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Thursday, March 24, 2005
Mayor dismisses report on rebels' terror plan
By Ben O. Tesiorna
* Says communist rebels likely to launch attacks in the hinterlands, not in the city
MAYOR Rodrigo Duterte dismissed reports Wednesday that the New People's Army are also planning to stage terrorist attacks this Holy Week.
In Wednesday's Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National (AFP-PNP) Police Press Corps 11 forum, Duterte said if ever the communist rebels will indeed launch attacks it would be done in the hinterlands and geared against government soldiers and not civilians.
Duterte said this is because the main objective of the NPA is to promote their cause and to get the firearms of the soldiers for their own use.
Duterte said their main concern now is the highly possible terrorist attack in crowded places.
"Kasi itong mga terorista, civilians ang target nila eh. Yung mga rebelde naman they are just after the guns of the soldiers," he said.
Major Roberto Dumalahay of the 5th Civil Relations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it's not just the Abu Sayyaf group that's planning to stage terrorist attack this Holy Week but the NPAs are also planning attacks in time for their anniversary this month.
Dumalahay said based on reports from Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Gonzales of the Army's 60th Infantry Battalion, NPA's Front Committee 3 operating in the areas of Compostela Valley Province under alias Abel is planning to attack AFP and PNP installations in celebration of their forthcoming anniversary this March 29.
Gonzales added that according to reports, Pulang Bugani Command-2 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee under Roberto Rosete alias Alex would reinforce Front Committee 3 in carrying out their plans.
"We are now in full alert as far as these report is concerned, we are working with the PNP in Compostela Valley Province, we will not give this vicious and unlawful people a chance to fulfill their ferociousness," Gonzales said.
Dumalahay, however, assured the public should not be troubled from threats of possible attacks especially in the Lenten season because the military and police are ready and are now taking security measures to thwart any armed offensives coming from the terrorists.
"We will continue the observance of the Lenten season, the AFP and the PNP are closely monitoring any assailants by deploying spotters in plain clothes to the people frequented areas like the churches," Dumalahay said.
He said people's vigilance will be of great help in pre-empting any terrorist attacks, any information they get must be reported to the proper authorities for timely actions, for "we must show these terrorist that we are united in fighting against their evil plans."
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (March 24, 2005 issue)
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