After clash with rebels: Security heightened in Bohol and Negros Oriental

CEBU, Philippines — Following the recent encounter between a communist rebel group and government forces in Bilar, Bohol, the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) has intensified security measures in the province and some parts of Negros Oriental to deter a possible retaliation.

Last Feb. 23, the government forces were engaged in an armed confrontation against the Bohol Party Committee (BPC) after authorities launched a “Joint Enhanced Military Police Operation” against the communist rebel group.

Authorities implemented a search warrant against New People’s Army (NPA) leader identified as Domingo Jaspe Compoc, alias Silong, who was killed in the said operation.

Also killed were four other members of BPC, as well as Police Corporal Gilbert Amper. Another police officer, Police Corporal Gerard Rollon was wounded. Both police personnel were elements of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO).

Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson for PRO-7, said that due to the police and other security forces’ relentless anti-terrorism campaigns, Negros and Bohol’s Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) are almost in complete eradication.

“Sa ato’ng assessment sa Police Regional Office-7, and CTG, or Communist Terrorist Group, in Negros and Bohol, they are near complete eradication,” Pelare said in a conference call with Cebu media.

Pelare said that Bilar was also the hometown of Compoc, the BPC leader, who was tagged as the most wanted person and had warrants of arrest, but has been elusive from authorities. His presence was also monitored in Bohol and Negros.

He added that they have been trying to locate his group for quite some time to capture him.

Further, the PRO-7 has also heightened its community relations in Bilar to discourage the people from joining and supporting government insurgencies.

“Some of them are being deceived. Makita nato unsa kamaayo’ng mangilad ang mga communist terrorist group,” he said.

He added that they have yet to verify initial reports that one of the casualties in the firefight was a Cebuana lawyer. Pelare said they are currently coordinating with the families of those killed during the operation.

Meanwhile, as the PRO-7 mourns the death of Police Corporal Amper, they have assured necessary support to his family, as per the instruction of the Regional Director of Police Regional Office 7, Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin.

“We are mourning here in PRO-7 because of the untimely death of our hero policeman. He was there to conduct law enforcement functions, pero kini’ng ato’ng mga kontra sa communist terrorist group, gipusil siya which resulted in the firefight,” he said. — (FREEMAN)