New Eastmincon chief steps up anti-NPA ops

From Malaya Business Insight (Nov 17): New Eastmincon chief steps up anti-NPA ops

NEWLY-INSTALLED AFP Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal vowed to step up operations against the New People’s Army which recently launched attacks in the Caraga region.

Interviewed after taking over the helm of the Eastmincom from now Armed Forces chief Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Madrigal said stopping rebel recruitment and extortion will be given priority.

“We will address their recruitment, stop the recruitment especially in the IP (indigenous people) areas....If their recruitment continues, there will be no end to this problem,” said Madrigal.

Madrigal said there is a need to destroy the support system and the underground mass organization of the communists but admitted other stakeholders, including local government units, will have to support the drive.

“This is not only about vigilance. We also need to address the livelihood (problem), deliver basic  services so that we can gain the support of the people, especially in the far-flung areas,” said Madrigal.

Madrigal also vowed to stop extortion activities, which is the major source of funds of the rebels. These rebel extortion activities are usually aimed at big companies, businessmen, and even local government officials.

“Secondly, we will address their extortion. The reason why some are joining the NPA is because of money. So we have to address their extortion activities. If we address that, it will have an effect on their recruitment capability,” said Madrigal.

As to the NPA fighters, Madrigal said combat operations will be intensified in the Eastmincom areas. “Our focused military operations to address this group will be continuous,” he said.

The areas of responsibility of Eastmincom are the entire Caraga and Davao regions and parts of Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen regions.

Madrigal could not say the number of rebels operating in the Eastmincom area but said the bulk of the entire NPA strength is operating there. Military estimates placed the strength of the NPA between 3,000 to 4,000 throughout the country.

As to the recent atrocities of the rebels in the Caraga region, Madrigal said these are meant to instill fear among potential victims, noting that many companies are not heeding their extortion demands.

NPA rebels recently stepped up attacks in the Caraga region, including an ambush on Thursday last week in Talakag, Bukidnon. The ambush left a policeman and a four-month-old baby girl dead and five others injured.

The rebels also abducted two policemen in Placer, Surigao del Norte, attacked a military detachment in Alegria, Agusan del Norte, both on Monday; and burned two trucks and attacked a military detachment in separate incidents on Tuesday in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, among others.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/new-eastmincon-chief-steps-anti-npa-ops