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Monday, December 27, 2004
Army, police still on alert against rebels
By Claudine C. Dumalag
BACOLOD -- Despite the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire, the Philippine Army remains vigilant while police set up checkpoints along highways to pre-empt a possible offensive by the communist guerillas this holiday season.
Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Bagasin, commander of the 11th Infantry Battalion, said Negros Island has remained peaceful even during Sunday's celebration of the 36th Founding Anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
But he reiterated directives for soldiers to be vigilant and to conduct security patrol operations, specifically in populated areas to protect the people.
"I still believe rebels will launch offensives even though their plan to attack some of our detachments was pre-empted last week," Bagasin said.
New People's Army (NPA) guerillas earlier clashed with soldiers in Isabela in what was believed to be a prelude to a rebel plan to overrun Army detachments and the town's police station.
Two rebels and a soldier were slain in the battle.
The CPP had earlier declared a 10-day ceasefire that took effect last December 23 until January 2 while the government started its unilateral truce last December 16 until January 5.
Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal, CPP spokesman, had earlier said the communist guerillas would put away their guns to cook their favorite native holiday delicacies.
He added that the declaration of truce will give the communist rebels time to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones.
Rosal, however, said communist guerillas are prepared to defend themselves if attacked by the police and military.
Chief Superintendent George Aliņo, regional police director, ordered all police chiefs to intensify the conduct of checkpoints in all entrance and exit areas despite the declaration of ceasefire.
The government does not limit the use of all necessary means available and (employ) appropriate action to defend the police personnel and facilities, Aliņo said.
Moreover, Bagasin said the remains of two NPAs who were killed in the recent encounter in Isabela town were already claimed by their respective families.
The encounter also resulted to the death of a trooper, identified as Private Esmael Arcangeles, 25, of Roxas City.
The troopers recovered one M60 machine gun, two M16 armalite rifles, one homemade shotgun, several ammunition, one Icom handheld radio, medicines, personal belongings.
Bagasin further confirmed that at least 20 communist guerillas were believed to be either killed or injured.
(December 27, 2004 issue)
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Estrada to leave for Hong Kong Monday