AFP officers quizzed on Bukidnon NPA attacks

MANILA, Philippines - The Defense department has ordered top military commanders in northern Mindanao to explain why New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were able to mount simultaneous raids on two pineapple plantations in Bukidnon last Tuesday night.

“We are investigating. Right now I ordered the military why it happened,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told reporters yesterday.

Ordered to explain were Maj. Gen. Nestor Anonuevo, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City, and Col. James Jacob, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade based in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Some 100 rebels raided the plantations of Dole in Impasug-ong town, and Del Monte in Manolo Fortich town.

Meanwhile, police have filed eight counts of attempted murder in court against suspected NPA rebels Gary Baliangao and Roberto Sisto. 

Superintendent Ronnie Francis Cariaga, spokesman of the regional police, said Baliangao and Sisto were arrested in a police checkpoint in Manolo Fortich town on the night of the attack. – Jaime Laude, Jigger Jerusalem