Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Army in Negros on defensive mode

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 1): Army in Negros on defensive mode

The Philippine Army in Negros is now in defensive mode, following a series of encounters with communist New People's Army and government forces in seven areas of Luzon and Mindanao, in the past several days.

Newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Francisco Delfin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that he has already alerted all Army units and detachments in Negros Island Region, to be vigilant and closely monitor the movements of NPA rebels.

Despite armed skirmishes in other areas of the country, the five-month unilateral ceasefire being observed by government forces and NPA rebels in Negros appears to be holding with no violation reported as of this time, military records showed.

The Army's 303rd Infantry Brigade reported having recorded 26 non-violent activities of the NPA in the Negros region, including recruitment activities, mostly in northern Negros.

They also monitored the consolidation of armed rebels in Escalante City, Himamaylan City, as well as in Hinobaan, Negros Occidental, and ideological political organizational activities in the areas of Santa Catalina in Negros Oriental.

Delfin assured Negrenses that the Philippine Army remains on top of the situation, stressing also that they are in close coordination with the Philippine National Police and other security forces.

The series of encounters raised questions about the status of the ceasefire between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Two Army soldiers have been killed, and three injured, while another was abducted in separate incidents in Luzon and Mindanao.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/February/01/topstory7.htm

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