Army seeks deployment of citizens armed group in Vizcaya

From the Manila Times (Dec 3): Army seeks deployment of citizens armed group in Vizcaya

BAYOMBONG: The Philippine Army on Tuesday requested for the deployment of citizens armed group to stop the activities of rebels in Nueva Vizcaya’s upland villages.

Lt. Col. Eugenio Mata, commanding officer of the Army’s 31st Battalion of the 7th Infantry Division based in San Jose City, said there is a need to deploy the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in Ambaguio and Villaverde upland towns.

Mata said that the request for the deployment of Cafgu forces to the remote villages in towns near the boundary of Asipulo town in Ifugao province is necessary “to thwart any attempt of the communist New People’s Army [NPA] to enter upland villages.”

“The needed deployment of citizens armed group forces will serve as a deterrent factor in driving away rebels from the area,” Mata stressed.

Intelligence reports reaching the Army reveal that the New People’s Army rebels are in the process of recruitment in the upland villages near the Ifugao-Nueva Vizcaya boundary.

“With the presence of our auxillary forces there, we can prevent the frequent visits of the communist remnants who are trying to seek community support and recruitment,” Mata added.

Police and Army reports also confirmed at least four sightings and movements of NPA rebels in the towns of Ambaguio, Dupax del Sur, Kasibu and Villaverde towns in Nueva Vizcaya.

Police, however, said that besides recruitment activities in the recent sightings, the rebels are also involved in “kidnapping.”

http://manilatimes.net/army-seeks-deployment-of-citizens-armed-group-in-vizcaya/57748/