End kidnapping, armed struggle, AFP tells NPA

From the Daily Tribune (Jun 2): End kidnapping, armed struggle, AFP tells NPA

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the New People’s Army must heed the call of the people to prove that it is not involved in illegal acts by stopping the rampant kidnapping in many provinces, especially in Compostela Valley.

In a text message, AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan replied “yes we are” when asked if the AFP is very much concerned over the wanton kidnapping of soldiers, policemen and even civilians in Compostela Valley.

“But our greater concern is on the attacks made on civilians and civilian communities.

Local residents are calling on the New People’s Army to end this ‘armed struggle’ that only cover up their illegal acts/crimes against public order,” Tutaan told The Daily Tribune.

“Very inhumane and violative of human rights and IHL (International humanitarian law). AFP will continue its vigilance to win the peace and undertake focused military operations against the NPA-armed group,” the spokesman added.

So far, only four of the six abducted by NPA rebels in the province recently have been freed last May 27. No update has been heard about the two remaining captives but unconfirmed reports said the captors are asking ransom in exchange for the release of the two.

“Kidnapping is a criminal act and has no relation whatsoever to the supposed cause the NPA is exuding. Once pinned down on their impunity for human rights violation, their usual response is that they are sorry,” Tutaan, a mistah of PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima and AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista at the PMA Dimalupig Class of 1981, said.

Prior to the abduction of six, at least four soldiers and two policemen have been kidnapped in the province. The province, according to its police chief Senior Supt. Camilo Cascolan, confirmed the area is a hotbed of NPA rebels.

A source in the military said there are rampant rebel activities in the province due to the lucrative gold mining in Mt. Diwalwal in the town of Monkayo. “Those who are involved in mining ask help from NPA every time there is double crossing. The law of the gun is present there, not law of the people,” the source, who refused to be named, told The Tribune.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, an estimated P2 billion worth of gold ore are sourced from Mt. Diwalwal each year.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources estimates that the mountain has one of the biggest gold deposits in the world.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/14852-end-kidnapping-armed-struggle-afp-tells-npa