) on the soldiers’ presence.

Joan Esperancilla, community-based teacher in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, said military troops occupied their schools and conducted roving operations that hamper their school preparations.

Esperancilla said the soldiers have been asking for teachers’ identi- fication (ID) cards and whether they could continue occupy the school. He added that the request led some teachers to find another house.

He also some 40 soldiers were seen camping nearby and/or roaming around the schools at sitios KM-30, KM-17, Laslasakan, and Nasilaban, all in Talaingod town, which threatened the public.

"We are calling the local officials and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to pull out their troops in compliance of laws barring armed personnel from occupying schools and communities," Esperancilla said.

Balagtey, however, belied any threat or harassment committed by their soldiers. He said

the soldiers are already informed to keep 500 meters away from the schools while they are working.

"If there are soldiers around, that is because they were tasked to secure the community and ensure the safety of the people. If they were in the schools, they were asked to be there for assistance," Balagtey said.

Balagtey clarified that their soldiers mean no harm to the communities in Talaingod and other areas in Davao region. He said they are doing their responsibility to protect the public. ICT