Militants disrupt AFP forum in Aloguinsan

CEBU - The symposium conducted by the 3rd Civil Relations Office of Central Command in Aloguinsan town was disturbed after members of Bayan Muna rallied in front of the municipal hall around 10 a.m. yesterday, calling for the removal of the 78th Infantry Battalion from the town.

Central Commander Lt. Gen. Perdo Ike Inserto said 3rd CRO chief Lt. Col. Oscar Lasangue was spearheading the symposium with cooperation of Mayor Cynthia Moreno and local officials when around 20 Bayan Muna members rallied in front of the municipal hall, demanding for 78th IB based in the municipality to leave at once.

Lasangue and Moreno invited the militants to come up on stage to air their protest against the military in front of the public but they declined and left after an hour of protest.

 The militants accused the military of supporting only the wealthy landowners in the area.

Inserto said that the town is the center of militant activity and there are not less than 15 civic related organization groups in the said municipality. 

 He also said there are a number of New People’s Army supporters in the place, but added that rebel allies from Negros Oriental are now also finding it hard to evacuate to Cebu with the presence of the army.

Inserto made it clear that he would let the 78th IB stay in the area until all activities of the NPA will be impeded. 

The 3rd Civil Relations Office has been conducting discussions with the residents of the town regarding the recruitment of communist-terrorists for three weeks now.  —Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/BRP (THE FREEMAN)