Army finds two abandoned NPA camps in Kalinga

LA TRINIDAD, Philippines — The Philippine Army said it has recovered two encampents in Balbalan town in Kalinga that communist rebels abandoned in haste.

This as government forces intensified combat operations forcing rebels to leave their bases, said 2Lt. Edgar Jeric Gonzales of the 50th Infantry Battalion based there.
 
The first camp was discovered on February 14 at Barangay Ab-abaan while the other was on February 23 at Sitio Guin-ang in  Dao-angan.
 
Gonzales said civilians tipped off government forces on the encampments from where the New People's Army fighters are said to have splintered into small groups to evade pursuing soldiers.
 
The 50th IB had resumed focused military operations following the lifting of the unilaterally-declared ceasefire in February.
 
President Rodrigo Duterte, who had initiated a resumption of peace talks with the rebels, had directed the military to launch an all-out-war against them around the country.

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.
 
 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.