RESIDENTS and officials of Barangay Camp Allen are crying foul over a military rule in the area from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Barangay chief Maribel Estacion faced the city council Monday, January 28, lamenting a restriction of movement by orders of Colonel Christopher Sab-it, in charge of the area, from the Philippine Military Academy who has closed the main gate of the area earlier than the previous 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Estacion said residents have been experiencing difficulties because of the closure, lamenting blocking of taxi cabs at the gate despite heavy loads, non-entry of personal vehicles, telephone and cable providers as well as the postman and medical supplies like an oxygen tank.
Estacion said senior citizens have been complaining of restrictions and are worried if emergencies occur.
Sabit-it, who took over the area last year, admitted the new rules were implemented without consultation of barangay heads and residents.
The military officer reminded the area is a military camp subject to its security measures and added with construction and population inside the area growing, space for the military is being compromised.
Sab-it said the new rules were imposed as preventive security measure.
At least two barangays cover the area, Camp Allen and Upper Market, with a combined population of over 5,000 and more than 50 vehicles.
Councilor Leandro Yangot said Camp Allen is covered by Proclamation 254 covering 3.4 hectares, the kutsilyo area of 1.5 hectares and TCT 1090 sold by the former Philippine Constabulary consisting of over 10,000 hectares.
Councilor Peter Fianza requested Sab-it to allow easy access to students so as not to make the gate closure a reason not to go home.
Vice Mayor Edison Bilog reminded Sab-it the area is a barangay and cannot impede deliveries of services as well as the way of life of residents.
Councilor Arthur Allad-iw the city is not under martial law and said Baguio is considered peaceful.
Sab-it conceded and opened a meeting with barangay leaders and residents after the city council session to talk about concerns.