1 hurt as NPAs attack dev’t workers in Samar

MANILA, Philippines - One person was wounded after communist rebels attacked civilians who facilitate a development program of the government in Samar last Monday morning, the military said.

Capt. Gene Orense, spokesman of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said facilitators of the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) were ambushed in San Jose de Buan town.

The program is being implemented by the Social Welfare department and seeks to promote development in far-flung communities.

The facilitators, identified as Renato Dacaymat and Harvey John Abelido, were on their way to Barangay Babaclayon when they were waylaid by about 15 insurgents.

Abelido sustained a bullet wound in the left chin and was immediately rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment.

“The NPA (New People’s Army) has been harassing KALAHI facilitators in the impoverished communities who have been very effective in their community development work,” said Lt. Col. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., chief of the Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion.

“This only proves that the NPAs do not want the populace to uplift their living condition,” he added.

Maj. Gen. Gerardo Layug, commander of the Army’s 8th ID, said the KALAHI-CIDSS program has helped reduce the influence of the NPA in Samar.

“It is unfortunate that the NPA is targeting civilians doing community development work which is a clear disregard to human rights and violation of international human rights and rule of law,” Layug said.

Meanwhile, soldiers under the 6th Infantry Division reported that they have so far seized six NPA camps in Magpet, North Cotabato.

“Government forces are relentlessly pursuing the NPAs to protect civilians from NPA deception and intimidation,” said Col. Prudencio Asto, spokesman of the Army’s 6th ID.

“The people in Magpet have long been complaining of NPA atrocities from threats, extortion and coercion to support the underground movement,” he added.

For his part, Lt. Col. Noel de la Cruz, chief of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion, urged rebels to abandon the armed struggle and live peaceful lives.

“The government is sincere in its efforts of ending this conflict. I advise them to avail themselves of the Social Integration Program of the government and lead normal lives with their families and loved ones,” he said. – Alexis Romero, Jaime Laude