Tuesday, July 08, 2008 NPA 're-recruiting' ex-allies: Police By Carlo P. Mallo
KEY personalities who have been associated with rebel groups are being monitored by the police amidst reports that they are being re-recruited into the communist organization.
"We have received reports that even the (rebel) returnees are being re-recruited," said Police Regional Office (PRO)-Southern Mindanao director Andres Caro II.
Caro added that they are focusing on personalities who have been allied with rebel groups before.
The intelligence group of the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed last Friday a report that the recruitment unit of the New People's Army (NPA) has already infiltrated the inner settlements of the city.
"We are still validating reports that they are recruiting here in the city," Caro said.
He added that they are already in close coordination with the military and other government agencies for joint operations against the reported infiltration of the NPA here.
According to him, the rebel group is trying to establish a mass base in the city.
Caro however is not convinced that the rebel group has grown in strength despite its recent attacks on various businesses and infrastructure in the city. "They just want to show na malakas sila," Caro said.
"They will never let go of Southern Mindanao, it is their bread and butter," he added.
The presence of vast agricultural plantations, mining firms, and telecommunications cell sites, make the region a lucrative target for the extortion activities of the communist group.
