Army suspends drive against rebels in north

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 11): Army suspends drive against rebels in north

The 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Army’s has temporarily suspended military operations against the New People’s Army in northern Negros, that was badly hit by typhoon Yolanda, to prioritize disaster relief operations.

However, Lt. Col. Efren Morados, 62nd IB commander, said yesterday that while they are helping in clearing the main highway in Cadiz, Sagay, Toboso, Calatrava, San Carlos City and secondary roads in Sagay-Dian-ay-Bug-ang- Minapasok-Marcelo-Don Salvador Benedicto, they remain on alert.

Morados said they have not been spared by the destruction of super typhoon Yolanda, as one of their patrol bases in Tigbon, Calatrava, located on top of a mountain, was destroyed. Others suffered minor damage, he added.

He, however, said that none of his personnel was injured in the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda.

Morados said they will also help in the construction of temporary shelters for residents of Cadiz City, while thousands of residents are now homeless.

The Communist Party of the Philippines, meanwhile, extended its sympathies to the people of Negros and other areas in Visayas hit by typhoon Yolanda.

Maj. Rey Tiongson, Army’s 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, said that they are also concentrating on relief operations in Panay island, especially in Capiz, where the 3ID headquarters is located.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines also called on all civilians affected by super typhoon "Yolanda" to cooperate with government authorities, particularly the Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government in their efforts to restore order during the ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/11/topstory7.htm