General urges NPA rebs: Help fight climate change

By Myds Supnad

SANTIAGO, Ilocos Sur- A top army general urged New People's Army rebels to help fight worsening climate change as the country was hit by calamities like Typhoon Yolanda resulting to loss of thousands of lives and destruction of properties worth billions of pesos.

Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., commander of the Northern Luzon Command said this is the time for the rebels to show their concern for the environment and people by helping the government fight climate change being experienced globally.

"I challenge our brother rebels to act for a common stand to fight the worsening climate change," said the newly promoted three-star general.

"Although I admire their declaration of ceasefire for few days, why not declare it permanently  to prevent bloodshed between the rebels and the soldiers, anyway we are all brothers?" Catapang added.

He said despite the tragedy that Filipinos suffered during typhoon Yolanda's fury, rebels are still ambushing the  government soldiers such as what happened to  soldiers in Sitio Lumalog, Barangay Cadsalan, San Mariano, Isabela when they were ambushed by suspected NPA members despite rebels’ declaration of unilateral ceasefire.

Two soldiers identified as Corp.PropecioSalmio and PFC JestoniAlistowere wounded.  

Catapang said the Nolcom is rushing to make furnitures to be sold to raise funds for victims in Samar and Leyte, together with those earlier affectedny earthquake in Bicol region.

The logs were reportedly donated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to the army.