From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 29): NPA rebels sow fear among tourists, motorists in SurSur
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – At around 7:30 a.m. on March 28, some lawless elements believed to be members of the Guerilla Front Committee 14 (GFC-14) of the New People’s Army (NPA) under a certain Ka Satur sowed fear among commuters, tourists included, in Barangay Bitoon, Hinatuan town, 141 kilometers south this city.
According to 1Lt. Karl Jan Devaras, commander of the 41st Civil Military Operations (CMO) Company of the Philippine Army (PA), “The said lawless group barricaded and flagged down all vehicles that were leaving from and approaching a famous eco-tourism site,” referring to the Enchanted River.
The CMO officer, based on witnesses’ account, bared that the rebels “ordered them to step out from their bus (Tourist’s Bus) and began frisking them and searching their bags” in yelling-fashion with guns aimed at the terrified motorists.
However, the act of atrocity did not take long as all vehicles and tourists alike were allowed to leave after a couple of minutes, Devaras pointed out.
He also said that pursuit operations by law enforcement units had been ongoing.
“We vehemently condemn this Lawless Armed Group for their criminal act; the crime which they have perpetrated will greatly affect the eco-tourism industry which greatly contributes to the development of Hinatuan,” Col. Isidro Purisima, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander, was quoted by 1Lt. Devaras as saying.
Moreover, he said that Col. Purisima went on to advise this lawless elements: “I encourage this lawless group to surrender and embrace the Government’s reintegration program (CLIP) for people like them while there is still time to surrender.”
Meanwhile, Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, CMO officer of the 36th Infantry Battalion here reacted that such condemnable act was part of the usual atrocities done by NPA rebels who were out to highlight their 47th anniversary celebration on March 29.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1741459233050/npa-rebels-sow-fear-among-tourists-motorists-in-sursur
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