Over 1-K flee as NPA enters sitio

MORE than 1,000 internally displaced person (IDPs) were forced to flee their homes after an undetermined number of armed communist rebels entered their community at Sitio Kaluyapi, Barangay Langgawisan, Maragusan in Compostela Valley Province on February 6.

Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) Public Information

Officer Major Ezra Balagtey said that at around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) caused chaos, threatening the residents living in the area, and prompting them to leave their place.

Balagtey said the armed group who came from Sitio Mandaopan, Barangay Bahi in Maragusan entered sitio Kaluyapi, threatened the community and held some of its constituents, leaders, and teachers for unknown purposes.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through its military unit, the 66th Infantry Battalion (IB) coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Rescue and Response Council of Maragusan and recorded over 1,000 IDPs who sought for temporary safe haven at Barangay Talian's covered court, in Maragusan.

“In response, the 66th Infantry Battalion under Ltc. Palmer M. Parungao is closely coordinating with the local government unit of Maragusan and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of New Bataan under Lynne M. Dollolasa, in connection with the security, distribution of food supplies, and other interventions to the displaced persons,” he said.

Meanwhile, Eastmincom commander Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. lambasted the recent atrocity launched by the terrorist group, sowing fear among the residents. (For full story visit www.sunstar.com.ph/ davao/)