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Saturday, January 21, 2006
Guv vows to stop Balikatan in N. Cotabato
By Ben O. Tesiorna
NORTH Cotabato Governor Emmanuel Piñol warned the US government he would be forced to stop the ongoing Balikatan exercises in his province if it continues to refuse to give the Philippines custody of four American servicemen accused of rape.
In an interview over the radio Friday, Piñol said he would pass a resolution before the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting on Monday to prevent the further holding of the war exercises in his province.
"They better pack up and find some other place," Piñol said.
Piñol said he will also consult the Provincial Board about his sentiment and would force the American troops out of the province through a legal process.
He said the refusal of the US government to turn over the custody of the rape suspects to the Philippine government is a big disrespect to the country's sovereignty.
Piñol said he would not want to do such but that it is the only way he could think of to teach the US government to respect Philippine laws.
"It's a big insult to the dignity of the Filipinos. It's a matter of pride. Kailangan kong gumawa ng paraan," Piñol said.
The Balance Piston 06-02 started last January 17 and will end on February 17 in Carmen, North Cotabato.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (January 21, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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