The Panaghugpong sa Dakbayan-Kadamay-Cebu strongly condemned the intensifying militarization in the cities of Cebu. Urban militarization primarily involves the deployment of military units within urban poor communities in Metro Cebu.

The group noted military presence at the venue of their 9th assembly held last December 1. Residents reported that men who introduced themselves as 14th CMO Battalion personnel were present in Ermita, Pasil, and Mambaling, waiting for those attending the assembly. Similar reports of military presence came from residents in Qiout Pardo, as well as from Mandauae and Lapu-Lapu City. Soldiers also harassed homeowners’ association members at their homes to warn them against attending the assembly.

“They used psychological warfare by repeatedly asking neighbors about the leaders’ homes, even though they already knew the location… and stalked these homes when the members or leaders were not around, pressuring their children or siblings for a talk,” said Kadamay-Cebu.

Movement Against Carbon Market Privatization (MACMP) members reported similar forms of harassment.

“The military emulates politicians, promising vendors that they will receive assistance from TUPAD and help from the government if they leave their organization.” The MACMP is an association of small vendors opposed to the privatization of the Carbon public market.

Residents condemned the military for its blatant harassment in their communities.

“It is very clear that the state always responds with severe militarization and suppression every time the people organize and mobilize for decent housing and job security,” the group asserted. Instead of addressing the people’s grievances, the NTF-Elcac, AFP, and PNP are continuously provided funding and opportunities to violate the people’s civil and political rights.”

Their call: Military out of the community! Dismantle NTF-Elcac and stop the attacks on urban poor communities!