Negros NPA launching widespread offensives

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 16): Negros NPA launching widespread offensives

The New People's Army Leonardo Panaligan Command in central Negros has enjoined other NPA units in Negros to launch widespread tactical offensives against military units, a week before the 12-day holiday truce ordered by the Communist Party of the Philippines, that takes effect on Dec. 23.

The CPP, that will mark its 47th founding anniversary on Dec. 26, declared that it will observe a 12-day holiday ceasefire with government forces from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3 next year.

But days before the declared holiday truce, the NPA abducted a member of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, raided a cock farm in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, and detonated an improvised explosive device, inflicting injuries on six Army soldiers and a civilian in Iloilo.

The Army's 3rd Infantry Division expressed hope that remnants of the NPA in Negros and Panay will abide with its unilateral ceasefire, following the series of atrocities they had perpetrated in Negros and Panay.

“We hope they won't violate their own ceasefire,” Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3ID Public Affairs Office chief, said.

Lt. Col. Enriqueto Deocadez, 82nd Infantry Battalion commander, also reported that rebels also burned seven trucks and heavy equipment of a mini-hydro project also in Iloilo.

Ka JB Regalado, spokesman of the Leonardo Panaligan Commmand, also dismissed the peace and development as well as Oplan Bayanihan campaign of the AFP as a “dirty war”, which he claimed to be anti-people.

Regalado also linked the military in central Negros to alleged killings of civilians and activists in Isabela and Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, as well as in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Meanwhile, Tiongson said there is no order yet for the government to suspend military operations against the NPA. But he said the Philippine Army is committed and sincere in its resolve to peace.

“Our presence will remain in the communities to protect the civilian populace and to maintain peace and security in the area,” he said.

AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla said the military will hold its own ceasefire but it is still up for approval.

“AFP-PNP law enforcement operations and AFP focused military operations against threat groups in the country will continue until the Philippine government announces a halt to them for the Christmas season,” Padilla said

The recent encounter in Hinobaan town also claimed the lives of two suspected NPA rebels and an Army soldier.

The spate of NPA violent activities in Negros and Panay came after all its provinces had been declared as peaceful and ready for further development.”

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/December/16/topstory5.htm