NPAs posing as soldiers in fresh attacks

Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief Lt. Gen. Bonifacio Ramos warned yesterday against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels disguising themselves as soldiers in full camouflage uniform "to roam freely in communities and get away with their crimes."

This, after suspected NPA rebels pretending to be soldiers killed recently a farmer in Sinait and a barangay councilman in Cabugao in Ilocos Sur.

Ramos issued the warning as he cited reports of "sightings of alleged soldiers" in battle dress attire (BDA) commonly referred to as camouflage in the military organization in various provinces under the Nolcom.

He said that last week, residents of barangays Lucban and Guiddam in Abulug, Cagayan reported heavily armed communist rebels pretending to be soldiers in full uniform.

Residents said, however, that instead of the usual combat patrols undertaken by soldiers in their areas, the rebels were recruiting youths into their movement.

"The residents became suspicious when they noticed the troops’ long, unkempt hair and the way they brandished their firearms," Ramos said.

Ramos said that last April 14, similarly attired NPA rebels killed farmer Jimmy Igne, 37, in Barangay Nagkalooban, Sinait and barangay councilman Richard Tatson in Barangay Maradodon, Cabugao, both in Ilocos Sur. – With Artemio Dumlao