Nolcom girds for all-out NPA war

BAGUIO CITY — The Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) is girding for an all-out war against communist rebels, saying that their terrorist acts should be put to a stop.

"It is about time the government shows its iron fist against the NPA terrorists," said Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Dominguez, adding that the New People’s Army has been "testing" the authorities’ "patience" for so long.

"They have no regard for the lives of innocent civilians and non-combat troops," he added.

President Arroyo recently declared the all-out war against the communists and allotted billions of pesos to beef up the capability of the police and military.

"The NPA (rebels) are worst than criminals. (They) deserve their terrorist tag because they are not only terrorizing the people, but they are also reducing the country’s chances of economic recovery," Dominguez said.

He said the President is on the right track in her support for the military’s counter-insurgency campaign.

Nolcom security forces, particularly those under Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, are now concentrating their efforts in certain areas in Central Luzon where NPA presence remains strong.

Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca, however, expressed her opposition to the all-out war policy, saying the funds should instead be used for basic services.

Padaca, who was in Malacañang yesterday for the Gawad Saka Awards, was also pessimistic that the goal to crash the communist insurgency in two years was attainable.

"The country will become more chaotic. The problem will never end and the two-year deadline is not realistic," she said.

"They have declared an all-out war many times in the past but the communists did not stop. This approach only enrages them more," she added.

Padaca said the communist insurgents would not stop fighting as long as poverty, injustice and unemployment remain.

"But, of course, solving these problems is not just the President’s obligation. We all have to work for that and maybe the President only wants to make things happen a bit faster not only through arms but good governance as well," she said.

Padaca said the insurgency in Isabela should be the Armed Forces’ responsibility. "As governor, I will do everything to lessen the rebellion," she said. — With Aurea Calica