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AFP tells motorists it is safe to travel after NPA-AFP gunfights
By Liam Anacleto

BONGABON, Nueva Ecija — It is safe to travel along the Baler-Bongabon Road despite its proximity to areas of conflict between government troopers and the New People’s Army in Aurora-Nueva Ecija border towns.

Maj. Gen. Ralph A. Villanueva, commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division said this Thursday to allay fears of motorists especially those with business interests in Aurora, in the wake of 11 encounters between Army soldiers and the NPA rebels.

Villanueva aired these at the 702nd Infantry Brigade headquarters based in Barangay Calaanan at the foot of the Sierra Madre during a briefing for members of media and three town mayors who said peace and order have been marred by NPA incursions.

Meanwhile, Bongabon Mayor Amelia Gamilia, Rizal town Mayor Eugenio Placido, and Alfonso Castanda Mayor Jerry Pasigian appealed to their constituents to help the military and police in containing the communists.

Villanueva said the forces of the 702nd Infantry Brigade and the 71st Infantry Battalion, under Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, and Lt. Col. Melquiades L. Feliciano, respectively, have been providing security to concerned areas.

He said that "the military is in control of the situation here and that the NPA elements are back in the mountains."