The Armed Forces of the Philippines will launch preemptive measures against the rebel New People’s Army following the government’s declaration of an all-out war against the communist group.
In a press conference Wednesday, 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia said that they will be focusing on sparing civilians from extortion cases against NPA.
“Tumataas ang extortion cases from NPA kahit bago pa ni-lift ang unilateral ceasefire at nasundan pa ng iba’t-ibang atrocities,” Valencia said.
He cited the clash in Makilala last January wherein an alleged NPA member was killed in a clash with government troops in a remote village after the Army received reports that an armed group was seen burning a 10-wheeler truck and that extortion was believed to be the motive behind the incident.
He pointed out that he has enough forces within his area of responsibility to face the military operations against the rebel troops.
“We have already launched our operations all throughout our area right after President Duterte ordered the lifting of the ceasefire,” Valencia added.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 11 Director C/Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, who was also present in the press conference, said that they have already consolidated the reports regarding NPA’s activities even during the ceasefire.
“During the peacetalks, sila [NPA] ay namayagpag and they took advantage of the ceasefire sa pamamagitan ng training, dumami ang incidents ng extortion lalo na sa mga business establishments, including ‘yung puwersahan ang pagkuha ng mga bigas at mga ulam para may mapakain sa mga kasamahan nila,” Gaerlan revealed.
He pointed out that more than 2,500 people from five different barangays in Manay, Davao Oriental were forced to evacuate to the Poblacion area because of the “abuses” they are receiving from NPA.
“Pwersahan rin ang recruitment ng NPA, lalo na ang mga minors o child warriors,” Gaerlan mentioned.
He added that he has already asked the Commission of Human Rights to intervene with the situation because “it is no longer an ordinary police investigation.”
Gaerlan explained that what the rebel troops are doing is already a “violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.”
Davao City Police Chief S/Supt. Michael John Dubria, for his part, said that they are now more proactive in their security measures.
“PRO has directed us to be alert and be on defensive posture,” he said.
He added that they have implemented “aggressive patrolling” in the entire city to intensify their security campaign.
Dubria added that they are also constantly monitoring the movements of the rebels since the President categorized them as terrorist.
The city center has not been experiencing any attacks coming from the New People’s Army since the former mayor, now President Rodrigo Duterte asked them to stay away from the city for the safety of the Davaoeños.
