Lawmakers seek investigation of aerial bombings by military
PARTY-LIST congressmen have called for an investigation of aerial bombings and strafing allegedly done by the military in the provinces.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the alarming increase in aerial bombings and indiscriminate firing on communities, especially when it comes to the welfare and safety of our children,” Party-list Rep. Arlene D. Brosas said in a statement.
The congressmen filed House Resolution 1135 seeking to probe the alleged attacks, citing the physical and emotional trauma on civilians, especially children.
Ms. Brosas said several schools have been damaged by the attacks. “Students have been forced to flee their homes.”
On Feb. 2, the Philippine Air Force 95th Infantry Battalion and the Tactical Operations Group dropped four bombs and rockets and conducted machine gun strafing against peasant communities in Cagayan Valley, according to the resolution.
It also said the government had used Black Hawk choppers, which were bought under the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program, to bomb areas in Cagayan Valley.
The resolution also cited bombings in the Cordillera mountains, Cavite, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, Masbate, Surigao del Sur and Bukidnon.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. highlighted in his second state of the nation address (SONA) to Congress the need to maintain peace.
“To create these investment opportunities, we must ensure that an enabling business environment is in place; that there is peace and order, and that the rule of law governs,” he said.
“If President Marcos is sincere in his offer of peace, then he must walk the talk and address the spate of aerial bombings and rights violations in our communities,” Ms. Brosas said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
