NPA claims of growing
membership bolstered

The New People's Army in Negros may have an estimated 463 members, but they only have 97 firearms, military and police intelligence reports said.

Ironically, this partly bolstered the claims of CPP spokesman Gregorio Rosal, alias Ka Roger, that indeed, the number of NPA guerilla units nationwide, including in Negros, is growing.

On the other hand, the breakaway Revolutionary Proletarian Army reportedly have a strength of 290 armed guerillas with 287 high-powered firearms, including 10 light machine guns, reports said.

The military admitted the expansion efforts of the New People's Arm in northern Negros by creating another Larangan Gerilya Yunit and a Preparatory Front Committee in southern Negros.

Of the 600 barangays in Negros Occidental, 12 percent, or 72 barangays, are either under the influence of or infiltrated by the rebel movement.

Two hundred thirty-seven barangays, equivalent to 39.5 percent, are being threatened by infiltration of the underground movement, police intelligence reports added.

Complaints of threats and intimidation were also aired by residents in the far-flung areas of Negros against rival rebel factions who reportedly engaged in extortion activities, reports also said.

The recent deployment of 66th Infantry Battalion soldiers to Mindanao has prompted the top military leadership to send a company of Army rangers in Negros island.

The Army Rangers augmented the remaining 61st and 11th Infantry Battalions in Negros island who have occupied the vacated areas of 66th Infantry Battalion.*GPB

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Police admits negligence
in escape of drug detainee

Senior Supt. George Bajelot, director of the Bacolod City Police Office yesterday admitted there was, indeed, negligence on the part of a Bacolod policeman assigned at the BCPO Police Precinct 8 when a drug case detainee escaped prison two weeks ago.

Bajelot said Insp. Augusto Buenaventura, commander of the BCPO Police Precinct 8, submitted his report yesterday morning and explained the reason why drug suspect, Richard Tilano Salazar, 31, of Purok Pilit, Brgy. 6, Bacolod City, who was arrested May 5, managed to flee early morning of May 14.

Bajelot, however, refused to name the policeman onduty when Salazar escaped but said the cop has an administrative liability due to negligence.

Quoting the report, Bajelot said, Salazar fled after he was temporarily released from his cell to use the comfort room that was located behind the police station. He was later reportedly made to clean the office, which gave him the opportunity to flee.

Eventhough the escapee was arrested on May 23, there was still negligence, Bajelot added.

Buenaventura's reports will be submitted to Chief Insp. Roderick Alba, chief Inspectorate, and commander of the PP1, who will decide on the penalties to be imposed on the erring policeman, Bajelot added. *JJD

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