Officials condemn NPA attack on its community

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 17): Officials condemn NPA attack on its community

BUTUAN CITY – Local officials strongly condemned the Communist New People’s Army (terrorists (CNTs) attack on its community.


(MANILA BULLETIN)

Capt. Francisco P. Garello Jr., Ciuvil Military Opertation (CMO) officer of the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battallion (36th IB) told The Manila Bulletin on Tuesday that local officials led by Tago town Mayor Rogelio M. Pimentel unanimously passed a resolution condemning the alleged atrocities of the CNTs.

The public condemnation stemmed from an incident at 11:05 a.m. on July 10, 2018, when the security team tasked to provide security in the community of Barangay Lindoy of that same town during the turn over and installation of a farm equipment (water pump) was harassed by undetermined number of CNTs resulting to the death of Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) member Reymond L. Besinga, a resident of Barangay Bajao of that same town.

The local officials, led by Mayor Pimentel, saddened by the incident expressed their grief.

“On Behalf of the local government of Tago, I strongly condemn the terroristic act of the CPP-NPA on the death of CAA Besinga,” Capt. Garello said, quoting the statement of Mayor Pimentel

“I have encouraged everyone not to support the NPA in order to attain genuine peace in our place,” the 36th IB CMO Officer said, quoting the statement of the local chief executive.

Mayor Pimentel immediately called the MPOC for a special meeting wherein the members unanimously adopted and passed a resolution, and it read: “Resolution condemning the harassment by the Communist terrorists at Barangay Lindoy where CAA Reymond L. Besinga was killed and expressing sympathy to the bereaved family”, Capt. Garello said.

On the other hand, the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) led by its president Geronimo D. Pimentel passed a resolution last weekend denouncing the incident and expressed their sentiments regarding the attack of the NPAs to the community as acts of terrorism. They encouraged every Tago resident to unite and support its government in order to realize an orderly and peaceful community, the CMO officer of the 36th IB added.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Xerxes A. Trinidad PA, commanding officer of the 36th “Valor” Battallion also expressed grief towards the tragic incident.

In a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin yesterday, the ground Army commander was bolstered even more to continue helping the farmers under the project “KaPALAYapaan” as it has proven effective in addressing the issues in the far flung barangays and disadvantaged areas in pursuit of the long and lasting peace in the province of Surigao del Sur.

The community was also harassed by the CNTs when they fired shots at the soldiers and innocent civilians during the community development program in Purok 2, Sitio Ibuan, Barangay Mampi, Lanuza town of that same province last February 21, 2018 which forced the residents to flee from their homes for safety.

“In behalf of 36the IB “Valor” troopers, we offer our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family. The ultimate sacrifice that CAA Besinga offered will always be remembered by us and the community he has served. The CNTs tried to disrupt the Army’s Peace and Development initiatives for the farmers in the area but we are even more emboldened to perform our mandate and will continue to pursue in attaining a peaceful and developed community under the Project KaPALAYapaan”, added Lt. Col. Trinidad.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/17/officials-condemn-npa-attack-on-its-community/