Apas folk oppose Centcom transfer

CEBU, Philippines - The Alliance of Barangay Apas Association, Inc. (ABACA) yesterday expressed opposition on the proposed transfer of the Central Command (Centcom) which is being pushed by the City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM).

In a position paper submitted to the Cebu City council, ABACA admitted that the traffic congestion in the Banilad-Talamban area is "disturbing" which supports the reason of CITOM on the need to transfer Centcom as it would reportedly help decongest traffic.  

However, ABACA believes that transferring Centcom is not the solution.

"Indeed, the traffic problem at the Ban-Tal corridor is disturbing, especially during rush hours. But is the transfer of the military camp the solution? Isn't this act similar as firing cannons to kill mosquitoes?"

Prior to the discussion yesterday, ABACA had a meeting with its leaders who are unanimous in the position to oppose the proposed access road which will pass towards the Banilad corridor.

"We are of the opinion that to transfer a military camp should not be for tactical, strategic or other reasons more important than the whims of a few," the ABACA statement read.

Yesterday, the Cebu City Council discussed the proposal of CITOM to aid the traffic congestion in the Banilad-Talamban area. 

In attendance  during the public hearing was CITOM Executive Director Atty. Rafael Christopher Yap who answered queries from the members of the council.

Yap said his office will take note of the predicament of ABACA.

"All the concerns will be taken into consideration in subsequent consultations and hopefully we can come up with a proposal that is acceptable to all," Yap said.

City Councilor Gerardo Carillo stressed on the effect of the transfer to the urban poor in the area.

"In pursuing this kind of request will there be urban poor that can be affected?" Carillo said.

Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon also said that CITOM would need to consult various stakeholders on the transfer of Centcom since apart from aiding traffic congestion; the proposed transfer is also to support the projected expansion of the BPO industry, mostly leading to Barangay Apas area.

Cebu City Councilor Alvin Arcilla suggested that alternative routes be looked into instead of the transfer of Centcom.

For his part, Barangay Apas Captain Ramil Ayuman said he is in favor with the transfer as long as it will not affect the homeowners in the area.

"Historically, dili mahimo ang Apas kung wala ang kampo pero as long as maproteksyonan ang mga namuyo way problema" Ayuman said. — (FREEMAN)