Army vigilant over
NPA extortion activities
The Philippine Army is more vigilant in its operations against the New
People's Army rebels following reports of rampant extortion activities
perpetrated by the rebels to the victims of typhoons "Ondoy" and "Pepeng"
in Southern Luzon and Bicol regions, as elements of the newly-activated
battalion in Bicol continues to deliver wins for the Philippine Army.
Reports reaching the Philippine Army headquarters from field unit
disclosed that two high-powered firearms, an M16 and an M14 rifle, were
recovered by the elements of the 83rd Infantry Battalion in Caramoran,
Catanduanes at about 7:50 this morning.
This came after reports of extensive extortion activities committed by
the members of local terrorist groups in Southern Tagalog and Bicol
regions, taking advantage of the people's vulnerability after being
devastated by the two typhoons that hit the country.
The 83rd Infantry Battalion is one of the three battalions recently
activated to address the remaining threats of communist insurgency in
the country before 2010 ends.
Meanwhile, the relief operations and clean-up drive of the Philippine
Army shall continue in areas affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.
Likewise, the Philippine Army shall continue with its internal security
operations and nation-building and development activities as well to
free communities from NPA atrocities. # |
