CAPAS, Tarlac — Capas Mayor Roseller “Boots” Rodriguez strongly condemned the strict access restrictions imposed by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) inside its designated “Danger Zone” around Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base (CERAB) or Crow Valley, which he said causes severe hardship to the residents’ livelihoods and rights.
The town chief executive made the statement after some 3,000 residents, farmers, and indigenous Aeta people from five affected barangays of Capas — Sta. Juliana, Maruglo, O’Donnell, Sta. Lucia, and Bueno staged a protest march on July 14.
Rodriguez highlighted the various difficulties faced by his constituents due to military checkpoints. Among the issues he condemned was the rampant blocking of construction materials meant for residents repairing their damaged houses.
According to the mayor, even the delivery of basic social services has been paralyzed by military restrictions. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWD) faces major obstacles in extending social services and delivering relief goods to indigenous Aetas living inside the area.
Community development has likewise stalled, as the local government is unable to construct essential infrastructure such as health centers and day care centers. The mayor also cited the displacement of local farmers from their lands and long delays in repairing electric poles, which compromise the power supply in the villages.
“Matagal na po kaming humihingi ng diyalogo sa Philippine Air Force, umabot na po kami sa Villamor Air Base. Sana maging maayos yung patakaran nila, dito man lang sa pagpasok, kasi taga-dito po sila sa baryo,” Rodriguez said.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr has stepped in on July 19, 2026, ordering Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Chief Lt. Gen. Aristotle Gonzales to engage local stakeholders to assess ground conditions, while reassuring the public that the Armed Forces of the Philippines remains open to continued dialogue with the municipal government of Capas.
Rodriguez stressed that national security should not serve as a reason to deny the basic needs of ordinary citizens. He expressed confidence that with clear, constructive dialogue, military goals and civilian welfare can be reconciled.
Earlier, the PAF defended its measures through its spokesperson, Col. Christina Basco, who maintained that the restrictions are necessary for public safety because the contested area remains an active military reservation used for live-fire training exercises.
