About 30 rebel recruits who recently graduated from training in Cebu, Bohol and Negros and police-turned-rebel SPO1 Joel Geollegue were reported to be among those who participated in the recent attacks of two military detachments in southern Negros.

Lt. Col. Norman Flores, 61st Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday said they received reports of the participation of Geollegue who defected to the New People's Army, and the rebel recruits in the series of attacks in Brgys. Gatuslao and Haban in Candoni.

Flores said about 30 newly-recruited rebels who had recently graduated from training in Cebu, Bohol and Negros, were also reported to be on a "test mission" in southern Negros, and have joined the group of Raniel Cellon, alias Kumpol, and Randy.

Flores said Geollegue was designated as a squad leader of the New People's Army in southern Negros, two months after he joined the rebel movement.

Police records show that Geollegue, former deputy chief of the 701st Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Dumaguete City, had already been marked AWOL (absent-without-leave) by his immediate superior for failing to report to duty since June.

Flores said the group of Kumpol was identified as the one that had harassed the Gatuslaon detachment on Sept. 24, and the Haba detachment three days after.

Flores said they are anticipating more rebel attacks after the CPP Eastern Visayas and Bicol region announced their intensified tactical offensives against government forces in their areas.

Col. Jogy Leo Fojas, 303rd Infantry Brigade commanding officer, said the CPP-NPA may also resort to ambuscades, more liquidations and arson activities after their attempt to overrun the outposts in Brgys. Gatuslao and Haba, Candoni, on Saturday and Tuesday were foiled.

While there were no casualties on both sides in the Gatuslao detachment attack Saturday, a militiaman identified as CAFGU member Adelaido Pananganan was hit in the left armpit during the Haba detachment assault Tuesday night.*GPB

back to top