The Philippine Army said it has every reason to believe that the ambush-slay of seven persons in Manluminsag, La Libertad, on March 9 was the handiwork of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army.

Lt Col. Norman Flores Jr., 61st Infantry Battalion commanding officer, said the atrocity was even published in the website of the NPA. Flores' said this after a statement dated April 6, 2007 believed to come from the Leonardo Panaligan Command, reiterated an earlier claim about the La Libertad ambush with attachments of the identification card of one of the victims, George Nataa, a member of the paramilitary force.

Meanwhile, police provincial director Sr/Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe maintained that the incident could be politically-motivated.

Initial investigations have disclosed that a La Libertad mayoralty candidate was behind the ambush, he said.

He also said findings of the Task Force Manluminsag probing the ambush will be released to the public soon.

Meanwhile, the 61st Infantry Battalion, under the 303rd Infantry Brigade led by B/Gen. Gregorio Fajardo intensifies its internal security operation in its entire area of operation.

Operations focus primarily on the CPP/NPA/NDF elements who will take advantage of the election period to further their political, financial, ideological and propaganda objectives.

Flores assured the people of Southern Negros that his unit will not hesitate to arrest and disarm any individual or groups reported to have in their possession any firearm, grenades or other explosives.

The army, with the PNP, will assist all candidates, regardless of political parties, who will seek assistance during their campaign trails.

Coordination mechanisms have been put in place with the various Comelec officers to effectively implement gun ban rules and regulations.

The intensified ISO by the Army will make sure that the NPA will not be able to create trouble particularly to candidates who are not willing to give in to the campaign demands of the rebels.

The NPA will only get the money from the collaborating candidates but push for their henchmen and cohorts running for various posts, Flores said.

He also said the money they extort will be used to buy additional firearms and ammunition to enhance their logistics, improve their insurgent mindsets and sustain the luxurious living of their leaders both here and abroad.*JG

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