The Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade has suspended military operations in the flood-stricken areas of northern Negros, as soldiers were assigned to disaster response operations.

Troopers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, equipped with rescue equipment and military trucks, were mobilized, while others are on standby to assist for flood victims, especially those in hard-to-reach areas, Col. Jonas Sumagaysay, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said.

Sumagaysay said that while they have a mandate to protect the people from any lawlessness and terroristic activities of the NPA, they are also ready to help in saving lives during calamities.

Several infantry units had been mobilized for simultaneous operations against the New People’s Army, after the end of 18-day holiday ceasefire on Jan. 3 that led to armed skirmishes with about 30 armed rebels and the discovery of a rebel camp in Brgy. Minapasok, Calatrava, military records showed.

Sumagaysay, however, said that military operations against the armed NPA rebels will be complemented by continued implementation of non-traditional military services, such as the delivery of basic health services, in coordination with local government units, and non-government and people’s organizations.

In line with the new campaign plan against the NPA and other armed groups, the implementation of non-traditional military activities, with other government agencies, will put them on equal footing in the campaign against lawless elements.

The series of military operations in the hinterlands of Negros Oriental also led to the seizure of another rebel camp in Guihulngan and the surrender of three confessed NPA members, who admitted that they are already tired of fighting against the government.

1Lt. Viberlyn Lachica Mamuyac, 62nd IB Civil Military Operations officer, said the group of rebels encountered by Army soldiers believed to be among those who had participated in the founding anniversary celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines in December last year.

Recovered from the overran rebel camp were  25 hammocks, locally known as duyan, personal belongings and subversive documents.

While they support the peace talks between the government and communist rebels that is expected to resume next month, Sumagaysay said they will not abandon their primary mandate of protecting Negrenses.

In the conduct of tactical offensives, Sumagaysay stressed that Army soldiers must give utmost emphasis to respect for human rights at all times.*GPB

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