Town mayor target of NPA rebels, says Army spokesman
Continued counter-offensives of government troopers have been heightened over the weekend in San Remigio, Antique following Friday's attack of communist rebels in the area.
"By hook or by crook we will get them," declared the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) here in a statement released to the News Today (TNT) by Captain Lowen Gil Marquez, commanding officer of the 3rd Civil Relations Group.
Same persistence in government development works in the area that has thus far suffered temporary setbacks due to the communist attacks. A major road network is being constructed along San Remigio towards Iloilo through the area covered by the Municipality of Leon.
Friday's incident took the life of two army soldiers, Corporal Francisco Silvila and Private First Class (PFC) Joey Yntas. Wounded in Action were PFC Rodolfo Domopoy, PFC Arthur Azarcon alongside two others initially reported to be missing now adding up to the wounded government troopers.
In a hot pursuit operation, the AFP reported that communist terrorists suffered five casualties from their end including the death of one woman rebel fighter. No identities were released as of press time.
The ambush on Army soldiers occurred in the area of Barangay Aningalan, San Remigio with the troopers serving as security back-up for San Remigio Mayor Elizabeth Coloso. Captain Marquez said investigation now point to the mayor as the principal target of the communist terrorists belonging to the New People's Army (NPA). The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) hierarchy.
The lady mayor was about one kilometer behind the ambushed troopers when the attacked occurred. Captain Marquez admitted that at said time until she was brought to higher grounds, the mayor's life was indeed in danger.
The mayor's party was off to inaugurate a two-room schoolbuilding in nearby Barangay Bulan-Bulan and Barangay Alegria. At least two squadrons of Army back-up was then requested to secure her amidst present threats posed by previous harassment and terror sowed by the NPAs here.
Incidentally, it was to be the third attack on the mayor's family, her father and brother all former mayors as well killed by the communist terrorists.
Antique Lone District Congressman Exequiel Javier was himself the supposed guest of honor yet failed to attend.
Ongoing government offensive is under the 31st reconnaissance company backed by elements from the 47th Infantry Battallion. Captain Marquez said, also dispatched in the area are helicopters. The Philippine Navy also have navy patrol ships in place to block possible sea exit.
"We are once again calling on militant groups like Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anak Pawis who all profess to be for the people. Here is yet another clear terroristic and anti-development act. Now is the chance for them to condemn the incident," Captain Marquez ended.
Meantime, security is tight in the San Remigio area with added forces in place for the contractors of the road network project.
This, as yet another extortion attempt was made here by the NPAs who reportedly sent a message, "no P2 million, no road."