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Friday, February 10, 2006
Mt. Malindang 'an NPA haven'
By Richel V. Umel
Lanao Correspondent
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte -- The thickly forested Mt. Malindang in Misamis Occidental was identified as a New People's Army (NPA) lair.
Philippine National Police (PNP) regional director Florante J. Baguio confirmed this to Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro during his command visit at Philippine National Police Provincial Headquarters Command Thursday.
As this developed, Baguio warned the PNP of a possible NPA attacks on police stations in their respective areas of responsibility.
Baguio said the NPA rebels are operating in some areas in Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga Peninsula, Pagadian City and Lanao del Norte.
He then issued directives to all personnel and PNP stations in the region to be more vigilant in preventing another repeat of an NPA raid similar to the incident in Linguig, Surigao del Sur last February 5.
PNP police officers were disarmed while town Mayor Jimmy Luna was kidnapped without any resistance. This was the second incident after the November NPA raid in Quezon, Bukidnon on November last year.
The series of NPA raids in the region is a result of a pledge by the National Democratic Front (NDF) to intensify their offensives in efforts to discredit President Macapagal Arroyo's administration.
Baguio urged every PNP command to strengthen police structures and intensify monitoring with proper coordination of other military branches in the region.
Meanwhile, the regional police office will take its share of the P1 billion budget for the entire PNP in the country this year which intend to purchase additional firearms, patrol cars and upgrading the communication facilities, Baguio added.
He has also announced the recruitment of more than 200 qualified policemen this month for the entire region with the quota coming from the different municipalities and cities.
Baguio directed personnel to investigate the alleged red tape in the recruitment process of policemen in the regional command.
Based on one report, a processing officer allegedly accepted a .45 caliber pistol plus P30,000 for recruitment process consideration from one applicant.
The applicant supposedly failed the neuro-psychological tests and now wants to retrieve his .45 pistol along with the P30,000 he paid.
The processing officer was temporarily relieved while the investigation is going on.
On the other hand Baguio also announced the release of P420,000 to every cooperative organized within the provincial headquarters command.
Baguio said he is encouraging cooperativism to discourage loan sharks who may exploit the incomes of policemen.
During his command visit, the general pinned medals for the deserving police officers and personnel of Lanao del Norte command as recognition for their exemplary performance of duty.
The awardees were led by Colonel Linog Bagul PNP Provincial Director.
(February 10, 2006 issue)
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