Victorias mayor airs concern on settlement site

CEBU, Philippines - While the provincial government was finalizing the three settlement sites in Negros Occidental, as part of the peace pact with the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, Victorias City Mayor Francis Federick Palanca aired his concern over the matter.

The three settlement sites were in Barangay Palampas of San Carlos City, Barangay Gawahon of Victorias City and Barangay Locotan of Kabankalan City.

Palanca was concerned over the resettlement area because it is near the eco-tourism park of the city. "It will have an adverse effect to the eco-tourism program of the city," he said.

This eco-park is now being developed by the city into an economic zone and a bird sanctuary, thus the RPA’s entry may endangered these plans. The provincial government may instead acquire other lands in his city, not the one near the park, he said.

The mayor, while saying he was not against giving the RPA a settlement site in his city, wanted a consultation first with the residents because the RPA members may attract the New People’s Army rebels that would result in armed confrontations.

Colonel Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, however, dismissed the apprehension of Palanca, saying that the establishment of the resettlement area will further strengthen the security of the place.

“Actually, we (the military) already have contingencies on how to protect the area and this can benefit immediately  the eco-park,” Aying said, adding that the soldiers will cover wider areas due to the integration of three detachments—two in EB Magalona town and one in Victorias.

Meanwhile, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said he was hoping President Benigno Aquino III will sign the peace agreement in the province soon. — Marchel P. Espina (FREEMAN)