Rebel unit claims victories in Negros

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 27): Rebel unit claims victories in Negros

The Apolinario Boy Gatmaitan Command of the New People's Army yesterday claimed victories in several tactical offensives they have launched against government forces, and also declared having defeated military campaigns in Negros Island since 2007.

Rebel spokesman Juanito Magbanua II, in a statement he issued, said that despite the obstacles and difficulties faced by the NPA in Negros, they were able to defeat the Oplan Bayanihan, triad operation and the whole nation approach strategy of the Armed Forces, that mobilizes local government units and agencies, non-government organizations, and the church, through its Church-Military-Police Advisory Group.

Contrary to military claims, Magbanua said, not a single guerrilla front has been dismantled in Negros. Instead, he said, they were successful in their expansion and recovery of their lost territories, as they have also established the Komiteng Pang-Organisa sa Baryo and Lubos Asosasyon Masa in several barangays and soon also in the municipal level.

Magbanua also claimed that they have confiscated firearms, that could arm a company-sized unit of the NPA.

The Armando Sumayang Command, one of the NPA guerilla fronts in Negros island, in another statement it issued, also claimed success in southern Negros, citing the successful ambush against 47 th Infantry Battalion soldiers, that led to the recovery of five high-powered firearms.

Andrea Guerrero, spokesperson of the Armando Sumayang Command, said they have also punished the Philex Mining Company for the destruction of environment, meted death penalty to a drug pusher, rapist and a military informant.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/December/27/negor1.htm