US facilities in Oro would do city more harm: Bayan

By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent

LOCAL progressive groups yesterday maintained that it would do more harm than good should the city become a host to US military facilities.

Chanting “US imperialist, No. 1 terrorist,” organizations under the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) held an indignation rally at the Press Freedom Monument, Capitol grounds to collectively express their opposition to suggestions of turning Lumbia airport as a place for US military facilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca).

Bayan-Northern Mindanao chairman Wildon Barros said the experience of Filipinos with the US Naval Base in Subic Bay, Olongapo, Zambales should serve as a lesson to local governments that are “open” to hosting an US military facilities.

“Dili kita mosugot nga duna pay sama sa kaso ni Nicole, Jennifer Laude, Gregan Cardeno ug uban pa nga  mahitabo sa Cagayan de Oro. Himo-on natong insperasyon ang pakig bisog nila ni Gen. Capistrano, Capt. Apolinar Velez, Capt. Vicente Roa, ug uban pa,” Barros said.

Barros said children in the city would be exposed to higher risks of sexual abuse based on the Philippine experience.

For her part, Rhodora Bulosan of Gabriela agreed with Barros, saying the extended presence of American soldiers in the city would also promote prostitution among locals.

Kabataan partylist regional coordinator Vennel Chenfoo said Edca is in clear violation of Article 18, Section of the 1987 Constitution. The Supreme Court, however, has ruled Edca as constitutional earlier this month.

Chenfoo derided Mayor Oscar Moreno who earlier told media he was open to hosting American facilities in the city.

“Keeping an open mind is not acceptable. He is a public official and all his statements are open to public scrutiny. What future will the youth inherit if we have public officials keeping an open mind for the entry of monsters and turn its own people slaves in their own lands?” asked Chenfoo rhetorically. (nitz arancon)