Army monitors rebels' recruitment

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 27): Army monitors rebels' recruitment

The unilateral ceasefire being observed by government forces and the New People's Army in the Negros Island Region appears to be holding with no violation as of this time, except that the Philippine Army has monitored the continued recruitment activities of the rebels in hinterland areas.

In his briefing during the Peace and Order Council meeting at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, Capt. Eduardo Precioso, 303 rd Infantry Brigade Civil Military Operations officer, reported that they have recorded 26 non-violent activities of the NPA in the region, including recruitment activities, mostly in northern Negros.

Precioso said they also monitored the consolidation of armed rebels in Escalante City, Himamaylan City, as well as in Hinobaan, Negros Occidental, and ideological political organizational activities in the areas of Santa Catalina in Negros Oriental.

Because of the unilateral ceasefire, that they strictly observe, they cannot do anything, except monitor them, he added.

Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, 3 rd Infantry Division commander, said earlier that they will let it pass, as they are giving primacy to the peace process. But he said they will not allow any intimidation of communities.

The National Democratic Front Negros also expressed its support to the ongoing peace negotiations.

The 303 rd Infantry Brigade reported that the NPA still has 203 armed members in Negros, and possesses 237 firearms. This was strongly disputed by rebel priest Frank Fernandez.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/January/27/negor2.htm