Top officials of the influential Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC) have urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prevent the permanent transfer of the regional offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to the City of San Fernando.

MCAC Chair Benigno N. Ricafort and Co-chair Mabalacat Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales said the council, which is composed of Local Government Units adjacent to the Freeport, will appeal to the DOJ to bring the two agencies’ offices back to Clark.

This, after clamor from various sectors intensified following the recent transfer of the DFA office and the impending relocation of NBI office to the City of San Fernando.

Morales, in previous news reports, pointed out that the presence of the DFA regional consular office here creates a multiplier effect on Clark and its contingent communities.

“The presence of the two offices helps create small businesses and employment opportunities to other people,” Morales noted.

He added that “having the DFA and NBI offices in Clark strengthens the move to transfer all government agencies to the Freeport.”

Also, Morales stressed that “knowing that the NBI regional office is inside Clark creates a sense of security.”

“Just like the presence of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) inside the Clark Freeport, the NBI office inside Clark adds a sense of security inside this former U.S. military installation,” Morales said.

In a rejoinder, Mabalacat Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales denied reports that he accused the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) of sleeping on the job.

“My concern on the matter is focused on bringing back the DFA and NBI offices back to the Clark Freeport because of its importance and significance to the community and the residents and people who depend on these agencies’ services,” Morales noted.

Also in a published rejoinder, Ricafort, who is also president of the CDC, said the state-owned corporation had provided DFA officials of alternative sites as early as 2007 when the agency bared plans to move out of Clark.