Friday, October 31, 2008 Army: New Bataan governed by NPA, not by elected execs
THE Municipality of New Bataan in Compostela Valley is not governed by its duly elected public officials but by a shadow government of the New People's Army, a top Army official said.
"Based on our assessment, New Bataan is ruled by a shadow government," Major General Jogy Leo Fojas, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, told reporters Thursday during the AFP-PNP Press Corps forum.
Fojas, however, clarified that New Bataan is not the only municipality under the shadow government of the rebel group.
"There are other municipalities, some are surrounding New Bataan," Fojas said. "New Bataan is just the start."
The 10th Infantry Division commander added that combat operations will continue in the municipality of New Bataan until the area has been cleared of armed elements.
Fojas said that one of the factors that made them conclude that New Bataan is under a shadow government is the strong influence of the rebel group on the populace of the municipality.
"The rebel group is able to dictate on the activities of the people, even on policy making," Fojas said.
Meanwhile, the Regional Peace and Order Council in Southern Mindanao has strongly warned local government officials from coddling rebel groups, be it out of necessity or convenience.
The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) is set to hunt down the rebels and recommend that proper sanctions be meted out against them, said Davao del Sur Governor Douglas R. Cagas.
Cagas, who also chairs the RPOC in Southern Mindanao, said the council is now capable of recommending sanctions against local government officials who support the insurgent group. (CPM)
