Group criticizes new DSWD chief

MANILA, Philippines — Militant groups yesterday slammed the appointment of Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Bautista as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Amihan national chair Zenaida Soriano said the appointment displays the transformation of the Duterte administration into a militarist regime.

She said the appointment of a military general as social welfare chief is a manifestation of the President’s increasing paranoia on the socio-political instability amidst the socio-economic crisis facing the country.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said the DSWD is a civilian post that is mandated to provide welfare assistance to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society.

“Social welfare principles include upholding the dignity of individuals and respecting their rights. Hence a strong emphasis on people’s participation in the crafting and execution of the agency’s programs is a given,” Bayan said in a statement.

“Under the present administration which has again and again violated the rule of law, ‘civilian supremacy over the military’ is being thrown out of the window,” Bayan added.

Bautista, on the other hand, has refused to comment on his appointment.

Bautista led Joint Task Force Marawi forces in driving out the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group of extremists that laid siege in Marawi City.

The battle for Marawi City in May 2017 left thousands of people dead and displaced.

During the launching of a 28-book series on the Marawi siege last May, Bautista stressed there was “zero” human rights violations during the five-month battle to liberate Marawi City.

The Philippine Army’s official website describes Bautista as a military official whose “irreproachable service reputation, inspiring leadership and impressive combat achievements earned him the top position to lead the 85,000-strong Philippine Army.”

After graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1985, Bautista volunteered to undergo one of the most difficult combat preparatory courses in the Philippine Army – the Scout Ranger Course. – With Michael Punongbayan