NPAs launch attack despite gov’t ceasefire

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 25): NPAs launch attack despite gov’t ceasefire

Four heavy equipment in a bridge construction site were torched by men who identified themselves as members of the New People’s Army (NPA) last Monday (Dec. 22) in Paracale, Camarines Norte, four days after the military declared a ceasefire on Dec. 18.

The attack happened before the NPA-declared ceasefire which took effect yesterday, Dec. 24, until Dec. 26; Dec. 31 to Jan. 1; and Jan. 15-19, 2015.

IN CAMARINES NORTE

According to a statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), the burning of construction equipment occurred around 10 p.m., Dec. 22, at Barangay Gumaos in Paracale town where a bridge was being constructed.

“A backhoe, a road roller, and two pay loaders of the Varin Construction Company were burned by suspects who introduced themselves as NPA members,” said Lt. Col. Medel Aguilar, commander of the 49th Battalion.

EXTORTION DEMAND

The suspects told Justino Cardenas, assistant foreman of the Varin Construction Company, that the attack was carried out as punishment to the contractor for not giving in to their extortion demands.

MILITARY CEASEFIRE

The AFP had implemented a suspension of military operation (SOMO) effective midnight of Dec. 18 until Jan 19, 2015.

“They took advantage of the SOMO by attacking unarmed civilians and a government project,” said Aguilar.

Despite the burning incident, Solcom will continue the observance of the SOMO, he said. Soldiers were deployed to secure the area.

“We will continue to undertake active security operations and proactive actions to secure civilian communities, government establishments, investment facilities, vital installations and military bases to ensure the safe celebration of the yuletide season,” said AFP Solcom chief, Maj. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya.

Likewise, to prevent similar incidents, 902nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Amador Tabuga scheduled a conference with all contractors on Dec. 28 to coordinate security arrangements of all government projects in Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.

http://www.mb.com.ph/npas-launch-attack-despite-govt-ceasefire/