Armed men sightings scare Negros teachers

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The reported presence of armed men in the hinterland sitios of Salvador Benedicto town in Negros Occidental, has alarmed some teachers, who did not report to the school where they are teaching.

Senior Inspector Joevito Bose, Salvador Benedicto Police chief, yesterday said that six teachers at sitio Kinabong in Barangay Igmaya-an of Salvador Benedicto reported on Monday the presence of armed men, based on claims of their students who were also afraid to go to the area.

Bose, however, said classes in the Kinabong areas were normal, and majority of teachers were doing their routine work.

He confirmed the frequent sightings of New People’s Army rebels, who are using sitios Kinabong 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the barangay—that can be reached two to three hours of walking , from the town proper, as a gateway to the hinterlands of Barangay Prosperidad in San Carlos City, and Bago City.

Bose disclosed that he advised the teachers to report to their respective areas of assignment, as there was no direct or specific report that they are being targeted.

He added that they have not received any report of atrocities or harassment initiated by the NPA, although the police have been in full alert status ever since, because of frequent rebel sightings in the town hinterlands.

Bose also said military operations have been ongoing over the past several months, which are being conducted by the Philippine Army, the PNP’s Public Safety Forces and Special Action Force.

Police stations public safety units in Negros Island Region have been placed in full alert status, following the recent raid of a police station in Maasin, Iloilo, despite of the ongoing peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front.

In Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, a former Army intelligence operative was shot and killed by suspected NPA assassins on Monday.

PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa, who was scheduled to visit Negros Occidental today, expressed doubt over the sincerity of the CPP-NPA in striking a peace deal with the Philippine government. (FREEMAN)