Army assures safety of Davao City residents amid NPA atrocities

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13, 2019): Army assures safety of Davao City residents amid NPA atrocities

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Battalion (3IB) has assured to keep residents of this city safe from atrocities of the communist New People's Army (NPA).

Lt. Col Oscare Partuza, 3IB commanding officer, made the assurance following Monday's encounter between the NPA and government troops in So Sangiapo, Barangay Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

“We and the other security forces in Davao and the local government of Davao City condemned the evil deeds of the CNTs (Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples' Army Terrorist),” Partuza said, referring to the military's standard designation of the NPA and its mother organization -- the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Partuza called on Dabawenyos to support the military's effort to stop NPA atrocities, adding that “with our collective actions and continuous vigilance, we can totally rid Davao City against criminals and terrorists."

After Monday's 10-minute firefight, Partuza said government troops are still pursuing the insurgents who scampered towards the northern boundary of Davao City and Bukidnon.

Partoza said the encounter ensued after government troops encountered about 30 insurgents believed to be members of the NPA's Guerilla Front 56 under a certain Egor.

Government troops recovered from the encounter site an AK47 rifle with magazine, an improvised explosive device, communication devices, ammunition, and subversive documents.

Earlier, Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, assured the military has kept the city’s boundaries secured especially along the areas of Baguio and Marilog districts. The two districts are being eyed as peace and development zones under the local government's Peace 911 initiative.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064404