‘NPA used Misamis villagers as shields’
The victims, all farmers and residents of Barangay Sinampogan in Aluran town, were taken from their homes by around 20 communist guerrillas who clashed with personnel of the 10th Infantry Battalion, Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, First Tabak Division commander, reported yesterday. AP/Aaron Favila
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Government troopers have launched pursuit operations for New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who snatched three villagers during an encounter in Misamis Occidental on Monday.
The victims, all farmers and residents of Barangay Sinampogan in Aluran town, were taken from their homes by around 20 communist guerrillas who clashed with personnel of the 10th Infantry Battalion, Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, First Tabak Division commander, reported yesterday.
Capt. Benjie Jimenez of the First Infantry Division quoted Aluran Mayor Junie Roa and barangay officials as saying that the rebels used their captives as human shields.
As a military helicopter provided air support to ground troops, the rebels abandoned their captives in the jungle. The victims were rescued by pursuing troops.
More than 200 residents fled their homes to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
Murillo condemned the rebels for taking civilians as hostages.
“This is another terrorist act and a crime against the International Humanitarian Law,” he said.
The military has intensified its operations against communist rebels ahead of the 49th anniversary of the NPA on March 29. – Jaime Laude, Lino de la Cruz
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