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Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Benguet mayors lament presence of rebels
By Jane Cadalig
BAGUIO CITY -- Two Benguet town mayors lamented the presence of New People's Army (NPA) in their localities, claiming this is adversely affecting the lives of their constituents.
Buguias Mayor Thomas Palileng said the reported NPA presence in the municipality, which resulted in two separate firefights between the rebel group and members of the police recently, has disrupted the smooth flow of economic and agricultural activities in the town.
"It has threatened our constituents, particularly the farmers whose agricultural activities were disturbed," Palileng added, saying the local government was surprised to learn that the leftist group is operating in the town.
"Their presence in our area is really unexpected. There have been no sightings reported to us previously," he added.
Last week, members of the NPA and Benguet police clashed at Barangays Baculongan Sur and Sebang, Buguias, resulting to the deaths of four rebels and the capture of five others.
Bakun Mayor Marcelo Contada, meanwhile, sought the assistance of the Provincial Government and the Benguet Provincial Police Office (BPPO) concerning the continued NPA sightings in his town.
Contada said several of his constituents have been asking the Municipal Government to seek help.
Although the rebels do not engage in any violent moves, Contada said residents lament the continuous dropping by of NPAs in their homes to demand for food.
Among the places where rebels are frequently seen, Contada said, are Barangays Bagu and Sinacbat.
Saying there were no reported recruitment among his constituents, Contada still asked them not to be persuaded to join the leftist group.
The two mayors requested the rebels to move out from their municipalities so as not to disturb and involve innocent lives in any clashes that may occur. (Sun.Star Baguio/Sunnex)
(August 24, 2005 issue)
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