Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Guv slams general's remark By Ben O. Tesiorna
COMPOSTELA Valley Governor Arturo "Chiongkee" Uy denounced the pronouncement of an Army general that New Bataan town is run by a shadow government of the New People's Army (NPA).
"I hope he was just misquoted because I don't believe that barangay officials in Comval are supporting the NPA. I hope that next time they say such statements in their personal capacity and not as head of a military organization. Divisive kasi yung statement na ganoon eh," Governor Uy said in Monday's Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Davao Events Centre.
New Bataan is a second class municipality of Compostela Valley with a population of just around 45,000.
Uy also said the general's statement is unbecoming of an officer, especially for one who heads such a big organization. He was referring to the statement attributed to Major General Jogy Leo Fojas of the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division.
"The word support must be clearly defined. And how do they define shadow government? Ibig ba sabihin nito (Does this mean) that New Bataan is being run by the NPA? That's very unfair. I'm hurt by this statement," the governor added.
Uy said military officials must bear in mind that the local government is helping the military’s anti-insurgency campaign. He said his province alone has allotted P5 million for military activities in Compostela Valley.
Uy added that the general must have said such things out of exasperation, having lost six military officers in an NPA ambush in New Bataan two weeks ago.
"Sana huwag naman nilang gawing (I hope they don’t use as) scapegoat ang (the) LGU; they should admit that their troops have committed lapses in their tactical operation," Uy said.
The governor suggested that the military strengthen its intelligence networks to prevent rebel atrocities. He said the Provincial Government is willing to allot more funds to help troops intensify their intelligence gathering.
Efforts to get Major General Fojas's reaction to the governor's statement proved futile as of Monday. Fojas is said to be in North Cotabato.
