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US soldiers in combat

MR. EXPOSE

Amb. Ernesto Maceda

08/17/2007

It is clear to everyone in Basilan, Zamboanga and Sulu that US soldiers are taking an active part in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ campaign against Muslim rebels and terrorists. In fact, they have been given their own camp in Zamboanga City which is a clear violation of the Constitution prohibiting foreign bases on Philippine soil.

Since the implications for the AFP are not complimentary, its spokesman consistently denies that US troops are part of the fighting. Explanations have been given that they are accompanying Philippine troops as observers, or as part of Balikatan training exercises, or are just giving technical help such as providing unmanned spy planes. The latest explanation given by Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro is that the US soldiers were doing “site survey” for the forthcoming joint Balikatan exercises. The problem is the Agence France-Presse photos that showed US troops on board an armored vehicle behind a loaded machinegun leading a Marines convoy. If it was truly a site survey, then the US troops should have been at the rear.

All these reduce the credibility of the AFP’s statements. More lying. One thing sure, AFP’s Oplan Ultimatum and now Oplan Ultimatum 2 as crafted by General Esperon, are not working. What will GMA order now? Maybe transfer the Philippine Marine Headquarters to Jolo? She has previously ordered the transfer of the Philippine Army HQ to Zamboanga City and the Department of Agrarian Reform to Davao City. That’s the best she can think of?

Sheer incompetence. The Philippine is in the typhoon belt. Every year, 15 to 20 typhoons will hit the country. Every year, we will see the usual casualties, floods, evacuation centers and the rush to provide relief and rehabilitation.

And every year, we hear the usual complaints, lack of or late warning from Pagasa, lack of traffic aides or policemen to untangle traffic jams, non-working pumps in Metro Manila, lack of adequate equipment to help stranded or trapped persons, slow flow or loss of relief goods, waiting for DSWD Manila to send relief, lack of blankets, tents and medicines, waiting for Malacañang, NDCC or DBM to release funds. Yes, year after year, the same problems. This means poor planning and sheer incompetence. With all her billions for mega projects, why is there nothing for flood control?

The only sure thing — GMA in her boots and raincoat ready for a photo op visiting the calamity area. She barks the usual release orders but more often than not, it takes some time before her orders are implemented. Two years after the Real/Infanta mudslides, residents are complaining they have not received the P10,000 per family assistance promised by GMA. The billions released for Bicol rehabilitation have not helped the victims in Albay. Many of them are still living in tents and schoolrooms are still lacking.

In Guimaras, only P200 million of the P800 million GMA announced has been released.

Just do it. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro ordered an investigation of the report of distribution of firearms by then Gov. Wahab Akbar to warlords, including Abu Sayyaf members during the May 14 elections. Bet you that was approved by Malacañang. Generals will be watching Teodoro’s move here.

Teodoro has pinpointed the root of the problem: too many guns in the hands of Muslim citizens who love guns more than their wives.

There is an element of discrimination here. If a Christian is seen with a long firearm, he will be arrested for illegal possession of firearms.

Firearms are being smuggled in through Sultan Kudarat, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Can Teodoro stop this open smuggling of guns? Can he require the licensing and registration of firearms for everybody, Muslim or Christian? That’s the challenge, Mr. Secretary!

Tidbits. Dr. Lorna Esperon, wife of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., angrily bawled out the AFP chaplain for not reading the names of 27 soldiers killed in Sulu for whom the Mass was being offered at the Camp Aguinaldo Cathedral. Reminds one of Mrs. Angelo Reyes and Mrs. Carlos Garcia. Earlier, it was the “tiger,” Mrs. Romeo Espino and Mrs. Rodolfo Biazon. They are the real powers in Camp Aguinaldo... On Umagang Kay Ganda over Channel 2, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez talked about her National Anti-Corruption Program which is being launched today. But she could not explain why the case of Joc-Joc Bolante is still “under investigation”... Chinoy businessman James Go was stabbed dead in his house in Binondo. Three employees are the suspects... Mila Ador, a housewife, was shot dead after reporting to the police the presence of drug pushers in her Marikina City neighborhood... Alfredo Beterbo, 64, DENR forester, was shot dead by illegal loggers in Albuera, Leyte. Yes, killings all over!... After debating Senator Zubiri’s bottom, Sen. Joker Arroyo has now targeted Sen. Chiz Escudero for not wearing the proper dress attire...Six-footer Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino took a pedicab to reach Malacañang on time. Wonder if that’s good for our tourism image? Will tourists enjoy the flooded Manila streets?... The 200-room Shangri-La Boracay will be completed by mid-2008. Two-room villas will be priced at $700 a night. Its facilities are patterned after the Amanpulo Resort. Stairways and Blue Water Resort are adding 500 rooms. Both resorts are on the north side of the island.