Army seize food, medical supply haul by NPA rebels

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 16): Army seize food, medical supply haul by NPA rebels

APPROXIMATELY 40 sacks of rice and food and medical supplies of the New People’s Army (NPA) were discovered by the troops of 88th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Bulacao, Barangay Concepcion, Valencia City, Bukidnon around 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

2Lt. Sancho S. Tomaquin, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 88th Infantry Battalion, said the items were placed in 67 water containers in a forested area near the community.

Tomaquin said the military was tipped off about the supplies by residents in the area.

“These concerned residents claimed that they are already tired and afraid of the CPP-NPA terrorists’ extortion and exploitation,” he said. “Most especially on forcing them to provide food, money, and materials; transporting these supplies to terrorists supply drop-off points; and the terrorists forcible and deceptive recruitment.”

It can be recalled that on Feb. 11, around 26 families fled their homes in Barangay Cagawasan, Kibawe, Bukidnon due allegedly to NPA harassment.

Similarly, he said the residents claimed that they were being forced to give food and money to the rebels, act as couriers and spies against government forces.

In a statement, Lt. Colonel Randy O. Remonte, commanding officer of the 88th Infantry Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division, thanked the residents for their cooperation while at the same time criticizing the CPP-NPA for their continued threat on the communities.

“We would not be able to locate these items without their vigilance and cooperation. This incident is yet another manifestation that the CPP-NPA terrorists are continuously violating the rights of the people by terrorizing and exploiting them,” he added.

“It is very unfortunate, however, that with the discovery of this food and medical cache, it appears that there are still those who continue to aid the CPP-NPA terrorists especially the local businessmen and even the local officials,” the commander said.

“We would like to remind everyone that aiding terrorists is against the law and you will be liable under Sec. 4 of Republic Act 10168.” he further added.

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