• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has dispatched its Regional Public Safety Battalion troopers to high-risk areas, in coordination with the Philippine Army, to further improve operational search against rebel suspects.
The response came following the summary executions perpetrated by remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA).
PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR regional director, stressed the importance of accountability for the shooting incidents as he emphasized deterrence through increased police visibility, regular checkpoints, accurate intelligence, revitalization of Oplan Katok, and better response strategies.
The NPA earlier claimed responsibility for the killings of 10 civilians in E.B. Magalona, Toboso, Calatrava, Victorias City, Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental, and Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental from March to June this year.
They also owned up to the burning of three heavy equipment in Himamaylan City recently after the owner refused to succumb to their extortion activities.
PCol. Rainerio de Chavez, Negros Occidental police provincial director, assured the public that intensified investigations are underway to identify and prosecute those behind the killings.
De Chavez said public cooperation is also essential to swiftly neutralize threats and maintain peace.
He said the violent acts appear to be desperate attempts by the NPA to regain influence, instill fear among civilians, and revive extortion activities.
De Chavez said these incidents are isolated as he reaffirmed that the peace and order situation in the province remains stable.*
