By: Fidel Banzon

11/07/09
Show of force
(LAST PART)
Continuation from last issue...

There is nothing for him to come and inquire the chief executive of the local
government unit the reason the Lockheed security guard was summoned
and made to answer to the complaint; but to bring squads of soldiers to
intimidate the residents is against the Bill of Rights.
Col. Martin’s act reminded me of Col. Lope “Louie” Dagoy, when he took
over the command of the 19th IB. After we finished the City Peace and
Order Council meeting I invited him in the City Mayor’s conference room and
introduced to him Punong Barangay Isagani R. Baòez. My intention is for the
Punong Barangay and the then Battalion Commander to meet personally and
to put down the suspicion rumored against the former that he is a rebel
coddler, if not a rebel himself. The good colonel asked directly to the face of
the Punong Barangay whether or not the Punong Barangay is a supporter of
the New People’s Army. Looking to the eyes of Louie, the Punong Barangay
replied with his usual amiable smile, “I am not.”
Col. Dagoy during his tour of duty in this place had proven the reply of the
Punong Barangay to be true. He even extended assistance to the Punong
Barangay in connection with the latter’s civic activities. One time in the
evening, I could still remember, the house of the Punong Barangay was
siege by members of the Scout Rangers because of a military officer was
boxed by a Tanod for creating trouble. A machinegun was mounted directly
to the house of the Punong Barangay. By phone, I was informed by the
Punong Barangay about the situation; hence, I called Louie who in turn
called the commanding officer of the Scout Rangers. After my article was
read, according to Louie, Fort Bonifacio headquarters of the Scout Rangers
relieved them as soon as possible to maintain the peace and security in the
barangay. Louie will remain in the memories of the barangay officials here;
he is right now the commanding officer of the contingent in East Timor.
Col. Martin’s act of bringing his men to confront a civil government official is
in contrary with the SIP of Major General Tabaquero. Probably, it would be
better for him to be assigned in the Division to keep him away from trouble.
I have been in the Philippine Army and I have been with officers with
different characters. It was 15 days before my 15th birthday on April 9,
1951 when I volunteered as enlisted man. I am now 73 years old and have
already experienced with company of young officers who are very aggressive
that they thought, except, the military men all others are enemies of the
State. Hoping General Tabaquero will give Colonel Allan F. Martin another
assignment so as not to derail his SIP.
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