101st IB launches hot pursuit operation vs NPAs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 17): 101st IB launches hot pursuit operation vs NPAs

DIPOLOG CITY - Elements of the 101st Infantry Brigade (IB) are now conducting hot pursuit operations against the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who burned down three heavy equipment last Dec. 12 in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte.

According to Captain Jason Roy P. Mararac, 101st Brigade’s Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer, a platoon-size fully-armed NPA members belonging to Natarang Guerilla Flex “A” Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) burned down thee heavy equipment owned by Edana Construction Company in Purok Rosa, Sitio Kandingan, barangay Situbo at 2 p.m. last Dec. 12.

Edana Construction Company, which is now constructing the farm-to-market road in Zamboanga del Norte’s third congressional district, is owned by HJ Yusop, based in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

“We condemn to highest term this foolish act of the NPAs. The incident clearly manifests that the NPAs are against any initiatives for progress and development that would uplift social and economic conditions of the community. The NPAs don’t really care to address the poverty problems. If the NPAs are really pro-poor, then they should participate in and support developmental initiatives. The people of Zamboanga del Norte do not deserve this for Christmas. The equipment are there to construct road to lessen the burden of the farmers and the people in transporting their products and for the government to effectively deliver the needed basic services in the area,“ Col. Jesus Mananquil Jr., 101st brigade commander said.

Manangquil has called on all peace loving people to be vigilant against these dastard and irrational acts.

He also urged the NPA members to come down and join the multi-sectoral peace and development initiatives to address the plight of the poor.

“The solution to our problems is not through the barrel of the gun or by burning construction equipment,” he said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1441450146595/101st-ib-launches-hot-pursuit-operation-vs-npas-