Echiverri opposes deployment of soldiers in Caloocan

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri opposed yesterday the planned deployment of soldiers in some barangays, purportedly to help maintain peace and order in these areas.

Echiverri said that apart from Caloocan City being generally peaceful, he believes the local police and  barangay watchmen can run after lawless elements in his city.

He said he would not object to the presence of military personnel in Caloocan only on special occasions, such as disaster assistance, medical missions and other civil-military activities.

Echiverri said the presence of soldiers, especially in depressed areas, could lead residents to believe that the local police can no longer do its job.

In yesterday’s dialogue – attended by leaders from the city’s 188 barangays, Liga ng mga Barangay head Ricojudge Echiverri, Peace and Order Council officials, non-government organizations, religious and civic groups and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command chief Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino – Echiverri said only minor crimes occurred in Caloocan, making the military’s presence in the city unnecessary.

Echiverri said the military could better be utilized in Mindanao, where they are most needed to fight rebel and terrorist groups.

Among the target areas for the planned military deployment is Bagong Silang, considered as Caloocan City’s crime capital. Bagong Silang lacks police personnel and criminals take advantage of the boundary it shares with Bulacan and Quezon City.        – Pete Laude