No Halloween truce between gov’t, NPA

From Panay News (Oct 26, 2021): No Halloween truce between gov’t, NPA (By Ruby Silubrico)

ILOILO City – Operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) would be intensified despite the observance of “Fiesta Minatay”, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“It’s business as usual,” said Army Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), and Police Brigadier General Rolando Miranda, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).

“We have to be alert,” Arevalo told Panay News. “Huwag nating pabayaan ang ating mga detachments and officers kasi ang kalaban natin ay traidor.”

More soldiers were deployed to the 1st District of Iloilo to augment the police, he said.

On the other hand, Miranda sees no reason to back down, especially following Sunday’s explosion of two improvised explosive devices in barangays Mayang and Jolason in Tubungan, Iloilo.

Two policemen were injured.

Members of the NPA’s Southern Front Committee, Komiteng Rehiyon Panay were tagged as the culprits.

“Their atrocities showed they were upset about the police’s presence. They do not want a peaceful and progressive community. What they are doing simply shows they are weak and desperate,” Miranda said.

PRO-6 also sent more policemen to Tubungan.

Miranda commended the “courageous” police force.

“The PNP will not cease to perform its mandate to maintain security and peace and order,” Miranda said.

“We are urging them (NPA) not to cause disorder that will affect the civilians in their pursuit of harming the government forces,” he added.

The wounded cops, Police Corporal Genel Simpas of the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company and Patrolman Jessie Castamado, are now safe and recovering at the Western Visayas Medical Center.

Meanwhile, Police Colonel Roderick Alba, PNP spokesperson, said Police General Guillermo Eleazar has no order yet for a ceasefire, although he alerted all personnel in the country to remain vigilant.

“We continue our work and secure all cemeteries this ‘Undas’,” Alba said.

https://www.panaynews.net/no-halloween-truce-between-govt-npa/