BCDA blamed for Fort Boni deaths

Residents of Fort Bonifacio in Taguig accused the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) yesterday of allegedly masterminding the "massacre" of three residents during a demolition last Thursday.

The Federation of Military and Civilian Residents, Inc. (Fomcres) said BCDA officials should be held responsible for the bloody incident.

"We were eating our lunch when soldiers and civilian security guards of the BCDA sprayed us with bullets. That was a broad daylight massacre," said Robert Mora Sr., Fomcres president.

Meanwhile, a pro-human rights lawmaker denounced the violent incident. "The Commission on Human Rights should investigate and spare no effort in prosecuting those responsible for the bloodshed," said Agusan del Norte Rep. Roan Libarios.

"The bloodbath in Friday's two-hour gun battle at Fort Bonifacio has underscored the need for Congress to impose a ban on the carrying of firearms during demolitons," Libarios added.

"We must bring order and sanity, and prevent unnecessary violence," stressed Libarios, subcommittee chair for international human rights agreements. "In effect, the law should set legal parameters for 'maximum tolerance' by law enforcers during a demolition operation," he pointed out.

The demolition was marred by a fierce, two-hour gunfight between a combined team of Army soldiers and BCDA security guards and unidentified gunmen believed to be military men opposing their eviction from the site.

Three residents were killed, namely Amado Pecson, 42; Rodrigo Guerrero, 43; and Mora's 16-year-old son Robert, who was shot five times with an M-14 rifle. At least six others were wounded.

While denying they engaged the BCDA guards in a shootout, Mora said it was clear violation of their rights as "we were treated like dogs."

Mora added that BCDA did not respect the temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court last April 7 stopping any demolition in Fort Bonifacio.

As a sign of their condemnation, Mora said they will hold a demonstration against the BCDA in the Senate and Supreme Court possibly by Tuesday.