AFP seeks ‘ceasefire’ with NPA in quake-hit Surigao del Sur

From GMA News (Feb 11): AFP seeks ‘ceasefire’ with NPA in quake-hit Surigao del Sur

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urged members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Surigao del Norte on Saturday not to attack its soldiers conducting rescue and rehabilitation operations in the area hit by a magnitude 6-7 earthquake.

"Allow the soldiers every opportunity to help the victims of the earthquake," Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo, Chief of AFP's Public Affairs Office said Saturday.

"We urge you not to attack our soldiers, or in any other ways [that will] disrupt the AFP's rescue and rehabilitation activities for our people," he added.

The military's appeal came as the NPA announced a "heightened armed resistance" against the government's all-out war declaration on Saturday.

The government recently declared an all-out offensive after the respective ceasefire declarations of the two parties were lifted.

On Saturday, Major General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said his men have already been deployed to assist victims of the earthquake and to conduct an intial damage assessment.

Initial reports from the 4th Infantry Division indicated:

• San Nicolas bridge leading to San Francisco and Malimono Municipalities was severely damaged and impassable
• Surigao City is experiencing black out.
• The Airport is non-operational due to damages in the runway
• Communities are evacuating to Provincial Capitol
• There are buildings that were reported collapsed

Meanwhile, Army Lt. Col. Rico Amaro, commander of the 30th Infantry Battalion, has already coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Surigao del Norte and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Surigao City for disaster response operations in quake-hit areas.

Additional troops and vehicle were also prepositioned for disaster response activities and evacuation of affected families, the AFP said.

"Continue to carry out your duties and be ready to embark on the task of assisting local and national governments. But be on the look out for those who might be out to sabotage your rescue and rehabilitation efforts," AFP Chief Eduardo Año said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/599191/news/nation/afp-seeks-ceasefire-with-npa-in-quake-hit-surigao-del-sur