After Isabela Battle Ceasefire halts pursuit of rebels

From the Visayan Daily Star: (Dec 17):  After Isabela Battle Ceasefire halts pursuit of rebels

The pursuit operations against the fleeing New People’s Army rebels who figured in a recent encounter with members of the 11th Infantry Battalion in the hinterlands of Isabela, Negros Occidental, were suspended yesterday. This was in compliance with the 18-day Christmas ceasefire being observed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Col. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said. The unilateral ceasefire, that started yesterday, will end Jan. 2 next year.

Patrimonio said the 46 families, who had evacuated from Sitio Mahopaho and neighboring sitios, all in Brgy. San Agustin, Isabela, to avoid being caught in a crossfire, may now return to their homes. He has already pulled out the pursuing troops from the area, Patrimonio said.

Armed Forces chief Jessie Dellosa said the ceasefire will cover "deliberate offensive operations" against the NPA. He, however, said that government troops well continue their patrols and humanitarian aid programs. Dellosa, added in a statement he issued, that the ceasefire will also give to soldiers and villagers in conflict areas the opportunity to celebrate the holidays peacefully.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., who led the distribution of relief goods to the affected families in Brgy. San Agustin, Isabela, Saturday, reiterated his call for rebels to help him fight poverty, and not to fight against each other. Pointing out that the insurgency problem has been ongoing for more than 40 years, Marañon said “It is about time to end it”. Whatever their (NPA) complaints, he said, are already being addressed by the government. Marañon said the 74 rebels in Negros Occidental who had surrendered since last year, have availed of assistance from the provincial, as well as from the national government, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process. If there are problems or complaints, let’s talk about, he said, adding that killing each other will not solve the problem.

Col. Jon Ayeng, deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said the national and provincial government gave about P.4.5 million of assistance to former rebels, who have now reunited and living peacefully with their respective families.

During a dialog at the San Agustin barangay proper in Isabela, Saturday Maranon said he will send representatives of the Provincial Engineer’s Office for the construction of hanging bridges, improvement of roads, among infrastructure projects, in answer to clamor of residents about rising floodwaters during heavy rains. He added that he is sending representatives of the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Program to register residents, who will avail of the health care program of the provincial government.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/December/17/topstory1.htm