Wednesday, May 07, 2008 Mayor: Public service best defense vs sparrow unit attacks By Edmund B. Sestoso
BAIS CITY, Negros Oriental -- Mayor Hector Villanueva said the best weapon against threats of attacks from sparrow units of the communist New People's Army (NPA) in Negros Oriental is to render good public service.
Just recently, top army officials stationed in Silay City in Negros Occidental disclosed that Cebu-trained members of the sparrow units are on a test mission in the province.
Lieutenant Colonel Franco Gacal, commanding officer of the 11th Infantry Battalion, said they got the information from the intelligence bureau of the Philippine Army.
The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
Gacal added that the so-called soft targets of the sparrows include law enforcers and government personnel who are caught off guard.
Villanueva said that while he does not agree with the way the sparrow units are liquidating their targets, he admitted that most of those who are killed were abusive local officials and law enforcers.
He said if a local official is sincerely doing his job and is not abusive, then there's nothing to fear even from the sparrow units.
"Basta gabuhat lang ko alang sa kaayuhan sa katawhan ug ang akong gigama nga mga desisyon para sa tanan unsa pa may akong kahadlukan? (I don’t have to fear anything if all that I’m doing and the decisions that I’m making are all for the good of my constituents)," added the mayor.
Villanueva said a local official will be at the risk or fear being liquidated by the sparrows if he or she makes a decision for the benefit of the few and sacrifices the majority of his or her constituency.
He said Bais City's peace and order is very manageable and there are no threats coming from several armed groups including the NPA.
Mayor Villanueva, however, advised the public to remain vigilant.
