Thursday, August 14, 2008 Duterte orders offensives on NPA By Grace L. Plata
THE relative silence that the New People's Army (NPA) has settled in since the gun battles broke out in Central Mindanao should not make the government lie low on its pursuit against the communist rebels.
"Upakan na muna nila para ma-neutralize and the city can introduce developments in the areas especially with regards to infrastructure. Pag alam nilang sa city, 'di masyado pinapakialaman pero ang mga contractors natin, medyo hirap,” said Duterte said in Wednesday's City Peace and Order Council meeting.
He added: “That's why I'm asking both military and police to provide some sort of recognition that we are there for them. Hindi naman natin kaya tapusin 'yan lahat so we have to sub-contract other projects."
The mayor also forbade barangay officials to negotiate with the NPA.
"If they insist on talking, call me. I will do the talking for you," Duterte said while appealing to the NPA to let the city do its part in delivering basic services to the people.
"If they want more money, providing the police and military give them chances they must allow the economy to grow. Wala silang makukuha sa mga tao if they hamper development," Duterte said.
Duterte also told police station commanders to increase their visibility in the barangays frequented by the NPA to stem the rebels' movements.
"You should go around more. In a sound-off with barangay people, medyo takot sila," Duterte said during the City Peace and Order Council meeting Wednesday afternoon.
Duterte also asked military forces to hit the rebels hard enough to "neutralize" them.
