Fight vs Reds far from over -- AFP spokesman
A longer stay vis-a-vis extension of retirement for Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon Jr. gained regional support in Western Visayas. Primary reason? General Esperon's leadership is deemed crucial and significant in the AFP's bid to rid Region 6 of the "communist menace."
In fact, for Captain Lowen Gil Marquez, commanding officer of the AFP's 3rd Civil Relations Group, more of General Esperon's expertise is the needed 'cure' here. Such, as government operations against continued communist presence in Western Visayas provinces are pursued with yet more drive.
"The AFP in Region 6 is supporting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the extension of our Chief of Staff in order to continue our campaign versus the terrorists Communist Party of the Philippines – New People's Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)," Captain Marquez in a statement sent to The News Today (TNT) said.
To note, numerous offensives in 'Red-zones' of the region have since been launched with government troopers getting heightened community support.
Captain Marquez in regular press updates continues to lambaste the local CPP hierarchy for what he termed were anti-Filipino, anti-development stance of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
"Worse, the preferred victims are the poorest of families while leaving those in hinterland barangays helpless with their terroristic acts such as extortion and instilling fear amongst the community," Captain Marquez said. "The communist terrorists do not want peace… they want trouble and take advantage of our poor people."
Most recent communist attack was the attempt to bomb yet another cellular phone tower in Tubungan, Iloilo. Some fifteen armed men said to be led by a certain Ka Jess tried to take over two company security guards. The duo managed to escape unhurt and alerted nearby Army troopers and the town's police.
Quick response of authorities had the NPAs leave in haste. Recovered then were volumes of explosives and trip-wires, all major components of a bomb that would have left at least P15 million in damage.