AFP files charges vs 6 alleged NPAs in Mabinay

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 20): AFP files charges vs 6 alleged NPAs in Mabinay

Cebu City – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command has filed charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against six-armed persons they arrested on March 3 in an operation in Mabinay. The six are allegedly members of the New Peoples’ Army.
AFP-Centcom Information Officer Medel Aguilar said the Central Command is happy to see that the wheels of justice is moving forward to clarify the issues surrounding the arrest of the alleged NPA members, one of them Myles Albaracin, a UP-Masscom student.

The AFP personnel involved in the operations have already submitted their sworn statements to the prosecutor during the preliminary investigation conducted Monday, Medel told Manila Bulletin.

Medel explained that the military operations are guided by its DSSP-Kapayapaan. “While we see the armed group as the immediate threat to peace, we also look at the root causes of dissent which the party is using against the government to recruit bright and young individuals for its legal and armed struggle,” he added.

According to Medel, the military is partnering with local government units and other stakeholders to bring government’s basic services to the people at the local communities, specifically in isolated and disadvantaged areas.

“It is our hope that the Communist NPA terrorists will find value in what we do to help our people,” the AFP spokesperson added.

On its preparation for the upcoming NPA anniversary on March 29, Medel said the troops are already on red alert. The NPA in the Visayas is no longer a threat to the troops but a distraction in communities’ peace, he said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/20/afp-files-charges-vs-6-alleged-npas-in-mabinay/