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Saturday, February 21, 2004
Communist rebels start offensives in south Iloilo
By Ruby P. Silubrico
* The fatality is Napoleon Estacio, 46, a Cafgu member detailed at the Pinawpawan detachment of the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP)
* The Igbaras police said the suspects are new recruits of the NPA and were probably on a "test mission"
THE New People's Army (NPA) started offensives in southern Iloilo with the killing of a member of the government's paramilitary unit in Barangay Igtalungon, Igbaras Friday.
The fatality was identified as Napoleon Estacio, 46, a Cafgu member detailed at the Pinawpawan detachment of the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP).
Police said around 8 a.m., the victim was biking his way to Igtalungon High School to attend a meeting for his daughter when four young men shot him five times. Estacio was hit on the arms and legs.
PO2 Noel Escanla of Igbaras Police Station said the suspects, who were between 17 and 19 years old, were wearing school uniforms to disguise themselves as students.
Test mission
Police and military are now conducting manhunt operations against the suspects who fled towards the inner part of the village.
The Igbaras police said the suspects, who were already identified, are new recruits of the NPA and were probably on a "test mission."
The AFP earlier deployed its Special Operations Team (SOT), led by Lt. Raul Vigo, commander of the 31st Reconnaissance Company, in several rebel-infiltrated barangays in Igbaras especially in Igtalungon.
Barangays considered highly influenced are Tabiak and Cabugao. The military said these areas are under the NPA's Southern Front Committee headed by their secretary general Rela Estrada.
In Iloilo, the communist rebels reportedly have the strongest presence in Igbaras and Leon, police and military said.
The military is closely monitoring the NPA's election-related activities such as collecting permit-to-campaign and campaign-to win fees from politicians.
Aside from demanding money, the NPA also solicit high-powered firearms and food supplies.
(February 21, 2004 issue)
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