Maoist guerrillas own up to recent attacks in Bukidnon province

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent 

THE New People’s Army has owned up to the recent attacks in Bukidnon province, calling it “punitive actions against suspected criminals.”

Ka Malem Mabini, spokeperson of the NPA-North Central Mindanao Command said the Front 6, South Central Bukidnon Sub-Regional Command (NPA-SCB) launched two tactical offensives and two rounds of execution in the past several days.

Mabini said they executed Noel “Toto” Madrial, 45, a resident of Barangay Mahayag in Quezon town as a response to complaints of harassment, indiscriminate firing, and for selling drugs in their community.

Madrial, Mabini added, has also been accused of raping a 14-year old girl.

Another execution was also sanctioned by the NPAs against an military asset identified as Jory Gonsaga in Barangay San Jose, also in Quezon town.

Mabini said Gonsaga committed criminal cases against the revolutionary movement, when in 1991, he robbed an amount of P10,000 and surrendered a .45 caliber pistol to the military. Gonsaga, he added, was also responsible for serving as a guide in military operations.

Last week, an NPA platoon ambushed the group of Benjamin “Nonong” Salusad in Barangay Dao, San Fernando.

“Salusad is a regular soldier of the 403rd Brigade, Philippine Army and is active in persecuting the revolutionary movement. Together with his son, Alde “Butsoy” Salusad, he also became a protector for the entry of destructive mining and plantations in Mt. Kiranaggol and other parts of San Fernando,” Mabini said.

During the said ambush operation, the NPAs killed Joas Licawan and Rolan Lumatay, while Salusad is under a critical medical condition.

Mabini said the several “punitive actions” will bring another round of victories to the revolutionary movement and to the oppressed and exploited masses.