By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
In response to the request by Bacolod City Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr. for a report on the raids conducted last month by military and law enforcement in the city’s Barangay Bata, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, questioned why such a request was being made, noting, the city councilor can access a copy of their report from the Regional Trial Court.
“For what purpose?” the law enforcement official asked. “He is supposed to lead the city’s task force in ending local communist armed conflict.”
However, Baleros said they are still willing to provide an explanation but recommended that Gamboa acquire a copy of their sworn statement and ensured authorities will not change their statement.
He added, if the purpose is to contest the legality and validity of the operation, the provincial police official suggested the city councilor file a complaint before the court.
Earlier, the city’s Sangguniang Panlungsod requested law enforcement agencies involved in the said raids to provide information regarding the mass arrests made.
The resolution, which was authored by Gamboa, cited Section 11 Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which states, “The state values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights;” along with the Bill of Rights.
Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, Army Captain Cenon Pancito III, previously said they are “very much willing” to comply once they receive a copy of the resolution.
“We are not hiding anything and it is the right of every Negrense to know what is really happening in the area,” he explained.
The military official also said they are willing to present the current situation as they believe the local government should be more aware of the situation at hand./DGB, WDJ