NPAs gaining strength - AFP

While the military is preoccupied in fighting the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) has managed to expand its influence and activities in the country.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan said this year, there are 1,504 NPA-influenced/affected barangays compared to 1,279 last year.

The number of guerrilla fronts has reached 99 this year, compared to 96 in 2000.

NPA strength in the semester of this year was pegged at 11,673 with 7,045 firearms, compared to 11,255 rebels with 6,581 firearms in 2000.

However, NPA-iniated activities reached 718 from January to October this year compared to the 894 that occurred last year.

"The offensives being conducted by the NPAs seems to be increasing. They’re taking advantage of the government’s pre-occupation on the Abu Sayyaf," Adan said.

Last week, communist rebels raided a police station in Agusan province where they carted away several high-powered firearms.

NPA influence is most felt in Southern Luzon, Mindoro, Compostela Valley in Mindanao and Bohol, he said.

"(CPP founder) Jose Maria Sison has standing instructions to the NPA to intensify offensives to gain leverage (on the peace negotiations)," Adan said.

Sison is on self-exile in the Netherlands.

It will be recalled that Malacañang suspended talks with the Netherlands-based National Democratic Front after the CPP-NPA refused to stop the political assassinations of the rebel group.

The NPA had admitted to the killings of Cagayan Rep. Rodolfo Aguinaldo, Quezon Rep. Marcial Punzalan and Batangas gubernatorial bet Cesar Platon.

Meanwhile, Caraga Police Regional Director Alberto Rama Olario has ordered an investigation on the alleged laxity of policemen of San Luis, Agusan del Sur following an NPA raid in said police office last Oct. 8.

Olario expressed dismay over reports that the NPAs carted away firearms right under the noses of the policemen.

The communist rebels carted away five M-16 rifles, one 9mm pistol, two caliber .45 handguns, two rifles and a Cannon camera during this broad-daylight raid.

Fifty New People’s Army armed rebels in black fatigue headed by certain Ka Kareb and Ka Donna of the communist rebels’ front 8, district 77 of the Northern Mindanao Regional Group swooped down the police office while members of San Luis PNP attended a flag-raising ceremony. — Romel Bagares, Ben Serrano