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Thursday, August 08, 2002
MLSA seen to ignite modern Fil-Am clash
By Rubelyn Yap
MILITANT groups said the continued US presence in the country as manifested in the proposed Mutual Logistic Support Arrangement (MLSA) would only result in another war between the Filipinos and Americans.
Nero Vallar, secretary general of the Bayan Muna Northern Mindanao chapter, said the agreement would only justify and serve as cover for the US expansionist designs in the country.
"(That's only their tactic) they will have the Balikatan, then the humanitarian aid, susunod niyan (this will then be followed by their entry into) the mainland and that is in General Santos city," Vallar told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.
The Balikatan 02-01 ended last July 31 with around 200 U.S. soldiers still remaining in the island-province of Basilan.
The soldiers are waiting for the implementation of the "Long-term Security Assistance Plan" in November.
They will serve as the protection force for the US military's $250,000 humanitarian assistance program intended for the Basilan residents.
Vallar said such developments are disturbing. "MLSA is a manifestation of foreign control. A face of colonialism in modern times," he said.
He warned that it won't be long before the American troop presence gains permanence with the passage of the anti-terrorism bill.
Through this, Vallar said the Americans would then proceed to the mainland where they would penetrate identified areas of the New People's Army (NPA), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other rebel groups.
Under the proposed anti-terrorism bill being studied in Congress any suspected rebel group that carries firearms is considered as terrorists.
"If it will happen that they (Americans) will come to the mainland, the rebel groups might resort to defend their territories and it would result to war," Vallar added.
Despite this, Vallar said he hopes the government officials would see and consider these possibilities in determining the fate of the MLSA. |
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