Thursday, November 10, 2005
Capitol, agencies to discuss reports of local officials supporting rebels
The Provincial Capitol, other local government units, and law enforcement agencies will hold an executive session to tackle reports that some local officials are sympathetic to the rebels.
78th Infantry Battalion Commander Jessie Alvarez said they received reports that some officials gave supplies to insurgents.
“Maybe they are afraid. That is why they are forced to give,” he said.
Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Lani-o Nerez said that in the previous election, they also received intelligence reports that some candidates gave “campaign taxes” to the rebels, “wittingly or unwittingly for their political ends.”
He said it is hard to confirm the reports because no one would admit giving money to the rebels.
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said held a consultation with the different agencies and LGUs on the insurgency problem in mid-north Cebu.
Present during the consultation were the mayors of Aloguinsan, Tuburan, Tabuelan, Sogod, Carmen, Catmon and Balamban.
Barangay captains of Tuburan were also there. Rebels attacked Tuburan’s Barangay Sumon last month, leaving three military men dead.
Also present in the consultation were police chiefs of Tuburan, Sogod, Balamban, Carmen, Toledo City, Tabuelan and Asturias.
Garcia was dismayed with the absence of the mayors of Asturias, Pinamungajan and Toledo City, because these towns are also facing the insurgency problem.
“I am saddened not for them but for their constituents. I repeat my appeal to set aside politics,” Garcia said.
The three town mayors who were absent belong to the group of Garcia’s political opponents.
Garcia promised to give priority to Tuburan’s road projects, after Mayor Rosemarie Suezo said that good roads will be of big help to curb insurgency, because these will make military operations easier and faster. (MBG)
(November 10, 2005 issue)
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