THE top official of the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said on June 20 that the recruitment activities of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the hinterland villages of Cagayan de Oro City is part of the rebels' plan to mount mass-based and army building.
Major General Ronald Villanueva, 4ID commander, said the communist insurgents are penetrating the outskirts, particularly in the boundaries of Bukidnon and Lanao areas, to build party and mass-based support where they could get armed elements.
"Recruitment is a normal thing sa ila. If this information goes to us, it's just recruitment activity. It does not even say they recruited already. They have activities there and manner on how they recruit," Villanueva said.
"Kana ilang recruitment is still masa pa lang. It's part of their plan party building, mass-based building and army building," he added.
Villanueva said they are also verifying reports that the Maoist guerillas are forming another Moro front in the said areas.
But the military has its troops under the 65th Infantry Battalion from Leyte where the focus of operation is covering the Dansolihon, Mambuaya and neighboring barangays.
"Daghan units outside 4ID that is helping us," Villanueva said.
Villanueva also said that the number of NPA combatants in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions is roughly 700, excluding the force of Militiang Bayan, underground mass organizations of men and women, farmers, workers, and the youth.
"Kani nga estimate gikan sa mga nag-surrender nila nga kauban and sa mga documents nga atong nakuha sa ila," Villanueva said.
On the other hand, the strength of the military operating in their jurisdiction is 15 battalions.
Villanueva said they are not only fighting the NPA combatants but they want the people to understand who are the members of the communist party and the National Democratic Front (NDF).
He said the armed wing of the CPP and NDF will not thrive and survive without the support of the latter.
"Kung apilon ang militiang bayan ug sangang partido ug underground mass organization, dako-dako ilang pwersa gamay," Villanueva said.
"Sugod pa lang diha sa baryo naa na ang CPP, NDF ug NPA, isa na sila ka grupo. Wala lang namo awaya ang NPA amo pud ipakita sa tawo kinsa ang membro sa partido ug sa united front. Dili mabuhi ang NPA kung wala ang partido ug ang NDF," he added.