NPAs abandon two Kalinga camps as AFP ups operations

BALBALAN, Kalinga – Army troops found two camps here communist rebels abandoned in haste as government forces intensified combat operations forcing rebels to leave their bases.

2Lt. Edgar Jeric Gonzales of the 50th Infantry Battalion based  here bare this saying the first camp was discovered Feb. 14 at Barangay Ab-abaan while the other was on Feb. 23 at Sitio Guin-ang in  Dao-angan.

According to Gonzales, civilians tipped off the military on the camps where New People's Army guerillas reportedly splintered into small groups to evade pursuing soldiers.

The 50th IB had resumed military operations following lifting of unilaterally-declared ceasefire in February.

 President Rodrigo Duterte, who had initiated a resumption of peace talks with rebels, earlier directed the military to launch all-out-war against them nationwide.

The NPA, which had been the first to cancel the ceasefire, is holding six police and military personnel as prisoners of war in areas of Mindanao.

 Soldiers earlier overran a huge rebel camp in a remote Namal barangay in Asipulo town, Ifugao following a running gun battle with fleeing rebels.

This, as Army Lt. Col. Gulliver Señires, commander of the 50th IB, said they will pursue localized peace talks with rebels “provided the NPAs are sincere, present sensible terms, and the right people are involved.”

While there are no peace talks, Duterte’s all-out-war policy will be sustained with public assurance that human rights are respected, international humanitarian law and rules of engagement are observed, he said.

Señires though called on the NPAs including the "Militia ng Bayan" to surrender and avail of the benefits under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The program offers P7,000 in re-integration assistance; P15,000 in immediate assistance; P50,000 in livelihood assistance, remuneration for surrendered firearm and PhilHealth membership for NPA members who turn themselves in.