Renegade priest Frank Fernandez yesterday dismissed the creation of the Church-Military Advisory Group in Negros as a “ psy-war (psychological warfare)” campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command and its subordinate units.

Fernandez, in a two-page statement released to the media, claimed that the military will use CMAG-Negros to deceive the people of their true intention, being a machinery of terrorism.

He accused the military of using civilians as guides in military operations, abducting  and salvaging of two farmers in Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, and of being behind  the forced evacuation of residents in northern Negros Occidental.

The Memorandum of Understanding, which paved the way for the creation of CMAG-Negros, was recently signed by Col. Honorato de los Reyes – Army 303rd Infantry Brigade chief, Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra and Kabankalan Bishop Patricio Buzon in the presence of Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado – APF Central Command chief, and Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak – military ordinate of the Philippines, at the Diocesan Center of Bacolod.

There is a need to maintain an open line of communication in achieving a harmonious and pro-active relationship and cooperation between the four dioceses on Negros Island and the Army, the MOU states.

Navarra said CMAG-Negros is “designed for the greater advantage of the general public and to ensure peace and order for the safety, security and well-being of the people in Negros Island.”

Ibrado said the creation of CMAG-Negros aims to promote good relations between the church and military in resolving issues and conflicts.

Fernandez, who chairs the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, said military officials have no moral authority to claim that they are promoting human rights and dignity as  they are suppressors of people’s rights.

The MOU also provides the creation of fact-finding missions separately or jointly to investigate and resolve issues and conflicts, arising from the conduct of the peace and development campaign in Negros.*GPB

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