Army in Panay Island on red alert for NPA anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19): Army in Panay Island on red alert for NPA anniversary

Philippine Army units in Panay island are on red alert status in anticipation of the 45th anniversary of the New People's Army (NPA) on March 29.

In an interview, Brigadier General Arnold Quiapo of the 301st Infantry Brigade based in Dingle town said that the Army is closely coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in safeguarding the public and securing peace in Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, and Aklan provinces.

Law enforcers are also tasked to secure installations such as police stations, government offices and city and municipal halls while patrols will be undertaken to monitor insurgent activities, he said.

Some of the recent attacks on public and private facilities and "liquidations" of individuals were linked to the NPA's anniversary celebration. Activity of the insurgent group heightens in the days leading to the celebration.

"We have learned recently the there were many attacks in the past weeks," the Army official said, "We are preparing for any future attacks. But I don't think they will be successful."

Quiapo has called on the NPA to abandon the armed struggle, noting that the economy has improved despite the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda last year.

"We can see that the government is doing good," he said, adding that 70 percent of the Armed Forces is engaged in developmental projects while the remaining 30 percent is focused on combat operations.

Quiapo is also urging citizens in rebel-infested areas to cooperate with the Army in maintaining peace and order.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=626810