The National Democratic Front (NDF)-Negros denounced the recent scandalous move of Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Lacson to provide ₱3.8 million of so-called operational aid to Philippine Army units in Negros Island notwithstanding the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s gargantuan budget allocation this year amounting to P124.95 billion and the pervasive hunger and poverty suffered by Negrosanons during tiempos muertos.

Under the pretext of supporting the “peace and order” initiatives of the AFP, Lacson is in fact promoting fascism. This will only worsen the human rights situation confronting the Negrosanons as fascist soldiers will be more embolden to commit human rights and laws of war violations with impunity. Since Marcos Jr. took office, there were 1,153 documented cases of human rights and international humanitarian law violations perpetrated by units of 302nd and 303rd Brigades in Negros victimizing 95,400 individuals, of which 4,981 were minors.

The squandered fund could have been put in good use like sustainable disaster support for the victims of Kanlaon explosion,RSSI pest management, flood control and other much needed social programs.

The AFP enjoys an almost unlimited funding from the reactionary government, while the people continues to suffer from landlessness,slave-like wage, skyrocketing prices of basic commodities and lack of access to basic social services.

Furthermore, by providing “aid” to AFP, Lacson endangered the lives, democratic rights and livelihood of Negrosanons that will be displaced by intensified militarization.

To be truly of service to the Negrosanons, Lacson should focus his attention on providing support to the needy and marginalized.