ARMY: NPA threat forces 155 families to flee Lunaza town barangay

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 22): ARMY: NPA threat forces 155 families to flee Lunaza town barangay

ALMOST 800 individuals remained in the evacuation center after leaving their houses at 12:20 p.m. on Feb. 21 due to the alleged threats of the New People’s Army in Sitio Ibuan, Barangay Mampi, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.

Capt. Francisco Garello Jr., the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 36th Infantry Battalion, said a total of 155 families with 768 individuals sought refuge in a nearby barangay at the gymnasium of Barangay Agsam of the same town.

Reportedly, the evacuation was prompted by the NPA attack on forces of the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion in Purok 2, Sitio Ibuan.

Garello said that the communist guerrillas “wantonly fired shots toward the center of the community where there are many civilians.”

Even before the encounter between the NPA and the soldiers, Allan G. Juagpao, Mampi barangay chairman, said that his constituents were already threatened by the NPAs. He also claimed that nine families were told to leave because their sons applied as soldiers.

“They threatened our residents because we really didn’t want to support their plans,” he said of the NPA.

The local government of Lanuza is now assisting the evacuees. The regional disaster command and social services office were sent to distribute food relief packs and hygiene kits.

Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the commander of 36th IB, said that the attack on the community is “a desperate attempt” to force the residents into supporting thee NPA.

“Your army, particularly the 36IB, will not rest until these CPP-NPA terrorists stop harassing the people,” he added

“Threatening the Lumads is a desperate move of the NPAs,” Brig. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, the commander of 402nd brigade, said. “In coordination with the local government of Lanuza, the Philippine Army will facilitate the safe return of the Lumads to their community.”

http://mindanaotimes.net/army-npa-threat-forces-155-families-to-flee-lunaza-town-barangay/