BRGY. LA GRANJA, La Carlota City - The targets for liquidation by the New People's Army assassins are not only leaders and members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army and military intelligence operatives, but also politicians and civilians actively supporting the anti-insurgency campaign.

This was claimed yesterday by Lt. Col. Jesus Manangquil, 11th Infantry Battalion commander, who noted that military intelligence operatives topped the priority list for liquidation by rebel assassins in northern and central Negros, Manangquil cited subversive documents recovered from the NPA.

Two Army intelligence operatives of the 11th IB were among the victims of rebel hitmen in Manapla and Guihulngan last year. Five RPA members were also killed in Calatrava and RPA leader Rogelio Magbato, alias Ka Malvar, was assassinated recently in Mabinay, Oriental Negros.

Manangquil yesterday refused to identify the politicians allegedly marked for liquidation by rebels in northern Negros. He, however, said security precautionary measures are now being instituted to stop the activities of rebel assassins.

On Sunday, soldiers of the 61st Infantry Battalion who were on pursuit operations of the assassins of Magbato, and two militiamen stumbled upon a New People's Army camp in Brgy. Camalanda-an, Cauayan. The incident claimed the life of an insurgent and caused injuries to five others, the military said.

Manangquil yesterday said they have noted the intensified organizational work of the NPA in the upland areas of ESTOCASA (Escalante, Toboso, Calatrava and San Carlos), aimed at expanding and strengthening their mass-based areas.

He added that the rebel movement is now recruiting "political cadres" from the student sector, out-of -school youth, and even among the ranks of sugar workers.

Manangquil is urging parents to closely monitor the activities of their children and the company they are frequently with.

Military records show that a platoon-sized NPA group is operating in northern Negros, augmented by a skeletal force of the Preparatory Front Party Committee 6.

Two more platoons of red fighters, composed of about 40 men, and belonging to Larangan Gerilya 1 and 2, are also operating in central Negros, the military said.

Manangquil admitted that the New People's Army has managed to establish its influence in most of the upland areas of Guihulngan, Oriental Negros, which is now being jointly addressed by the military and the local government unit.*GPB

back to top