Mt Prov clash:NPA: None slain on our side contrary to reports

NATONIN, Mountain Province – The New People’s Army denied having incurred casualties during their April 21 clash with army troopers contrary to reports.

           

 This, as a certification issued by Barangay Banawel officials here said there were no civilians harmed during the latest armed encounter between elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and NPA,

            According to 1st Lt. Joseph Sabas, acting civil military operation officer, the army was securing the area for the incoming medical mission sponsored by the alumni of Immaculate Heart High School when NPA guerillas launched the surprise attack.

            News just after the 45-minute exchange of gunfire said scores of Red fighters perished but NPA spokesperson Simon Naugsan denied this saying it was simply army propaganda.      

            This, as a certain Col. Steve Crespillo of the Army denied having made any pronouncement to that effect.

            “The best source would be the people who might have seen something just after the encounter. I could not confirm nor deny the news about the death of NPAs,” Crespillo said.

            In a text message to a member of the local media, Naugsan belied reports of any death on their side and said only a backpack was taken by government forces.

            In the report of the army however, the army was able to recoverunregistered firearms, personal belongings, medical items, binoculars and subversives documents.

            Meanwhile, despite the encounter, the medical mission continued, Army sources said.

            Following this, Mountain Province Gov. Leonard Mayaen said in the capital town of Bontoc the provincial government was trying to attain peace through the Rebel Returnee Program to address insurgency.

            “I believe that there are NPAs in the mountains not because of ideology, not because they believe in communism, not because they want to topple down the government, but because they have nothing to feed their families,” he said.          

            The Mountain Province Rebel Returnee Program is one of  four special programs of Mayaen.

            Mayaentook note of past instances when encounters between  the rebels and the military not only disturbed communities but have taken innocent civilian lives.

            “It’s time to put an end to these. Let us support those who may had been misguided and let them do their share as member of the community. By giving them importance, they I see no reason why they will not cooperate,” the governor said.

            The past many years of living in uncertainty left the economy of the province in disarray. “Tourism dipped while some farmers are hesitant to go to their fields for fear of getting hurt in the encounters between the armed groups.”

            Saying that the program is the first of its sort in the country, a rebel returnee will receive five thousand pesos every month for as long as he complies with the rules of the program and could be disqualified for a cause.

            The governor also said the rebel returnee has to render community service from Mondays to Fridays as evidenced by a daily time record signed by the concerned barangay captain. -- By Merry Joy C. Dangatan, Ma. Lourdes Obidos and Joanne Vhale C. Milan