Military ratchets up pressure vs NPA after landmine blasts

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 16): Military ratchets up pressure vs NPA after landmine blasts

THE MILITARY has intensified its offensives against the New People’s Army after a series of attacks that killed four and wounded 19 soldiers in Davao City and Compostela Valley since last week.

Officers also raised the the alert status as the NPA will celebrate its anniversary this coming Dec. 26.

Meanwhile, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines declared a ceasefire that will take effect starting Dec. 23 until Jan. 3.

“This ceasefire order is being issued in solidarity with the Filipino people’s traditional celebrations of Christmas and New Year holidays,” the order posted on the National Democratic Front of the Philippines website said. “This will also enable the revolutionary forces to carry out mass assemblies and public demonstrations to mark the 47th anniversary of the CPP and celebrate revolutionary victories of the past year.”

Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerero, commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, told reporters yesterday in a press conference held at Royal Mandaya Hotel that they have already directed their troops to be on high alert.

“Traditionally, the NPA has been highlighting their anniversary with tactical offensives in Eastern Mindanao area,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, commander of 10th Infantry Division, said that additional troops were already deployed to Mabini town in Compostela Valley to secure the area following the series of landmine attacks.

“We are encouraging the rebels to go home to spend Christmas with their family,” Valencia said.

One soldier was killed and four others were wounded in a landmine blast planted by New People’s Army rebels in Paquibato District last week. Meanwhile, another two were killed in separate attack in Mabini, Compostela over the weekend.

The first blast occurred around 12 noon on Thursday when soldiers from Bravo Company under the 69th Infantry Battalion, were checking reported presence of armed men under Ka Jiares of GF 56 and Pulang Bagani Command 1 at Sitio Kialaw, Barangay Malabog.

The casualty was identified as Pfc. Johnhill Victor Alarcon, while Cpl. Ramil Aquino suffered shrapnel wounds.

The cadaver of Alarcon, who hailed from Iloilo City, is currently at Villa Funeral Parlor in Panabo City, while Aquino is undergoing medical treatment at Camp Panacan Station Hospital.

The second blast occured when soldiers from Charlie Company, 69th IB, were pursuing the fleeing NPAs in Sitio Bal-ong, Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District around 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

Three soldiers, one officer and two enlisted personnel, were hit by gunshots and shrapnel wounds but managed to survive the blast. They were immediately transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

The wounded soldiers were identified as 2Lt. Earl Jun Atucha, Sgt. Maynard de Guzman and Cpl. Allan Paul Salvador.

The soldiers recovered live ammunitions for M14 and M16 rifles, empty shells of assorted high-powered firearms, 150-meter electrical wire and several personal belongings from the NPAs.

“We share the grief of the family of Pfc Alarcon who paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country and people,” Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, commander of 10th Infantry Division, said in a statement.

“We will continue our efforts against the NPAs and we will not let them continue to use Davao City as their sanctuary while they sow terror against the people,” he added.

Soldiers from 69th Infantry Battalion are now pursuing the fleeing NPAs.

Meanwhile, in Barangay Cabuyoan, Mabini in Compostela Valley, a soldier and government militia were killed, and 14 others wounded, in a landmine blast at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Unfortunately, another civilian was killed in the explosion.

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