SAGAY CITY - The military hierarchy in Western Visayas yesterday assured that it will continue to work within the bounds of law.

This was after the court granted bail to alleged New People’s Army regional commander Romeo Nanta, that led to his release from jail.

“That is the decision of the court, which we have to follow”, Maj. General Jose Mabanta, newly-installed commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said while acknowledging the great effort of government troops in putting Nanta behind bars.

“We will continue to work within the bounds of the law, and strictly adhere to human rights and the International Humanitarian Law, ” Mabanta stressed.

Nanta, alias Ka Juaning, was freed from jail Tuesday after posting bail of P100,000 for robbery-in-band, and P14,800 for an arson case.

Mabanta yesterday installed Lt. Col. Efren Morados as the new commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion in northern Negros.

Mabanta said the judges who granted Nanta’s motion for bail, gave weight to the non-apperance of some witnesses in the court hearings.

Mabanta also reiterated his call to the NPA for peace.

“They are saying that they are fighting because they want peace. So why do we need to fight, when peace is already at hand,” he said.

“Let’s go together and talk among ourselves. Let us not use violence”, Mabanta said.

He also expressed his optimism over his target to reduce the NPA strength, estimated at 440, in Negros and Panay, by 50 percent ,within a two year period, citing also the cooperation of majority of the local government units, in their peace and development campaign, among others.*GPB

back to top