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Friday, May 20, 2005
Surigao Sur folks flee homes as gov't steps up drive v. rebels
By Ben O. Tesiorna
ABOUT 1,570 residents of Lianga, Andap Complex in Surigao del Sur were evacuated by the military Thursday due to its intensified operation against New People's Army guerrillas in the area.
Colonel Ricardo David, chief of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade, said the military was prompted to evacuate residents after receiving intelligence reports that the rebels have deployed a special unit to harass people assisting in the military operation.
He said most of the evacuees were taken to Barangay Diatagon Municipal Gym and Diatagon Elementary School.
Local officials said some of the residents are suffering from cough, diarrhea and malaria due to cramped conditions at the evacuation centers.
The residents earlier petitioned local officials to allow them to return to their homes despite the fighting.
Military authorities said NPA members have stepped up attacks on government troops following the discovery of several caves with firearms and ammunition in Andap Valley last May 5.
Major Alexis Noel C. Bravo, regional Army spokesman, said 12 rebels and two soldiers died while 6 others were wounded in separate encounters early this week, particularly in Makahunao, San Agusin town.
Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Special Operations Command chief, Major General Germogenes Esperon, last week confirmed reports that the NPA's are planning to launch a massive offensive campaign in Mindanao.
In an interview at the Naval Base Headquarters in Panacan, Davao City, Esperon admitted the NPA is still very much capable of launching massive attacks anywhere in the country.
This despite the major setbacks the rebel group allegedly incurred after intensive military operations in Surigao del Sur and in Davao Region.
Esperon said the NPA still has about 8,000 armed members all over the country.
But Esperon assured the public they are doing all they can to prevent any attacks by the NPA. He said if the need arises, his command is more than willing to send more of his men in the region for this purpose.
It was learned that the special operation command had already detailed the 2nd Special Forces Battalion and the 2nd Scout Rangers Battalion along with the Scout Rangers class 158 who are on a test mission here in Mindanao for their major military operations in the area.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (May 20, 2005 issue)
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