REBELS' CHECKPOINT? A dozen of New People's Army (NPA) members, some wearing Philippine National Police (PNP) undershirts, were caught in a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) staging a checkpoint in Miag-ao town, Iloilo. Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the Philippine Army's 61st Infantry Battalion (IB), said Friday (May 10, 2019) that the rebels also tore town campaign posters of a particular political bet for the May 13 polls. (Photo courtesy of Marjorie Hervo)
ILOILO CITY -- Around 12 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) disguised as government security force have staged a 10-minute checkpoint at San Jose village in Iloilo’s Miag-ao town.
Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army (PA), said the group was monitored Wednesday afternoon.
“They conducted a brief checkpoint that lasted around ten minutes. It was very brief that they already fled when we sent our troops there,” said Batara in a phone interview Friday.
He said some of the members were wearing Philippine National Police (PNP) undershirts and armed with high powered firearms.
Batara estimated the age of the rebel members as 15-17 years old and probably new recruits of the NPA Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay.
He also received reports the rebels tore down campaign posters of a particular political candidate running for Iloilo’s first district congressional race. “But we are still confirming if it was politically motivated,” he said.
San Jose village is situated 15 kilometers away from the town proper. Its mountainous orientation makes it accessible to NPAs, Batara said.
He said a sufficient number of troops was already deployed in the area to patrol and conduct clearing operations.
“In connection with our election duties, we are clearing these areas. We know that NPAs take advantage of circumstances, we do not know when they will appear,” he said.
According to him, the NPA clearly conducted the act because they wanted to get noticed.
Batara assured that the same will not happen on election day as the PNP and the Army will work hand in hand to prevent security threats on polling centers.
He also told locals to remain vigilant and immediately report to authorities any harassment by the rebels, especially in connection with Monday's elections. (PNA)
