Army soldiers reminded to be vigilant

 From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 22, 2012): Army soldiers reminded to be vigilant (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Army soldiers stationed in typhoon-affected areas in Visayas have been reminded by Maj. Gene. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, to be extra vigilant while engaged in disaster relief operations.

Malacañang has yet to announce if the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police will observe the traditional yuletide season cessation of hostilities against the New People’s Army.

Our operations against the CPP-NPA will continue even this yuletide season as it our duty to protect our communities from the threats of these extortionist-terrorists, Arevalo said.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, also welcomed an unofficial cessation of hostilities between government forces and NPA rebels, so efforts can be concentrated on assisting residents in Typhoon Odette-hit areas of Negros Occidental.

Pasaporte said that they are assisting in clearing operations to reach isolated upland remote areas of southern Negros.

Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesperson of Apolinario Gatmaitan Command – New People’s Army (AGC-NPA), issued a statement on Monday enjoining all its units to focus all efforts in helping the people affected by typhoon Odette within the territory of each guerrilla front.

Based on the instructions of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the AGC-NPA commanded NPA units to organize and mobilize the people collectively in repairing destroyed houses, farms and other sources of livelihood and take heed of public health, Magbanua said.

He, however, reminded all NPA units to be alert always against plans of government forces to sabotage their relief and rehabilitation efforts.

PLt. Abegael Donasco, deputy provincial police spokesperson, yesterday that they are now in full alert status, in connection with the founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26.

https://visayandailystar.com/army-soldiers-reminded-to-be-vigilant/