Army: We’ll observe rules of engagement

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 29): Army: We’ll observe rules of engagement

The top leadership of the Philippine Army in Negros Island yesterday assured that people their attacks against the New People’s Army will be guided by the “Rules of Engagement”.

The assurance was made by Col. Benedict Arevalo, 303 rd Infantry Brigade commander, in the wake of the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte that he will create his own Sparrow unit to counter the assassination activities of the NPA hitmen.

“Let me assure you the people of Negros Occidental, that there is nothing to worry about, Arevalo, who supervises two Army battalions in Negros Occidental, said.

Arevalo who stressed that they will follow the Rules of Engagement, said that if there is one group that should be worried, it should be the NPA terrorist organization and not the peace-loving and law-abiding citizens of Negros.

“We will continue our mission to attack and hit the New People’s Army to end their violence and extortion activities, guided by the Rules of Engagement,” he added.

The Leonardo Panaligan Command described the creation of Duterte Death Squad against the Special Partisan Unit of the NPA, supporters and suspected NPA members a “desperate move” of the President.

Rebel spokesman Ka JB Regalado of central Negros, announced in a press statement that the act of Duterte in Bohol, in connection with the creation of death squads, only showed that he is the mastermind of the extra-judicial killings of 20,000 victims of Oplans Tokhang, Tambays, activists, and massacre of farmers.

Regalado also admitted that they were behind the series of sniping operations in central and southern Negros, of which the latest victim was a member of the Philippine Army in Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

From October 30 to Nov. 14, Regalado reported that they were able to launch five series of successful sniping operations where one Army soldier died, while three others, including a policeman and two government militiamen, were injured in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, and Isabela in Negros Occidental.

He added that the NPA is not afraid to be attacked by government forces, stressing that their morale is high and will frustrate the military tactical offensives.

To be attacked by the enemy is a good thing, Regalado said, in response to the statement of Arevalo, who ordered his troops to attack the NPA, and not just wait to be attacked.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/November/29/topstory7.htm