More troops deployed in South vs NPAs

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  – The Armed Forces of the Philippines has sent in additional troops to augment existing forces in Southern Mindanao in an effort to address the already worsening situation with the continued attacks by the New People’s Army rebels in the area.

The AFP has sent in the 71st Infantry Battalion as well as units from the Special Forces, Scout Ranger, Engineer, Medical and Civil Military Operations groups who came from different parts of Mindanao to help the existing forces in the region.

The latest to arrive were elements of the 84th Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Kurt Decapia, on board a Philippine Navy ship, who docked at the Hijo Beach in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City over the weekend.

According to 10th Infantry Division spokesman Maj. Manuel Garcia, the deployment of additional troops in the region is in response to the recent series of attacks the communists launched against the military, civilian populace as well as vital infrastructure in certain parts of the region.

“The new troops are also poised to conduct hot pursuit operation against NPA terrorists responsible in the Maragusan massarce where five individuals were killed and 12 others were wounded. Part of the troops will also be utilized on a mission to rescue four government troops being held hostage by the NPAs in Compostela Valley province,” Garcia said.

NPAs stepping up attacks

Decapia told The STAR that his unit is currently stationed in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte as their temporary headquarters. 

Local government officials led by Davao del Norte Vice Gov. Voctorio Suaybaguio welcomed the arrival of troops hoping they would help in thwarting the surge in NPA attacks in the region.

The past weeks saw the NPAs stepping up their attacks against government infrastructures, civilians and unarmed government troops in what authorities call “a ploy to cover their big loss in the recent elections.”

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, 10th ID commander, immediately outlined the mission of the new troops in light of the crimes perpetrated by the NPAs. 

“Our paramount concern is the protection of innocent people being killed and kidnapped by these criminals. We will safeguard vital infrastructures in the region which are being sabotaged by these anti-development and anti-progress bandits. Their crimes will not go on unpunished. As the true soldiers of the people, we will abide by the clamor of our citizens to bring these murderers, kidnappers and bandits to justice. It is our sworn duty to protect our people and bring stability in this region,” Holganza said.

“We assure our people that the arrival of new troops will not mean war but enhanced security measures to protect them. We have to put these criminals behind bars. Our troops will work extra hard to ensure that peace and development efforts will be protected and that the rights of the people will be respected at all times,” Holganza said.