S. Luzon rebs shift offensive to North

ANGELES CITY — In a supposed calculated move to "ease the tension" in Southern Luzon, communist guerrillas in the region are shifting their offensive to Northern and Central Luzon, the Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said.

But Nolcom chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Tolentino said his command is prepared for this, adding, "Our troops will face them squarely anytime, anywhere."

"It is part of our job as soldiers to defend the people from all acts of terrorism. But if they come in peace and surrender their firearms, we will welcome them with open arms," he said.

Tolentino said he has ordered Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr., commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, and Maj. Gen. Erickson Aurelio, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, "to strengthen the security of vital installations because the enemy might take advantage of the troops’ preoccupation in securing the venues of the Southeast Asian Games and launch surprise attacks against government facilities and other unwary targets."

"The only thing that worries me is the possibility that civilians might become victims of crossfire and harassment," he said.

Tolentino cited past incidents where rebels used civilians as shields to ward off pursuing government troops.

"When the hapless residents get shot and no longer serve their purpose, they are just dumped anywhere until they bleed to death," he said.

Nolcom cited intelligence reports indicating the "spillover" of New People’s Army forces that were flushed out from their lairs in Southern Luzon as a result of intensified military operations in the region.

"While NPAs from the Tagalog provinces are holed up in Central or Northern Luzon, they will surely take advantage of the opportunity to support the local rebels in regaining mass base support by hook or by crook," Nolcom said.

Meanwhile, a militiaman was killed and a companion was wounded when 20 NPA rebels attacked an Army detachment in Camalig, Albay last Thursday morning.

Lt. Col. Manuel Ordoña, commanding officer of the 65th Infantry Battalion based in Ligao City, said the rebels initiated the attack by hurling a grenade at the Army outpost in Barangay Palanog, killing militiaman Henry Nabor and wounding Francisco Cerafico. — With Celso Amo