Negros troops on alert vs NPA attacks

BACOLOD CITY — Police and military units in Negros Occidental are on their toes these days amid reports that communist guerrillas are planning to attack vital government installations, particularly in the cities of Talisay and Himamaylan.

The New People’s Army (NPA), according to intelligence reports, is targeting, for instance, the police station in Himamaylan, about 82.9 kilometers from this city, and remote police and military outposts.

Negros Occidental police director Vicente Ponteras said they are still confirming the intelligence reports.

But Lt. Col. Jon Aying, commander of the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion, admitted they have been on alert in southern Negros in the past several weeks.

Last week, the 6th Regional Mobile Group in Barangay Concepcion, Talisay City, 7.3 kilometers from here, braced itself for a possible NPA attack.

Ponteras said the reported NPA threats to Talisay and Himamaylan may just be diversionary tactics as the insurgents strike on other areas.

Recently, NPA guerrillas killed four Scout Rangers in Leyte and two policemen in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental.

Authorities confirmed that the NPA has expanded in southern and northern Negros with the creation of so-called preparatory front party committees. The southern group is reportedly led by Ricky Agrava.

Meanwhile, police said the Rebolusyonaryong Hukbo ng Bayan (RHB), a communist breakaway faction, has been recruiting new members, including minors from Davao whom they reportedly promised jobs in Negros Occidental. — Antonieta Lopez