Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Manila Times
December 31, 2007 By Al Jacinto, Correspondent
AUTHORITIES have began an investigation into disturbing reports that US troops deployed in Sulu province had ordered the closure of a government hospital in the town of Panamao.
The soldiers allegedly barged into the Panamao District Hospital on December 3 and ordered its closure for a still unknown reason.
US troops are in Sulu province since early this year to assist and advise Filipino forces in fighting terrorism.
Dr. Silak Lakkian, head of the hospital, has complained about how US troops meddled into their operations.
The news only broke out Saturday after local journalists learned about the incident, but US military officials were not available to make any statement.
Sulu Governor Sakur Tan said he will personally act on the reports involving US troops and has talked to Major General Reuben Rafael, commander of Philippine military forces in the province, about it.
“US troops have no authority to impose on us,” he told The Manila Times.
It was not immediately known whether the US military tried to cover up the incident, but General Rafael also said that he will look into the reports. “We will look into this,” he said in a separate interview.
Local villagers and some Filipino troops also have complained about the arrogance of US soldiers in Sulu. Some US troops have allegedly treated Filipino soldiers like janitors and laborers in the province.
December 31, 2007 By Al Jacinto, Correspondent
AUTHORITIES have began an investigation into disturbing reports that US troops deployed in Sulu province had ordered the closure of a government hospital in the town of Panamao.
The soldiers allegedly barged into the Panamao District Hospital on December 3 and ordered its closure for a still unknown reason.
US troops are in Sulu province since early this year to assist and advise Filipino forces in fighting terrorism.
Dr. Silak Lakkian, head of the hospital, has complained about how US troops meddled into their operations.
The news only broke out Saturday after local journalists learned about the incident, but US military officials were not available to make any statement.
Sulu Governor Sakur Tan said he will personally act on the reports involving US troops and has talked to Major General Reuben Rafael, commander of Philippine military forces in the province, about it.
“US troops have no authority to impose on us,” he told The Manila Times.
It was not immediately known whether the US military tried to cover up the incident, but General Rafael also said that he will look into the reports. “We will look into this,” he said in a separate interview.
Local villagers and some Filipino troops also have complained about the arrogance of US soldiers in Sulu. Some US troops have allegedly treated Filipino soldiers like janitors and laborers in the province.