NPA CONTINUES TO SOW TERROR IN SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES

Despite major setbacks within the Maoist-inspired terror organization following series of armed confrontations with the government forces, the New People’s Army (NPA) was up to initiating intermittent retaliatory offensives against military troops in the restive Mindanao region.

In Cotabato Province, two military officials and one enlisted personnel were wounded after a CTM-initiated landmine explosion in Arakan town a week prior to the automated elections. According to reports, the government troops in convoy were utilizing the Arakan National Highway when the incident transpired. The recent blast was the fifth incident in the Province since January 2010. As sourced-out, two more roadside bombings are yet to be initiated by the Reds against unsuspecting military troops in the Province, anytime.

Having succumbed to their unrelenting desire to obliterate the country’s democratic fibers, the NPA rebels on May 10 engaged in a fierce armed confrontation with the government troops which at that time were securing the automated elections in the hinter areas of Makilala in Cotabato Province. The almost 3-hour battle ultimately affected the safety and security in the area, especially the innocent civilians who were exercising their democratic rights of suffrage. In fact, local government units, private sectors and even International humanitarian watchers condemned in strongest terms the election-related violence perpetrated by the NPA.

In Davao Region, the rebels on May 24 attack an army unit securing a road construction project in Banaybanay town in Davao Oriental. Report disclosed that the military troops were deployed in the project site after the construction firm complained the communist rebels for extortion and illicit taxations. The Monday attack left three soldiers killed and wounded eight others while two of the communist guerillas were reportedly killed during the encounter.

On May 22, three government soldiers were killed while another one was injured following an ambush perpetrated by the NPA rebels near a civilian community in Toril, Davao City. In another event, four soldiers, an election officer and a poll watcher died in an ambush staged by the same gang on May 12 in Maragusan town, Compostela Valley. According to reports, the military troops, in convoy with civilian vehicles were escorting the election materials when the attack ensued. Various communal groups censured the NPA-initiated carnages saying these were a treachery and utter disregard of the NPA to human lives particularly to innocent civilians whose lives, safety and security are at stake.

The Maoist-inspired NPA has been waging an insurgency since 1969 that claimed thousands of lives. It has also stepped up attacks in and around Southern Philippines since the year started. Indeed, these communist rebels have no qualms in destroying the lives of every Juan Dela Cruz as they believe that the only way to championing their cause is through bloody and illogical armed struggle.

Are we to suffer another unending cycle of terrorism and violence? It is high time for us to take active role in eliminating communist insurgency through resistance from their deceitful and treacherous “games”. Let us be vigilant. Ours is to build a stronger republic for our children’s future. Theirs is to persuade people with their deceptive norms. Be wise. Discern. Let us act now!