Army offers safe passage to wounded NPA rebels

ILOILO CITY ,Philippines  -- Preservation of one's life, even if he or she is an enemy, was still the government's prime concern as shown by the Philippine Army's 301st Infantry Brigade in its offer of a safety conduct pass to members of the New People's Army in Central Panay who were injured in the recent encounter.

Brigadier Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, 301st IB commander, specifically offered the safe passage to the group of Francisco Balois, alias Tonying, leader of the NPA operating in Central Panay.

At least 10 members of the Balois group clashed with soldiers of the Bravo Company of the 61st Infantry Battalion at Brgy. Lahug, Tapaz, Capiz Saturday morning, and it was believed that several rebels were injured after blood stains were discovered on their escape route.

The safe passage is for the injured NPA members for them to get proper medical treatment, said Ordoyo. "The Philippine Army in Panay will facilitate and assist the NPA wounded combatants for their medical treatment, even in the Army hospitals," he assured.

Relatively, the 301st IB also established a 24/7 hotline dubbed as "Isugid Mo Sa Army" (Tell the Army), which is intended to provide people with immediate access to military units in Panay and Guimaras islands.

This will also allow the 301st IB to respond promptly in any situation resulting from insurgent violent atrocities or during calamities either natural or man-made, Ordoyo said.

For the provinces of Antique and Guimaras and the first and second congressional districts of Iloilo, concerns could be referred to mobile number 09359900482 at TOC 82nd Infantry Battalion in Miag-ao, Iloilo.