Solcom chief to men: Intensify drive against NPA rebels

From the Journal Online (Jun 2): Solcom chief to men: Intensify drive against NPA rebels

The Southern Luzon Command leadership reiterated yesterday its order to all field commanders to intensify military operations against the New People’s Army.

Lt. Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo issued the order in response to reports that the NPA will strengthen its campaign against government security forces on orders of Communist Party of the Philippines founder and National Democratic Front’s chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison.

Ordoyo reminded all field commanders to be more vigilant at all times and intensify visibility and security patrols.

“We cannot just allow these bandits to terrorize our community and hamper our daily lives. We must put a stop to this menace,” Ordoyo said.

Solcom has the jurisdiction over the Calabarzon (Cavite Laguna Batangas Rizal and Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Rombon and Palawan) and Bicol regions.

Solcom Spokesman Lt. Col. Neil Anthony Estrella said one of the indications of the rebels’ intensified campaign was the death of an Army soldier in an encounter with a group of armed rebels in Bgy. Duongan, Catanauan, Quezon Friday morning.

He identified the slain soldier as Pfc. Denopol, assigned at the Bravo Company of the Army’s 74th Infantry Battallion.

The troops were conducting Internal Peace and Security Operation in the area when they encountered the heavily-armed rebels.

Denopol was hit and died on the spot.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/51465-solcom-chief-to-men-intensify-drive-against-npa-rebels