Tuesday, March 04, 2008 Catigan folks flee homes; more clashes seen By Carlo P. Mallo
ALMOST 100 residents of Catigan in Toril District have evacuated to safer grounds as the military is expecting more attacks from the New People's Army (NPA).
In an interview Monday with Major Rey Aguada of the 10th Infantry Division, he said the attack of the rebel group last Saturday was the rebels' way of getting back at them after the military led a program that saw more than 300 residents of Catigan swear their allegiance to the Philippine Constitution on Friday afternoon.
In a simple ceremony, at least 300 residents pledge allegiance to the flag and vowed not to extend support or give in to the demands of the rebel group.
"Almost all of the residents of (barangay) Catigan have sworn allegiance to the government," Aguada said, claiming the residents said they are already fed up with the atrocities of the rebel group.
"Trabahong tamad lang naman ang pagrerebelde eh," Aguada said. "Gusto nila na humingi lang ng humingi nang hindi nagtratrabaho."
Catigan, an upland barangay in Davao City, lies on the shared border of Davao City and Davao del Sur. Rebel groups have been frequently spotted in the area.
Skirmishes have frequently occurred between the government and the rebels. Of late, three soldiers were killed after the rebels ambushed them during an early morning security inspection in the said barangay.
