The military is mobilizing two companies of the Special Civilian Active Forces Geographical Unit, as part of its village defense system, and to restrict movements of the New People's Army in the hinterland areas of Escalante, Toboso, Calatrava and Sagay in Negros Occidental.

Newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Gregorio Fajardo, commanding general of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, yesterday said the two units of militiamen - 2nd and 3rd Negros Occidental SCAA Companies - will be placed under the supervision of the 12th Infantry "Cadre" Battalion, in coordination with concerned local government units and the police.

The 2nd NOC SCAA Company, composed of 88 personnel, yesterday graduated from a three-month basic military training that included human rights awareness seminars, held at the 303rd IB headquarters in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia.

On the other hand, the training of 88 more SCAAs who will compose the 3rd NOC SCAA Company is still ongoing at the Army brigade headquarters in Murcia, Negros Occidental. Military records show an upsurge in the activities of the New People's Army in northern Negros last year, which started with the series of raids on police and Bantay Dagat outposts in Brgy. Malasibog, Escalante City and Brgy. Salamanca in Toboso, liquidation of two policemen, bombing of Silay airport, and ended with the series of encounters in Calatrava, Salvador Benedicto and San Carlos City areas.

While local government units are providing allowances for the Special Cafgus, Fajardo said they have no control over them. The militiamen will be deployed in barangays where they are residing, he said.

The Task Force North headed by Lt. Col. Felecisimo Budiongan is spearheading the internal security operation in northern Negros.

Sagay City Mayor Rafael Leo Cueva yesterday rallied SCAA members to help their barangay captains in the maintenance of peace and order, and protect their villages from lawless groups.

The 1st NOC SCAA Company, which was mobilized last year after their training, is now securing the installations of the state-owned Philippine National Oil Company in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

Fajardo who met with barangay captains of the ESTOCASA hinterlands, tagged as the expansion areas of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros, yesterday urged them to report any misdemeanor committed by SCAA member.

Those who commit infractions will be subjected to military laws and penalties, just like any other member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, he added.

"SCAAs will not be used by LGUs for any political purposes", he also stressed. However, he added, "They may also be utilized in the anti-criminality campaign of the police".

The recruitment of regular CAFGUs has been suspended for several years now for lack of budget.*GPB

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