Army focuses on relief work, rehabilitation

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 16): Army focuses on relief work, rehabilitation

With northern Negros devastated by typhoon Yolanda, the focus of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade is now on two fronts – relief and rehabilitation efforts, and also security threats.

“We are working on both already”, Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said.

On Thursday, the Communist Party of the Philippines ordered the New People’s Army to stop launching attacks in the Visayas, including Negros and Panay, that were devastated by super typhoon “Yolanda”.

The 10-day unilateral ceasefire took effect November 14, and will last until midnight of November 24.

Asked about the ceasefire ordered by the CPP in Negros, Aying said “Let them have their hearts‘ content. It won’t matter anyway”.

Before the announcement of the CPP ceasefire, the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion had temporarily suspended military operations against the NPA in northern Negros, that was badly hit by “Yolanda”, to prioritize disaster relief operations.

The CPP statement added that, “While this ceasefire declaration is in effect, all units of the NPA and people’s militias shall remain in active defense mode. They will, however, remain ever militant and vigilant to the encroachment and hostile movements of the AFP within the territory of the people’s democratic government.”

Major Ray Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division, said the military, including regular Army soldiers and CAFGU members, in northern Negros are focused on the rehabilitation effort, especially helping in the rebuilding of damaged school buildings and clearing of areas in Cadiz and Sagay.

In northern Panay, assets of the Philippine Air Force and Navy delivered relief goods shuttled by Army trucks to island barangays, Tiongson said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/16/topstory7.htm