NPA warns army: Don't rescue abducted troops

From Rappler (Jun 19): NPA warns army: Don't rescue abducted troops



ENDING CEASEFIRE. NPA guerillas somewhere in Compostela Valley during the celebration of the 44th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Communist Party of the Philippines last December 26. Photo by Karlos Manlupig



DAVAO CITY, Philippines - A New People's Army (NPA) commander warned the government on Wednesday, June 19, that military and rescue operations would put at risk the lives of 5 soldiers recently abducted by communist rebels guerillas in this city.

"Further intensification of military operations in [the] Davao City hinterlands under the cover of pursuit and rescue operations will only endanger the lives of the POWs [prisoners of war]," said Leoncio "Ka Parago" Pitao, commander of the NPA's 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion.

The NPA said soldiers under the 103rd Brigade launched massive military operations even before the capture of the soldiers to "pave the way, among others, for large-scale mining operations."

Pitao declared the NPA is indeed holding 5 captives from the Philippine Army: Cpl Emmanuel Quezon, Pfc Vernie Padilla, Pvt Marteniano Pasigas, Pfc Ronald Gura and Pfc Donato Estandian.

The soldiers and their officer, 1Lt Neven Canitan, were traveling aboard motorcycles in Barangay Mapula in Paquibato District on Monday afternoon, June 17, when they were waylaid by the rebels.

The rebels were in military fatigues, manning a checkpoint, according to Col Leopoldo Galon, spokesman of the military's 5th civil relations group. Lt Canitan sensed something suspicious when he saw the checkpoint, so he jumped off the motorcycle and fled.

Pitao mocked Canitan for escaping. "The troops’ ranking officer, 1Lt. Neven Canitan, cowardly abandoned his men and evaded the NPA checkpoint," Pitao said.

Three .45 caliber pistols and one hand grenade were confiscated from the captives, Pitao said.

"The NPA’s active counter-intelligence and subsequent operations were meant to punish the AFP units, particularly the Civil Military Operations (CMO)-10th ID under Maj. Jake Obligado for continuing to encroach [on and]....conduct psychological warfare and intelligence operations in all villages of Paquibato District," Pitao said.

"Under the guise of 'peace and development,' the CMO along with the 69th IB has completely militarized the farmer and Lumad populace by regulating the movement of the civilian populace and abusing the masses," added Pitao.

The NPA commander accused the military of arresting and killing civilians and harassing families of NPA rebels.

Bandits, not rebels

Maj Obligado fought back, saying that the rebels were getting desperate. In a statement sent to Rappler, Obligado said: "These bandits worsen poverty. The NPAs prevent the government and allied workers from delivering basic services that are much needed by the masses."

He added: "They no longer deserve to be called rebels. They are plain and simple bandits."

Pitao said the captured soldiers are "undergoing investigation for possible serious human rights violations, violations of International Humanitarian Law and crimes versus the people." The rebels will ensure the "safety of its captives," Pitao said.

Paquibato District is a known rebel bailiwick. Pitao himself is a household name here. His daughter Rebelyn, a teacher of St. Peter's College in Davao City, was abducted, sexually abused and murdered allegedly by soldiers last March 2009.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/31677-npa-warns-army-don-t-rescue-abducted-troops