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Thursday, May 22, 2003
Military ups alert v. 'renewed' NPA attacks
By Harley Palangchao
BAGUIO -- Government troops deployed near the boundaries of the three regions in Northern Luzon have been ordered to be on double alert following reports that the New People's Army (NPA) are massing up for a renewed offensive on military and police detachments and vital installations.
Lt. Col. Preme Monta, chief information officer of the military's North Luzon Command (Nolcom), said the commanding officers of different military camps in the three regions -- Cordilleras, Regions I and II -- were ordered to lead in thwarting any offensives by the NPA rebels.
"The North Luzon Command is on top of the situation and we are already aware of their sinister plans," Monta stressed.
The NPA rebels, who belong to at least three regional party committees, have not launched any major offensives in the past several months.
Last year, the military annual assessment report revealed the NPA destroyed more than P500 million worth of vital installations and equipment maintained by the government and private companies.
During the first quarter of this year, Monta claimed, the NPA rebels tried but failed to take control of military and police detachments.
He added the rebels conducted several ambush attempts but that most of their targets escaped unhurt.
Last week, Lt. Col. Eduardo Gonzaga, commanding officer of the 17th Infantry Battalion based in Lagangilang town, Abra, and his men escaped an ambush try by suspected NPA rebels.
Monta, on the other hand, reported that due to the renewed support of civilians in the countryside, the military is reportedly winning its war against the rebels, who have been waging an insurgency against the government for the past 34 years.
"We always attribute our success to the renewed support of the civilians to the military and police. These people have been helping us through their text messages," Monta said.
According to Monta, Nolcom chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Dominguez is assuring the public that the military is on top of the situation. Sun.Star Baguio
(May 22, 2003 issue)
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