Rebs in disarray after Parago's death-AFP

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 3): Rebs in disarray after Parago's death-AFP

The military believes that the rebels under the Pulang Bagani Command 1 remain in disarray following the death of their leader Leoncio Pitao alias Kumander Parago and the arrest of his underlings.

Colonel Ricardo Nepomuceno, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade said the leadership vacuum in the rebel group is a big blow to the rebel movement.

He said the group still has the capability to launch harassment activities but they are not felt in the communities and even with the security forces.

“Their influence is no longer felt within the Paquibato area,” Nepomuceno said.

Paquibato District has been known as the lair of the rebels in Davao City.  

June 12, 2013, the military declares the area as development ready, despite the presence of the PBC 1 of the rebels under Leoncio Pitao alias Kumander Parago, one of the oldest rebel leaders in Mindanao.

June 28, 2015, soldiers engaged and killed Parago and his companion in an encounter in Barangay Panialum, Paquibato District.

He also assumed that the recovery efforts of the rebels will be done in Calinan District.

Nepomuceno assured that the military is prepared to handle the situation.

He said the soldiers are aware that the rebels are hiding in the boundaries of Kitaotao, and San Fernando, Bukidnon and Davao City where the focused military operation is conducted.

“We are trying to isolate the whole of Davao City and Davao del Norte from infiltration that is why our efforts are on the boundaries,” Nepomuceno said.

He also revealed the marching order of the new 10th Infantry Division commander Major General Rafael Valencia for all the soldiers to continue working with all stakeholders for the realization of peace and development.

“The government and non-government organizations can only realize their tasks if the soldiers assist in providing security in the area.  If we do this, the services of government will reach the people in the countryside,” Nepomuceno said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381441261888/rebs-in-disarray-after-parago-s-death-afp