AFP asks gov't to improve infra in North to suppress rebels

From the Philippine Star (Sep 22): AFP asks gov't to improve infra in North to suppress rebels

A ranking official from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Sunday that he is advising the government to build more than P70 billion worth of roads, bridges and schools in Northern Luzon to hasten the end of the insurgency of the New People's Army (NPA) in the area.

Major General Gregorio Catapang, commander of the AFP's Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) based in Tarlac City, said he is set to send a written request to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Education (DepEd) to give priority to these projects. He said the letter will be conveyed through AFP Chief General Emmanuel Bautista and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

Catapang said his proposal includes the construction of 396 secondary and farm-to-market roads in the four regions covered by Nolcom -- Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). The official is also proposing the construction of five bridges, 10 access roads and 46 classrooms in the restive area.

Catapang said people who suffer from poverty can be recruited by the NPA; however, "insurgency ends when road construction begins," he said.

"We can only win peace if there is progress and the only way to progress is if there will be roads. If there are schools, it means prosperity for the people...These projects mean a lot...That's the way to bring progress," said Catapang.

Citing military estimates, 1st Civil Relations Group commander Major Emmanuel Garcia said the NPA strength in the entire Nolcom area is about 400 to 500 men, mostly in CAR. The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, was formed on March 29, 1969. Latest military estimates placed the NPA's strength at about 4,000.

http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/09/22/1236942/afp-asks-govt-improve-infra-north-suppress-rebels