Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday cautioned the government to stick to humanitarian missions alone in the 2009 RP-US Balikatan military exercises in the Bicol provinces in April this year, a press release from his office said.

The exercises have been arranged for engineering and medical missions in the provinces of Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon. While Escudero, Senate Committee of Justice and Human Rights chairman said the aim of the Balikatan would benefit many locals, especially those who have been severely affected by disasters in previous years, he remains wary of other agenda that may be concealed from the public.

"Our government better make sure that this exercise will adhere to the terms it has been devoted to and not use it as front for other endeavors that may antagonize and stir indifference from various sectors," he said.

Escudero is referring to the insurgency problem in the Bicol region with New People's Army on the other end of the government concerns.  He admitted that the insurgency problem in Bicol still persists and needs to be addressed in all fronts, but he said the government should keep external forces out of this matter, the press release said.

The Balikatan should avoid at all cost any intervention that may straddle in our internal affairs. The insurgency issue in Bicol, and in any part of the country for that matter, remains the national government's concern and responsibility. Any outside force touching it meddles with our sovereignty, Escudero said in the press release.

He also cautioned US soldiers joining the exercises to conduct themselves in the true manner of an officer and a gentleman and adhere to the laws governing the country and its people, the press release added.*

back to top