Activists: Military presence in city a “dangerous step”

CEBU, Philippines - Militant groups expressed their apprehension over the move of the Cebu City government to deploy soldiers in public places.

Teody Navea, secretary general of Sanlakas-Cebu, said that the request of the city government for military presence in the city is uncalled for and the president’s subsequent approval was an “unwelcome development.”

"In the first place, what would be the compelling reason why such deployment be pursued? We are deeply worried of what would be the possible consequences. This is similar to Oplan Tokhang where the poor became victims of police abuses," Navea said.

Starting next week, at least 88 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be visible in Cebu City’s public areas such as major roads, terminals, ports and malls, including barangays with high concentration of illegal activities.

This after the Office of the President approved the City Council’s request for AFP personnel to augment security detail in the city.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña had said that eight of these AFP personnel will be assigned to Barangay Ermita, along with two agents from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, following reports that the barangay is infested with drugs.

“Because they were deputized by PDEA in the anti-drug campaign. We do not have enough policemen. So we are putting soldiers. They will start next week siguro. They will live there (in Ermita),” he said.

Justine Balane, organizer of Akbayan Youth Cebu, said the move to deploy military personnel in the city should be carefully checked.

"The move should not turn the city streets into war zones. The presence of police and military must not impede with the citizens’ right to freely express themselves. We don’t want to hear news of harassment of innocent civilians in the guise of the anti-crime campaign," Balane said.

Balane added that military deployment in civilian spaces is a dangerous step.

"Last time we checked, we're not under martial law. Even the drafted guidelines won't make us safe once the military cross(es) the line.  There have always been recorded cases of abuses by the military," Balane further said. (FREEMAN)