Monday, April 7, 2014

25 insurgency-affected villages in north Negros focus of dev’t efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): 25 insurgency-affected villages in north Negros focus of dev’t efforts

Twenty-five insurgency-affected villages in northern Negros Occidental will benefit from the development efforts of the provincial government in partnership with the 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.

Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the development programs in these communities located in the city of Escalante and the towns of Toboso and Calatrava (ESTOCA) will be implemented along with the non-government organizations, civil society, and the Philippine National Police.

This development has prompted the New People’s Army to make attempts to recover its guerilla bases in these areas, the Army official said.

Baladad acknowledged the local government units, civil society and other stakeholders for joining hands with the military in their peace and development campaign particularly in the guerilla bases of the NPA’s Northern Negros Front.

Said individuals, LGUs and various organizations, which assisted the 62nd Infantry Battalion, in the implementation of Oplan Bayanihan campaign in northern Negros with Provincial Peace and Integration Development Unit were given recognition during a gathering on April 5 that coincided with the turnover of command of the 62nd IB between Lt. Col. Efren Morados and Lt. Col. Rommel Cordova.

Baladad said the rebel group has left the ESTOCA areas after going through debacles during their encounters with government troops.

The government is now working to bring in projects to these areas, he added.

“For us to preserve our gains, we, in the military, should integrate our efforts and coordination, especially in the aspects of intelligence, operations and civil military operations. Externally, we also maintain the synchronization of our efforts with the LGUs, NGOs, Church, and the civil society,” Baladad said.

Militant organizations had earlier called for the pullout of Army soldiers in the ESTOCA areas, saying soldiers are staying in these areas to harass residents suspected of being supporters of the NPA.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=633209

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