The Philippine Army has suspended its tactical offensives against the New People’s Army in the earthquake-devastated areas of central Negros, while soldiers concentrate on rescue and retrieval operations, Col. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday.
Patrimonio said he has mobilized 300 soldiers and government militiamen for the retrieval operations, especially in the landslide areas of Brgy. Planas in Guihulngan City, and Brgy. Sorongon, La Libertad, where 81 persons remain missing as of this writing.
The military reported that about 100 armed NPA members are still operating in Negros Oriental, with about 50 in the hinterlands of Guihulngan and neighboring areas, which is under the Leonardia Panaligan Command.
While the rescue and retrieval efforts are in progress, Capt. Reylan Java, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, said, they are appealing to the NPA leadership in Negros Island to spare the rescue workers from hostile actions.
Java said, instead enjoining them to help the affected quake-communities.
He said troops of the 11th and 79th Infantry Battalions, as well as the 32nd Division Reconnaissance Company, that are all being supervisedby the 302nd Infantry Brigade, were marshaled to perform rescue and retrieval operations in affected communities.
Two Air Force helicopters from the 2nd Air Division in Cebu are now being utilized in the search and rescue mission.
Major General Jose Mabanta, newly-installed 3ID commanding general, said they will continue efforts to help those affected by the natural disaster.
“This is the true essence of Bayanihan, We came together to help those in need, be they enemies or friendly forces,” Mabanta said.
Patrimonio said they need more equipment, such as chainsaws, picks, shovels and other powered tools for their retrieval operations in two landslides areas.*GPB back
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