The city council, in an approved resolution, called on the Philippine Military Academy anew to suspend its “No Decal, No Entry” camp policy at Camp Henry T. Allen. The local legislators said the policy is “greatly affecting” the residents therein.
The council likewise requested that the suspension of the said policy extends to similarly situated barangays within reservations like Upper Market Barangay and St. Joseph Village Barangay.
Furthermore, the resolution called for the creation of a grievance committee with PMA representatives in each of the said barangays for the purpose of resolving disputes that may arise between the barangay constituents and the PMA concerning the former’s property rights and interests.
Residents of Camp Allen Barangay brought the matter to the former city council in January 2019 in which a request for the suspension of the “No Decal, No Entry” policy was made.
Col. Christopher Sab-it wrote the city council in February 2019 to inform the body that all concerns of the residents “have been properly acted upon” and that an agreement favorably considering the request of the council have been considered.
In her letter, Punong Barangay Maribel Estacion informed the council that the academy intends to restore its policy that only vehicles with decals shall be allowed to enter the camp. The decals shall be issued only to active or retired members of the military and their authorized dependents, Armed Forces of the Philippines Civilian Human Resource Staff, Department of National Defense employees, and business tenants.
Two resolutions reiterating the former city council’s request were passed this year. The academy has yet to give a response to these recent council resolutions.
The council earlier expressed that the implementation of the said policy will put residents at a disadvantage especially the vulnerable ones such as senior citizens and pregnant women as it will be difficult for them to transport their needed basic goods to their residences located within the camp. **Jordan G. Habbiling
