Insurgents still a potent threat in Aklan - Philippine Army

BY VENUS G. VILLANUEVA

KALIBO, Aklan -- The presence of communist terrorists (CTs) in the different areas in Aklan still remain a potent threat to the peace and order situation of the province.
This was revealed by Capt. Arcadio Posada of the 47th IB, Philippine Army here, when he reported on his battalion's Internal Security Operations in the first Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting for 2007 of Aklan held at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center.
Posada said this assessment is based on the PA's monitored sightings of the CTs, however, he also reported that the insurgent's activities are not alarming. He also reported that the CTs might exploit legal and political issues in order to support their cause.
"They are also expected to stage small scale attacks, harassments to government troops and terroristic activities to support their cause on armed struggle," Posadas reported.
The PA also reported that reprisals by the Revolutionary Proletariat Army against the communist terrorists are expected in the future and they (CTs) will continue their ideological and organizational works and will remain non-confrontational.
"Because of the Philippine Army's continuous foot patrol operations, the Northern and the Central Front Committee of the CPP-NPA were not able to conduct tactical offensives in their area of operation," the PA report went on.
With these observations, the Philippine Army here is recommending to the PPOC in coordination with local government units, the conduct of intensified insurgency awareness seminars with the local populace while they (PA) will continue exerting effort in holding more operations to counter enemy mobilization, and develop and mobilize organizations in selected areas.
For its part, the Aklan Police Provincial Office reported on the implementation of the One Entry, One Exit policy of the province on Boracay Island, and its role in the enforcement of the provincial ordinance to protect the island, its visitors and residents against possible terror acts; crime incidence in the province and their solution efficiency, and their actions on illegal activities committed in the province.
Newly-designated Aklan Police Provincial Office Director Benigno Durana, after the report, said that the accomplishments of the APPO for the past year deserve commendation.
He revealed that the APPO's main thrusts under his stewardship are Anti-Criminality, Anti Insurgency, Anti-Terrorism and Internal Reforms.
He also said his marching order from the national headquarters is to help in the public safety and security problems of Aklan so tourism will progress more in the province, which, as disclosed by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, is now an 8 billion peso industry.