ARMY officials in Negros Occidental and Western Visayas slam the spokesman of the New People's Army (NPA) for fabricating issues out of the P87-million peace and order budget approved by the Provincial Peace and Order Council.
Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, laughed off on the claims of Juanito Magbanua, spokesman of the NPA Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, saying he is trying to discredit the Provincial Government.
"We find it funny why he is questioning," Pasaporte said. "Maybe it's because he wants to have some but, kidding aside, the funds will be utilized to help former rebels reestablish themselves in society."
He also denied the fund would be used to "militarize" services of the local government.
Last February 11, the Provincial Peace and Order Council approved an P87-million budget for its projects, programs, and activities in Negros Occidental, while also allocating P26.1 million for intelligence fund.
Major General Eric Vinoya, Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander, also slammed Magbanua for criticizing the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Negros Occidental and disapproving localized peace talks.
Vinoya said Magbanua needs to enlighten himself about the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and Localized Peace Talks since his press statement clearly revealed his ignorance about the real purpose of the peace efforts.
Vinoya said Magbanua is completely unaware that his comrades, family, relatives, and even he can benefit from these drives that aim to address root causes of insurgency.
"You always boastfully claim that you are the voice of the oppressed and depressed populace, and you are fighting for the welfare of the masses, but your actions always contradict your words," Vinoya said.
The 3ID commander said condemning and rejecting Negrenses' drive for peace and progress is equivalent to hampering their fervent desire for a peaceful and progressive community.
He also accused Magbanua of not helping alleviate the social condition of the Negrense people, making their lives worse and miserable by exploiting and abusing their conditions in order to advance their selfish and ruthless armed struggle.
"That is the painful truth about your terrorist organization Negrenses should know," he said.
He added that Magbanua's recent statement only informed the Negrense people that their organization is indeed full of selfish, greedy, liars, and cold-blooded individuals.
Vinoya also threatened the insurgents in the region that they will be wiped out unless they surrender.