Philippine Army claims killing NPA rebels in North Cotabato offensives

From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 4): Philippine Army claims killing NPA rebels in North Cotabato offensives

The Philippine Army said it killed a still undetermined number of communist rebels in a series of clashes in recent weeks in the southern province of North Cotabato. It said troops also seized 6 rebel bases of the New People’s Army in the town of Magpet following information provided by civilians. “Government forces are relentlessly pursuing the NPAs to protect civilians from deception and intimidation. The people in Magpet have long been complaining of NPA atrocities from threats, extortion and coercion to support the underground movement,” Lt. Col. Noel dela Cruz, commander of the 57th Infantry Battalion, said in a statement sent Tuesday to the Mindanao Examiner. “These are clear violations on human rights. Nobody should be forced to obey or to give food and money through fear and intimidation. The NPAs are now on the run following our capture of their major camps in Magpet,” he said.

Dela Cruz said the rebels are rapidly losing popular support from the people because of their atrocities. “We have been hitting them hard with the support and cooperation of people who have stood up against NPA atrocities,” he said. He urged the rebels to surrender peacefully and start a new life with their family. “We encourage those in the mountains to go back to the folds of the law. The government is sincere in its efforts of ending this conflict. I advise them to avail of the Social Integration Program of the government and lead normal lives with their families and loved ones,” he said. But Dela Cruz did not say anything about the killing of his soldier by the NPA on Monday. A rebel spokesperson Isabel Santiago said they killed an army soldier and wounded several more in fighting in Magpet that lasted almost an hour.

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