An activist lawmaker on Monday expressed serious concerns about an agreement between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) designating the latter as a reserve unit of the Philippine Army.

“This new agreement between the MMDA and AFP is ominous. The AFP practically armed and authorized MMDA to act as thugs in the streets,” Anakpawis Rep. Joel Maglunsod said

He warned that the MMDA could abuse and take advantage of its new found powers and authority to bully ordinary citizens, including commuters, public and private utility vehicle drivers, and sidewalk vendors.

In a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed last September 3 by Army Reserve commander Brig. Gen. Danilo Garcia – representing Chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit – and MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, the MMDA is tasked to ensure the continuous and uninterrupted operations of water, light, transportation and communication for the AFP, especially in times of war and emergency.

Under the MOA, the MMDA will also help in strengthening the operations of the AFP by committing its manpower and assets to the military during times of disaster, emergency and calamity.

In return, the AFP will conduct pre-military training on MMDA personnel to prevent raids, sabotage and attacks by enemies. The military will also provide logistic support to MMDA during emergencies and screen MMDA personnel for qualified applicants to the Reserve Force.

Maglunsod said the MOA is frightening given the history of the MMDA. He noted that the Ferdando-led agency was previously accused of human rights violations during sidewalk clearing operations.

“We have seen the peculiar and abusive ways of the MMDA in handling day-to-day traffic and order in the streets. We do not want to see armalite-toting MMDA personnel along EDSA,” Maglunsod said.

The labor leader-turned-lawmaker said the AFP-MMDA agreement could be a part of the Arroyo administration’s preparation for the 2010 election.

“They want to instill a climate of fear among the people,” he said.