Killing of five soldiers
proves rebel insincerity
TO TALKS PEACE, PALACE SAYS
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

Malacañang yesterday said the attack  by the  New People’s Army on Philex Mining and the subsequent killing of five soldiers and injuring of two in Sipalay City,  Negros Occidental,  Saturday is proof of their insincerity in pursuing the peace process.

“They have shown their insincerity  when it comes to talking peace and wanting to come to the negotiating table,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

Col. Rey Bañares, deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade,  confirmed the death of the  five soldiers, who had responded to atrocities committed by the New People’s Army Friday night.

Officials condemn
NPA Sipalay attack
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz condemned the latest atrocities allegedly committed by New People’s Army rebels in Sipalay City, where five Army soldiers were killed in a gunbattle.

Marañon urged communist rebels in Negros to accept his invitation to localized peace talks, saying that problems cannot be solved through killings.

“Let’s sit at the table, and talk about how the government can help you,” Marañon said.

CIDG files raps vs.
10 in Ubay raid
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Friday filled complaints for illegal possession of explosives and firearms, and obstruction of justice against 10 persons held during the Thursday raid on the ancestral house of Mayor Magdaleno Peña in Barangay Ubay, Pulupandan.

The charges were filed before the Negros Occidental Prosecutor’s Office, a source, who asked not to be identified, said.

The source said separate complaints against Peña will be filed in Manila.