Visits by Army worry Christian churches in Ilocos Sur

BAGUIO CITY — Clergy from at least two Christian denominations in Ilocos Sur are urging the Philippine Army’s 81st Infantry Battalion to stop visiting their churches if troops are just going to snoop on them.

Rev. Jun Paplonot, conference minister of the United Churches of Christ in the Philippines North Luzon-Amburayan Conference (UCCP-NLAC) said, the presence of military personnel in their churches for the past months has caused “fear and distress” among their members, lay leaders, and pastors.

Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Singson hosted a dialogue between clergymen and the military last week at the provincial capitol in Vigan after the Ilocos Human Rights Alliance complained about alleged harassment and intimidation of church and peasant leaders in the province.

Paplonot explained that UCCP's social and moral responsibilities require it to work with different sectors and communities.

"We don't just pray and worship but be part of the lives of the people. We cover justice, peace, the integrity of creation and ecumenism,” he said.

The sudden appearance and interest of military personnel visiting their churches, checking on their activities, and asking to be part of their programs and community partnerships, he said, “is too much”.

Last month, the UCCP’s NLAC expressed alarm over unannounced and regular visits by Army personnel to several pastors who are actively involved in social and environmental concerns.

Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lacanaria of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, meanwhile, expressed disappointment with the military for not being “truthful” about it intentions in visiting him.

“I opened the church to you without reservation but, all the while, you were there to monitor my activities and organizational affiliations,” he said.

He also told them to stop coming to his church, saying even the church's altar boy has expressed fear after a soldier took his cell phone number.

Lacanaria was reportedly the first IFI priest in Ilocos Sur visited by soldiers.

The military had donated an electric fan to the church. However, the IFI priest worried when soldiers started asking about the plans of the Ilocos Human Rights Alliance and its members.

Farmers regional alliance Solidarity of Peasants Against Exploitation (Stop Exploitation) also raised the issue of alleged “red-tagging” and forcing their members to “surrender” and take the “oath of allegiance” as if they have done something that is against the law.

"Please, stop doing this to Stop Exploitation members," Antonino Pugyao, the group's chairperson, said at the dialogue.

He said the governor could attest that their organization works and engages the government for the welfare of the farmers.

Army: Visits needed to ensure peace, security

But Lt. Col. Charles DZ Castillo, commander of 81st Infantry Battalion, explained that they have to visit communities and churches to ensure peace and development and the security of the nation.  He said they coordinate all their activities with local governments.

Castillo also asked the priests not to call soldiers who visit communities and churches as intelligence officers, saying communist rebels might target them.

He assured the priests that if the communities and churches do not want their presence and assistance, then they will stay away.

"At least we’ve tried," Castillo said.

Rev. Marcela Sacayle, who represented the Office of the Bishop of the UCCP North Luzon Jurisdiction (NLJ) said that the military is welcome to be part of their church but they should seek permission before taking part in church programs and activities.