NCIP DENIES ‘MILITARIZATION’

The agency is seeking a much clearer definition of “militarization” in the context of the presence of army in the rural areas

Amid the call of the militant groups to pull out military troops from Lumad communities due to alleged abuses and harassments, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) denied accusations that there was militarization in the hinterland.

Emmanuel Cacal, NCIP Davao del Norte Provincial Head, in a press forum recently said since the deployment of the community working groups in different Sitios in Davao del Norte last 2017, they have not noted any military operations which progressive groups referred to as “militarization”.

“Ang kanang ginaingon didto nga militarization, pabalik-balik naman gud na og kami og naa mi didto sa area, wala man pod mi makita didto nga naay ongoing nga operation sa military. Wala gyud mi makita didto (The issue on militarization has been going on for quite some time. (But) when we went to the area, we have not seen any ongoing military operation),” Cacal said.

On their part, they could not investigate because they do not have basis. However, if there was any, he said that they will refer the case to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to verify any violations committed by the troops in the area.

He also sought for clearer definition of the term “militarization”, questioning whether the mere presence of military personnel or even the hot pursuit operation is already tantamount to militarization.

He added that sometimes, the word militarization only surfaces when there are abuses.

On the other hand, 1003rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Ernesto Torres Jr. defended the presence of soldiers in Lumad communities. These teams, he said, are the personnel who are implementing the Community Support Program (CSP) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which is part of their Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) dubbed as “Kapayapaan”.

“Community Support Program (CSP) teams [were] deployed in far flung areas for the purpose of linking the community to the local government so that we can address their basic needs. The purpose of that CS teams are more on developmental. That is why in far flung areas, you can see presence of military not really to conduct combat operation or to chase NPAs but to find out yong need assessment natin sa community,” Torres said.

It’s time for healing. It’s time for closure. We should look ahead as two nations and allies...Let the bells toll strong and loud for our countries DELFIN LORENZANA Defense Secretary