Army no longer using public buildings as bases- 10th ID

DAVAO CITY, April 23 (PIA) The military asserted that it no longer uses public buildings like barangay halls and schools as bases for their soldiers deployed in the hinterland barangays, as claimed by progressive organizations.

Major General Eduardo Ano, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said the soldiers strongly adhere to the order of Lt. General Aurelio Baladad, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command not to use public buildings as military quarters.

He said the military leadership gives importance on the respect for human rights and international humanitarian law which the soldiers on field must follow all the time.

“We strictly follow this directive and any infraction will be investigated and dealt with accordingly.  Gone are the days that the soldiers figure in abuses,” Ano pointed out.

He said soldiers under the 10th Infantry Division continue to the deployment of peace and development teams in the barangays where they help residents ventilate pressing issues and problems and elevate these concerns to the local government and line agencies for action.

Ano said complaints about alleged use of government buildings like schools and barangay halls as headquarters usually hails in areas where the rebel movement thrives.

He said more disciplined soldiers will continue to reach out to the communities in order to bridge them and the government, so that together immediate concerns will be attended and eventually will have tangible results.  (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)