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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.
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