FORT MAGSAYSAY,  Nueva Ecija – Ranking military officials have clarified that the presence of soldiers in the area of Angat dam in Bulacan was to protect the 13-km. Angat-Umiray Transbasin Tunnel from sabotage by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

“We highly respect our indigenous people (IP), especially the Dumagats,” said 48th Infantry Battalion (48^th IB) Commander Lt. Col. Felix Valdez.  

“The accusations that we are disrupting IPs hunting, farming, and fishing activities causing their hunger are baseless,” added Valdez.

Valdez made the clarification following a report of a national newspaper, quoting a certain Martin Francisco, chairman of Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society Inc., about their opposition to the presence of the soldiers in the area.

“Our presence in the Angat dam area is causing the NPAs some logistical problems and they are using the IP issue to force us out,” explained Valdez.

The issue reportedly irked a local Dumagat representative in Bulacan, citing the pride of their tribes.

“It's too much. Is there a Dumagat asking for pity? None. I am proud to tell all of you that hunger cannot kill our tribes,” said Norma Roque, a Dumagat.

Seventh Infantry Division Commander Major General Alfredo V. Rosario Jr. gave the assurance that the military will never prevent anyone, especially the members of the IP community, to hunt, fish, and farm for their food.

"The troops’ presence in the area is for the safety and security of the dam and protection of the community against the infiltration of the NPA bandits in the place. The report published was unfounded, baseless, and unfair since we were not given the opportunity to answer the allegations,” said Rosario.

"Our detachment in Kabayunan village was meant to protect the community and vital government infrastructure from the CPP-NPA. Despite the allegations of Mr. Francisco, the army did not receive any kind of complaints from the tribe members themselves," said Rosario.