Nine upland barangays in Guihulngan and Vallehermoso towns in Oriental Negros classified by the military among the "infiltrated areas" of the Communist Party of the Philippines-News People's Army in central Negros, are now the focus of the "SOT" or the Special Operations Team campaign of the 11th Infantry Battalion, Army Lt. Col. Jess Manangquil said.

As an offshoot of their intensified "Public Information Patrol" on areas said to be influenced by the New People's Army, Manangquil yesterday said the "enlightened" barangay residents will stage a pro-democracy peace rally today in Vallehermoso.

A similar activity will be initiated by Guihulngan residents, Manangquil said. The rally in Vallehermoso is expected to be participated in by 1,000 residents from the different sectors of society, he added.

In previous years, a police chief of Vallehermoso town died in an ambush perpetrated by the New People's Army, police records show.

Manangquil said they have also received surrender feelers from active members of the New People's Army, negotiated by their family members and relatives.

"Barangay to barangay na ang alsahan against rebel atrocities (The opposition to rebel atrocities has reached the barangays)", Manangquil also said.

The Guihulngan hinterland areas have been classified by the military as the "center of gravity" of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros of the NPA.

Coupled with the heightened anti-insurgency awareness campaign of the 11th IB in Oriental Negros, Manangquil said they also intensified their combat patrols in the Occidental side.

The New People's Army is celebrating its 27th founding anniversary March 29.*GPB

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