Saturday, February 20, 2016

AFP concerned about increased NPA attacks in Compostela Valley

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 20): AFP concerned about increased NPA attacks in Compostela Valley

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed alarm over the increasing number of attacks launched by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Compostela Valley province in the month of January alone, with government security personnel and militia men as the main targets of such assaults, a senior military official recently told reporters here.

“The recent attacks by the NPAs in the provinces have become very alarming, particularly in Compostela Valley,” said Brig. General Ronnie Evangelista, deputy commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) of the AFP.

 Evangelista took note of the increased attacks launched by the NPAs liquidation squad that have already victimized members of the AFP, particularly the Army, police and Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

 The general added that, in Pantukan, Compostela Valley alone, the command was able to record around 20 killings that victimized government forces, police, and CAFGU since January.

The latest victim of the series of liquidations was a former officer of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Davao region (CIDG-11) identified as PO3 Mariano Tambis who was gunned down by unidentified assailants, believed to be members of the NPA in Mabini, Compostela Valley early this week.

 As such, Evangelista has called on government and police forces to be more vigilant and establish good relations with the people in communities and areas of assignment.

“Be extra careful and at the same time seek the support of the people through good relationships. This is not only the problem of the army, police and members of CAFGU but also of the country,” he added.

 Tenth Infantry (Agila) Division (10 ID) chief information officer Capt. Rhyan Batchar said the NPA offensives were part of “Oplan Jupiter” that was launched by the NPAs since January of this year.

 Batchar added that Oplan Jupiter involved sowing threat and actual execution of army personnel and other security forces in the area, including the members of law enforcement groups.

http://www.mb.com.ph/afp-concerned-about-increased-npa-attacks-in-compostela-valley/

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