Military resumes operations vs NPA

DAVAO – The military has resumed offensives against communist rebels after the lapse of the holiday ceasefire on Tuesday.

Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. directed all military units in Eastern Mindanao to resume operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) in the region.

“Continue protecting vulnerable communities from armed threats and deception of the NPA as they intend to conduct more terroristic acts as pronounced during their anniversary,” Madrigal said, referring to the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Madrigal said the NPA violated its own truce with the government on several occasions.

Over the weekend, two soldiers were hurt in an encounter with the rebel group in Tarragona, Davao Oriental.

Soldiers figured in a 30-minute firefight with some 50 NPA members when they responded to reports that armed men were harassing residents of Barangay Tubaon.

Communist guerrillas also kidnapped Insp. Menardo Cui, deputy police chief of President Roxas town in North Cotabato last week.

Madrigal added the militiamen in Laak, Compostela Valley was harassed by NPA rebels during the ceasefire.

NPA rebels also harassed Army units in Mabini, Compostela Valley.

Madrigal said the government is having difficulty in delivering relief goods and services to communities affected by Tropical Storm Vinta (Tembin) and Agaton (Bolaven), citing the harassment of NPA rebels.

“Our efforts on assisting other line government agencies in facilitating the delivery of government services in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas must also continue and be pursued,” Madrigal said.

Meanwhile, two suspected NPA rebels were killed by government troops during an encounter in a remote village in Baybay, Leyte yesterday.