| Police strengthens drive vs NPA rebels |
| Written by Eldie S. Aguirre | |
| Sunday, 27 July 2008 | |
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In the midst of fear over the recent bomb explosion inside a Metro Shuttle Bus at the New Satellite Terminal in Barangay Aplaya on Thursday that resulted to the death of a computer science student and inflicted injuries to 34 others, the police are also concentrating its effort to drive away the NPA rebels in the province.
Senior Supt. Cesarion Darantinao, Davao del Sur provincial director has ordered all police station commanders in 14 municipalities and the police director of Digos City to beef up public awareness on the menace of communism, especially in remote and far flung villages where rebels are conventionally lurking.
Darantinao said the series of harassment and confiscation of firearms from civilian volunteers are part of the communists’ plot to augment their firepower and show of force.
Earlier, the police confirmed intelligence reports that more or less 30 newly trained NPA recruits were fielded in different parts of the province to conduct ‘test’ missions.
Inspector Peter Calunsag, Matanao police chief initiated a dialogue with villagers of Barangay Malawanit to counter the reported massive recruitment by NPA rebels who are trying to establish its mass base.
Calunsag said they are constantly monitoring the activities of rebels in the mountain ranges of Matanao due to its vulnerability to harassment and attacks.
In June, more or less 60 heavily armed rebels harassed the village of Dungan Pekong and disarmed some militiamen of their homemade shotguns.
An encounter took place where responding government troopers and police operatives drove into a landmine inflicting injuries to three Cafgu members.
Two military personnel were also wounded during an encounter with rebels in Barangay Macul, Malita town on July 20. |