AFP accused of abuse

CEBU, Philippines - Leftists trooped to the Central Command headquarters in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, yesterday morning to complain of the alleged abuses by some members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines of their fellow farmers.

Members of Bayan Muna and the Pambansang Pederasyon ng Kababaihang Mambubukid sa Pilipinas rallied before the headquarters and called for the pullout of the 78th Infantry Battalion from the area.

Most of the rallyists were from the towns of Pinamungajan, Aloguinsan and Toledo City.

But Centcom spokesman Lt. Col. Christopher Tampus, who faced the farmers, said their concerns against the military should be addressed to the police or via formal complaint filed before their office.

"Dapat you get the name of the military and file a formal complaint because wa na namo gi-tolerate," Tampus said.

Liling Espragera, of Barangay Magdugo, Toledo City, alleged that hirelings of Hacienda Segismundo took away their harvest last Apr. 16 but soldiers who were around did nothing to defend them.

Alfreda Alcos, who is from Aloguinsan, said they were peaceful before without the presence of the military and they do not want them now.

But 78th IB battalion commander Lt. Col. Nolasco Mempin, said he cannot pull out the battalion in the area since they are protecting Cebu from insurgency.

"No, I am not going to pull out the 78th IB soldiers because we helped them solve land issues between the land owners so they could acquire the lot they were cultivating," Mempin said in a phone interview.

Mempin once identified Toledo City, Aloguinsan and Pinamungajan as vulnerable points for the rebels to gain entry into Cebu Province.

He also encouraged the farmers to get the name of abusive soldiers and file a complaint before Centcom or the Commission on Human Rights.

"We are not tolerating soldiers who abuse their power instead we will deal with it accordingly," Mempin said. - (FREEMAN)