Friday

‘I am no political terrorist’ – Ecija task force chief

The provincial task force chief against illegal logging and illegal quarrying in Nueva Ecija has disputed reports that his group is resorting to “political Terrorism” in discharging its functions.

“We are not political terrorists. We are here to enforce the laws,” said Fred Hermoso, who was designated by Gov. Aurelio M. Umali as Nueva Ecija Task Force Pagbabago chief last year.

Hermoso, one of Umali’s most trusted political lieutenants and former councilor of Quezon town, said the TF is only exercising the mandate given by the governor in running after so-called “environmental terrorists” or those engaged in the destruction of the environment such as illegal loggers and illegal quarry operators.

He said they do not discriminate and even those closely identified with Umali’s camp are not spared from the TF’s no-nonsense drive.

Hermoso said these efforts by the provincial government, particularly from quarry operations.

He was reacting to accusations hurled by first district Rep. Edno Joson that his group has been engaged in political terrorism and utilizing a platoon of armed men while performing its tasks.

Joson also accused Hermoso’s men of employing unnecessary force in retrieving certain heavy equipment vehicles previously owned by the provincial government.

No comments: