Wednesday, November 05, 2008 Duterte draws line between humanitarian acts, support By Carlo P. Mallo
DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte agrees with the new policy of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in Southern Mindanao to squeal on members of the local government units who support the New People's Army (NPA).
"If you go to the NPA to talk, okay lang 'yan, but if you give millions of pesos, that's different," Duterte told reporters last Saturday. "It's treason actually."
But the mayor draws the line for humanitarian aid.
"Kung bigay lang ng medisina, or ipalibing ang patay, it's beyond fighting," Duterte said.
Even the giving of food to rebel groups was frowned upon by the mayor although he admitted bringing food and lechon when he went on a visit. The amount of food he brought, however, cannot be regarded as support supplies but as a tool for building confidence.
"But if done on a regular basis, hindi na tama," Duterte said.
The mayor added that some politicians even provide arms, bullets, and cash.
In the latest meeting of the RPOC, its chair and Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Ra. Cagas bared that they are set to hunt down and recommend that proper sanctions be meted out against government officials who support the rebel group.
"It is based on the Executive Order 739 of the President [Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo]," Cagas said. "Kusog ang hulingihong (There are strong rumors) that some LGUs support the [NPA], either out of necessity or convenience."
The sanctions provided in the Local Government Code will be applied to any local official proven to have supported the rebel group.
It remains unclear though as to how the RPOC will implement such policies as the governor said it will vary from case to case.
However, both military and government officials present during the RPOC meeting Tuesday were tight lipped as to who these local government officials may be.
