Farmers protest ‘military abuses’

THE information officer of the Central Command (Centcom) got a surprise slap in the head as he listened to farmers’ grievances against members of the Philippine Army.

About a hundred farmers from Toledo City, Aloguinsan and Pinamungahan towns trooped to the Central Command in barangay Lahug yesterday morning to protest alleged abuses by members of the 78th Infantry Batallion of the Philippine Army.

Lieutenant Col. Christopher Tampus,  Public Information Officer (PIO) of Central Command (Centcom), faced the protesters to listen to their grievances when suddenly a woman in her 50s slapped him, hitting his head.

Tampus, however, did not react violently to the incident and proceeded with the dialogue. He also asked his troops to serve snacks but the protesters refused it.

Tata Siaboc of Aloguinsan told Tampus that the members of 78th IB were abusing him. He said some members of the 78th IB are impolite. They allegedly enter his house without his consent to charged their cell phones.

He said that once  military man forcibly handed his gun to him, which he disliked.

Liling Espragera of Madugo, Toledo City, said some members of the 78th IB are subjecting them to psychological harassment.

Tampus took notes on the issues concerning the farmers and promised the protesters to help them solving it.

Tampus said he will call the attention of Lt. Col. Nolasco Mempin who is the chief of 78th IB. They will also discuss whether the presence of their men in the place will be pulled out.

Tampus advised the farmers to report to the police station or their barangay officials when they meet military officers abusive on their job.

Tampus said they have zero-tolerance policy against erring AFP members.

The protesters went home peacefully after the dialogue. /CORRESPONDENT GABRIEL C. BONJOC