Kin of NPA rebs benefit from relief operations

From Malaya (Dec 21): Kin of NPA rebs benefit from relief operations

A MILITARY commander in the Davao region said families of New People’s Army rebels are also benefiting from the relief operations for those affected by typhoon “Pablo.” “We have no problem there. We know for a fact that families of the rebels were also affected,” said Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, commander of the military’s 10th Infantry Division based in Compostela Valley. Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental are the areas worst hit by the typhoon which struck about two weeks ago. It has left 1,047 people dead while 841 remain missing. The military is past of the search, rescue and retrieval operations. Soldiers are also assisting government and non-government organizations in the relief operations.

Bernardo said the NPA families are in the hills of Compostela Valley and nearby Davao Oriental. “We know for a fact that the families were also affected,” he said. “If you are living at the top of the hills…whoever is there will really be hit, no matter how you fortify your camp,” said Bernardo. He said rebel camps are only makeshift structures that are vulnerable to strong winds. Bernardo said it is expected of the rebels to seek refuge in areas that were not devastated by Pablo while their families are sent down from hill so they can be provided assistance. “Their families, they have to go down because they have nothing to eat up there...Of course, we are not discriminating (in our relief operations) because they are fellow Filipinos. We have to provide them with relief goods and water to survive,” said Bernardo.

http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/20582-kin-of-npa-rebs-benefit-from-relief-operations