3rd Infantry Division expresses support for SOMO

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24): 3rd Infantry Division expresses support for SOMO
 
With Christmas Day just hours away, the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division on Tuesday announced that it will abide with all the rules and regulations set about by the government's Suspension of Offensive Military Operations (SOMO).

This started on December 20 and will end on January 15.

“While we are suspending all deliberate offensive military operations here in Western Visayas, we will continue our presence in communities by maintaining our security patrols aimed to protect the civilian populace, government and private infrastructure, and military camps and detachments in order to maintain peace and security in the area. Likewise, we will maintain our activities supporting the government and civil authorities’ peace, development, and humanitarian assistance programs,” 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

He added the military leadership takes time to recognize and acknowledge the efforts of its soldiers who were working round the clock in maintaining peace and security in the local communities and in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations during the recent calamity.

Meanwhile, taking into consideration the transgressions of the New People's Army (NPA) in the past that took advantage of the ceasefire of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the military will continue with its proactive defense countermeasures to prevent imminent NPA attacks.

The NPA usually resorts to violence in time for their anniversary celebration on Dec. 26.

Last Dec. 17, the NPA took advantage of the SOMO when it fired upon a "Bayanihan Team" of soldiers conducting peace and development activities at Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan, Miag-ao, Iloilo.

The soldiers, aside from doing peace and development works were conducting defensive security patrol after receiving reports of a planned harassment by NPA rebels on a nearby Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) detachment whose primary function is to protect nearby communities.

“We will not allow the past transgressions and violations committed by the NPA that stained the holidays with violence to happen again this year. Our forces remain vigilant especially in protecting the civilian communities,” Baladad added.

“The Army’s commitment, sincerity and resolve to peace will always be present especially during this Christmas season. Communities deserve to celebrate the yuletide peacefully,” he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=599540