Monday, December 04, 2006 Soldiers limit sea traffic too
TWO weeks before the Asean summit proper, a cause-oriented group accused soldiers stationed in Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City of sowing fear among residents of the fishing village of Sta. Rosa, by telling them that Abu Sayyaf bandits intend to invade their place.
That reportedly prompted several fishermen and their families to flee to nearby Bohol Island, while those who could not continue to be “terrorized” by the soldiers’ presence.
The fishermen were allegedly told not to fish when the summit starts on Dec. 10. They were also told they can only resume fishing after the international gathering ends on Dec. 14.
Lt. Col. Jefferson Omandam of Central Command (Centcom), however, said the soldiers, members of the Philippine Marines, could not have given the residents such a justification for their presence.
He confirmed that the soldiers imposed restrictions and limited movements, which is “normal” as they try to ensure that Lapu-Lapu and its islands are secure from threats.
“That’s similar to what’s being done on the ceremonial route, there are some restrictions. Sa dagat, naa pud. (We’ll do the same at sea.) But all these are for the Asean summit. Olango is part of the entire security plan,” Omandam said.
Daniel Cañada, campaign and advocacy officer of the Kilusang Mangingisda, a coalition of fisherfolks’ organizations, said that the residents were told the Abu Sayyaf Group is reportedly planning to land in Olango and might target them also.
The soldiers, he said, arrived in droves Saturday night from a gunship that docked in the area.
He said that if the soldiers were merely trying to secure the Asean summit, they could have instituted an organized evacuation and proper contingency plans instead of sowing “disinformation.”
Cañada’s group is in Cebu as participants of the militant organizations’ parallel summit. He said they are part of the Southeast Asia Fisherfolks’ Movement, whose members come from five Southeast Asian countries.
“Humingi ang mga mangingisda sa amin ng tulong. Hindi naman pwedeng pagsabihan silang umalis na. Kasi mga maliliit na mamamayan lang sila? (The fishers asked for our help. They can’t be driven away, just because they’re ordinary folks.) I doubt the authorities would do that to the more prominent persons,” he said.
But Supt. Louie Oppus, Lapu-Lapu City police chief, said that all that he knows is that the soldiers are trying to secure Lapu-Lapu.
He said the Marines have been in Olango for quite some time.
He declined to comment on Cañada’s allegation, saying the media ought to be responsible in deciding whether or not to report such complaints.
Omandam also said that the allegation of soldiers telling residents of an impending Abu Sayyaf attack is without basis and a “product of their (cause-oriented group’s) imagination.”
The soldiers identified “off-limits” portions of the sea to ensure that no lawless elements could infiltrate the island and get a chance to get near Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa, which is one major summit venue.
“Pwede man sila mangisda sa lugar nga dili (They can go fishing in the areas that are not) off-limits,” Omandam added.
Cañada said that while important issues are tackled in the summit, trade talks should include the interest of the fisherfolks. (RHM)
