Civilian executed after being suspected as an Army’s Asset

Paquibato District, Davao City – Leonilo Cabusas Sasil, another victim of summary execution, were found dead along the road of Sitio Kapihan, Brgy Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City covered with his own blood and gunshot wound on the back of his neck last September 28, 2013 at about 10 o’clock in the evening.

Leonilo Cabusas Sasil, 57 yrs old and a resident of Sitio Pag-asa, Brgy Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City, was abducted last September 24, 2013 after being suspected of having betrayed the PBC1 and for questioning the NPA organizers why they are being mobilized and sent to Davao City to attend mass action/rallies.

LTC INOCENCIO I PASAPORTE, Commanding Officer of 69IB, said the victim is not an informant of the unit. The report gathered by the troops revealed that the NPA’s killed Mr Sasil because he was distancing his active participation from their group. “The victim is a Sitio Leader of Sitio Kapihan, Brgy Malabog of Paquibato District, Davao City and troops under my command was constantly coordinating their PDOP activities in the area. “ He said. It is a sad to know that another victim of summary execution perpetuated by the members of PBC1 against a helpless and innocent sitio leader who only wanted to served his constituents. “This is a clear manifestation of another violation of the CARHRIHL and brutality of this lawless NPA.” He added.

Two other civilian were abducted by PBC1 accordingly they were Premjune Cabatuan and Toto Siloy. The victims were both Sitio Leaders of Sitio Napo, Paquibato, Paquibato District and Sitio Kibalatong, Pañalum, Paquibato District, all of Davao City. Like Leonilo Cabusas Sasil, they are being suspected by the PBC of distancing themselves from their goup.

NPA ATTACKS A BARANGAY MARKET IN MACO CVP

Maco, Compostela Valley Province- Peace and Development Team of 71st Infantry Battalion in Brgy Elizalde Maco Compostela Valley Province was fired upon by New People's Army 6:45 in the morning today, April 24, 2013.

Three unarmed members of Peace and Development while in the market place of the barangay was fired upon by undetermined number of NPAs.

The civilian populace hid the two unarmed soldiers when the NPA were about to approach them while the other one named Pfc Jesus Tomas (Inf) PA was instantly grabbed and mercilessly dragged away by New people's Army.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL JERRY T BORJA  INF (GSC) PA, 71IB Commander said, " This act of New People’s Army is clearly out of their frustration to stop the success of Maco in gaining Peace and Development. They attacked the unarmed government forces without considering the presence of civilians that may be caught in crossfire."

"We will not stop in pursuing our ultimate goal that is to give way to peace and development especially now that we are being supported by the populace", Borja added.

“ARMY gives early Christmas gifts to Community Harassed by NPAs”

MACO, Compostela Valley Province – Army’s 71IB and other NGOs conducted stress debriefing and medical and dental mission at Barangay Calabcab, Maco, Compostela Valley today.

 

A stress debriefing was initiated through the collaboration of Kiwanis Club of Tagum, Therma Marine Incorporated Aboitiz Group of Company, Local Government of Maco and 71st Infantry Battalion. Series of activities were conducted to assess the adverse effects of the violent attack of NPA to the Barangay and to help the residents, especially children, to cope up from the traumatic incident that they have experienced. Pre-Christmas presents to include toys and slippers were given to 101 kids in said community. They had also a free Jollibee meal during their lunch.

 

On the other hand, there were also free medical and dental services wherein 191 residents benefitted. 43 residents availed of free cleaning and tooth extraction while 148 others had their free medical consultation/check-up and subsequently was given appropriate medicines.

 

Col Jerry Borja, 71IB Commander said, “These activity will not be successful if there was no cooperation between the stakeholders. We are also thankful that the Barangay Council of Calabcab gave their full support in this activity and realized the importance of cooperation to have peace and development in their Barangay.”

 

Meanwhile, the restoration to the damaged Barangay Hall, Health Center and Day Care Center in Brgy. Calabcab, Maco, Comval was started weeks after the attack of 60 members of the New People’s Army on October 18 wounding six soldiers and two civilians.

 

The Army’s Peace and Development Team in coordination with LGU Maco is currently re-building the Barangay Hall and the houses damaged after a grenade that was thrown by NPAs exploded.

 

Bandits Attacks in Sarangani, 127 individuals evacuated

Maitum, Sarangani Province –  The attack of bandits in Maitum, Sarangani Province over the weekend has caused the evacuation of 127 individuals.

According to Maitum Mayor Elsie Perrett, the attack of the bandits was led by Salindatu Binago alias Datu Ingig last October 6 at 6 in the morning. It  resulted to the wounding of one person and the evacuation of 40 families with 127 individuals from Sitio Nalipay, Brgy Ticulab. “The local government is providing the basic needs of the affected families, who are at the evacuation center in Sitio Bem of said barangay”, she said.

"The local government has to respond to the attack, which is already second in the series of attack by the said group that started last August 16 wherein Kagawad Freddie Macatin, his wife and brother-in-law was killed. We called on the military and the police to act upon and resolve the conflict. With that, the local government is extending its full support to the clearing operations being jointly conducted by the military and the PNP", Perrett added.

“The attack of the bandits is entirely law enforcement and security concern, thus, the military and police was called upon by the LGU to restore stability in the area. Through the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee (JPSCC) of the military and the PNP, troops were deployed to ensure that the barangay will be free from the clutches of the heavily armed bandits. And as the military conducts all its operations, the primacy of human rights is always at the forefront", said Col. Glorioso Miranda, 1002nd Infantry Brigade Commander.

Meanwhile, the local MILF, Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) and the Coordinating Committe on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) invoked that the bandits are not associated with the MILF, thus, the joint operation will not hamper the on-going peace talks.

While clearing operations is being jointly conducted by the military and police, the local government is attending to the concerns of the evacuees. This is a clear manifestation of the IPSP "Bayanihan" in effect wherein the military, police and local government work hand-in-hand for the preservation of peace and security in the area, Col Miranda added.