Davao region remains counter-insurgency priority

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11): Davao region remains counter-insurgency priority

Philippine Army chief Lt. General Noel Coballes affirmed that Davao region remains a priority area in the anti-insurgency campaign in the country.

He said that recent development like the continued activities of the rebels in the area remain a security concern for the government.

Coballes said the status of the region as a venue of the anti-insurgency campaign will change only depending on the assessment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly on the dwindling dissent in the area.

On the abduction of five soldiers who remain in the hands of the rebels in Paquibato District, he said the Army will not negotiate for the freedom of the captives, stressing that the government does not negotiate with terror groups.

However, Coballes said that a negotiation is being pursued by another group for the safe release of the soldiers.

“We remain firm in our policy not to negotiate with terrorists,” he said.

Coballes was in Davao City to listen to the regular meeting of the Philippine Army Multi-Sector Advisory Board where genuine reforms in the ranks are being pursued based on governance and strong private-public partnership.

The meeting aimed to allow the Army to showcase significant achievements of operational and tactical units relative to the Army Transformation Roadmap and Internal Peace and Security Plan implementation.

It also showcased the disaster response and rehabilitation convergence efforts of Army units and civilian-stakeholders in the area of responsibility of the 10th Infantry Division.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543237