A copy of the proposed resolution obtained by davaotoday.com shows that the call for the pull-out of troops “will place the right of civilians to peace and security over and above any military operations.”
By JOHN RIZLE L. SALIGUMBA
Davao Today
Davao City – Councilor Leah Librado-Yap is set to pass a resolution that will urge the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to pull out their troops who are lately reported to have endangered communities in its practice of camping within the civilian populace.
In a privilege speech during the Davao City Council’s regular session Tuesday, Librado-Yap said she was taking off from reports on the military occupation of barangay halls relayed to her by a fellow councilor Jimmy Dureza.
At least three areas in Davao City’s Paquibato District have been identified to have barangay halls occupied by the military as detachments. These are Barangay Lumiad, Mabuhay and Pandaitan.
Councilor-Yap said she deems it proper to report the matter so that the Council can act on it.
“The people in the communities of Paquibato should be the ones using these public facilities. It is not right for the military to use the school or any public building for their own purposes as it will definitely pose harm to the community,” said Librado-Yap in an interview.
Meanwhile, Councilor Dureza, who was also present at the session confirmed the situation in the said villages.
One barangay official reportedly told him that the military troops have been occupying their barangay hall for already a month. As a consequence, the village officials could only report to the barangay hall during sessions.
Dureza said he will support Librado-Yap’s proposed resolution.
Lt. Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commanding-officer of the 69th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army stationed in Paquibato, in a text message to davaotoday.com said they will abide with the resolution of the council should it be passed.
A copy of the proposed resolution obtained by davaotoday.com shows that the call for the pull-out of troops “will place the right of civilians to peace and security over and above any military operations.”
Calls for pullout of military troops in Paquibato gained drive following an incident in Barangay Fatima, Paquibato on September 1 which highlighted the issue on military encampment in civilian communities when soldiers were found to be occupying the old village hall as their detachment that became a target of attack by the New People’s Army. (John Rizle L. Saligumba/davaotoday.com)
