𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗥: ‘𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗦 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡’𝗦 𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗪𝗔𝗥’
“Baguio City could become the ‘last bastion’ of the Philippines in case of a conflict.”
This was the response of Brigadier General Ferdinand Melchor Dela Cruz when asked by Councilor Lilia Farinas about the potential scenario for the city in case a war breaks out between the Philippines and China, given the current threat posed by the latter.
During the Baguio City Council’s regular session on September 9, 2024, Dela Cruz emphasized the strategic importance of the Cordillera region and Baguio City in particular.
He referenced historical examples such as the Tirad Pass during the Philippine-American War and the Bessang Pass during World War II. By mentioning these famous battlegrounds where Filipino forces made critical last stands against invaders, he implied that Baguio City, with its elevated terrain and historical role in military defense, could similarly serve as a strategic and defensible location in the event of a conflict.
The brigadier general further mentioned that this strategic importance is why the Americans planned to establish their government administrative machineries in Baguio City.
He added that the Philippine Military is eyeing the construction of subterranean structures in strategic areas across the country to serve as command and control centers in the event of a war, noting that Baguio’s terrain is well-suited for such facilities.
Dela Cruz, Commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade and Joint Task Group Panagkaykaysa, was invited by the Baguio City Council’s September 9 Regular Session to present their plans and roles in the city.
Joint Task Group Panagkaykaysa is a military unit composed of members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), operating in Baguio City and its neighboring provinces. The group’s vision is to see Baguio as a united and progressive city, with communities strengthened through a whole-of-society approach.
In his presentation he explained that there is now a paradigm shift in their focus from counterinsurgency to territorial defense in line with potential external threats to national sovereignty and integrity. He said their mandate includes developing regular and citizen armed forces for national security which extends to creating an atmosphere of unity among citizens regardless of background to defend external aggression and other security threats.
An expanded concept of national security, according to Dela Cruz, includes non-traditional threats like climate change, disasters, pandemics, and other forms of criminality. He presented a shared vision for a secure, progressive, and united Baguio City through a whole-of-society approach.
With regard to the councilors’ queries on encouraging citizens to be reservists, he suggested revisiting laws related to national emergencies, war, and disaster response, addressing issues with insurance for reservists, and creating programs where reservists can return to their regular jobs after active service.
Dela Cruz said their group is committed to adhering to human rights principles. He also acknowledged that insurgency is a socio-political problem that can’t be solved by military means alone.
“Being the face of the government, we will coordinate with other agencies involved to address these socio-political problems,” Dela Cruz stated.
The military officer received praise from members of the Baguio City Council, especially Councilors Jose Molintas and Arthur Allad-iw, for this new approach, which they noted is distinct from those introduced by previous military officers.
It can be remembered that Col. Virgilio Noora, Commander of Joint Task Group Baguio and a representative of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, clashed twice with members of the city council regarding issues on red-tagging and human rights violations.
Councilor Peter Fianza recalled past community-based dialogues conducted by state forces, particularly Joint Task Baguio, in barangays. He mentioned that during these meetings, pictures of students involved in activism activities were shown to their parents, labeling the students as potential recruits for communist terrorist groups.
Fianza expressed hope that such practices would stop under Dela Cruz’s leadership. He suggested that if such talks were to continue, there should be a creation of guidelines on how these consultations should be undertaken.
Asked if the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) would still be operating in Baguio City, Dela Cruz said the functions of the NTF-ELCAC are still carried through the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) and Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) whereas his function as the commander of the Joint Task Unit Panagkaykaysa will focus on the Bagong Pilipinas government program, which had been recently introduced by the current administration, and other non-traditional threats to security.
𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙡 𝘽𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙨
Although national peace talks are within the purview of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), Dela Cruz said his group is given the freedom to conduct localized peace talks.
Molintas proposed securing a safe conduct pass in the event that some group leaders are convinced to engage in dialogue to start peace talks in the Cordillera region, claiming that this approach has been done before and citing the case of Jovencio Balweg. He added that some individuals are interested in coming down from the mountains to live normal lives but are hindered by numerous criminal cases against them.
The councilor expressed a desire to find a way for willing individuals to come forward permanently and help encourage others to do the same, promoting their integration into democratic society.
Dela Cruz said that “back door” talks might be possible, and he would take responsibility for whatever happens. However, he pointed out the issue of separation of powers, noting that as part of the executive branch, they may not have the authority to handle judicial matters like criminal cases. He said even if they bring people down, these individuals might still face prosecution.
Molintas suggested exploring possibilities and possibly involving other government units like the Supreme Court to address these issues. -Jordan G. Habbiling
