Army to NPA: Observe Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines - The Army on Tuesday urged communist rebels to take advantage of the Holy Week to spend time with their families and to abandon the armed struggle.

Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, chief of the Army’s 3rd division, said the Holy Week is an opportunity for members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to embrace peaceful lives.

“This will also serve as their chance to spend a week of peace, freedom and tranquility in our democratic country,” he said in a statement.

Baladad also called on the insurgents to stop launching offensives and to “turn their backs from violence and armed struggle.”

“Your Army here in Western Visayas will continue to secure and protect the public, maintain its vigilance and intensify further its security operations in various parts of the region particularly in the countryside and places frequented by tourists,” he said.

The strength of the communist rebels stands at around 4,000 based on military estimates.

Baladad said their ground commanders are continuously assessing the security conditions in their respective areas.

“(Ground commanders) can make the necessary security adjustments to ensure that the week-long commemoration is safe and secure for our people,” he said. 

He said soldiers are coordinating with the police through the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Centers to ensure a peaceful observance of the Holy Week.

Earlier, military officials said they did not receive reports about a threat that could disrupt the observance of the Holy Week.

Security forces, however, have been reminded to remain on alert to prevent any atrocities.

A total of 47 air assets and 40 naval assets are also ready to perform security missions when necessary. (with a report from Zaphyr Iral)