KARAPATAN shows true color, calls for the release of 43 self confessed NPA

Press Release
By DPAO, 8th Infantry Division, PA
February 15, 2010

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar  –  Karapatan, a self-proclaimed human rights advocate once again masked and appeared before the Court of Appeals and called for the release of the 43 rebels that was arrested in Morong, Rizal last February 6.

In a 10-paragraphed press release in Samar News.com dated February 13, Karapatan Secretary General Lovella de Castro repeatedly covered and tagged the said rebels to be “health workers” that must immediately be released.

But before Karapatan came into open, one of the arrested NPA, Valentino Paulino or "Ka Beloy" already confessed that he and the 42 others were members of guerilla movement that even his two (2) companions were amongst who hostage a police inspector sometime in 2009.  This was published by Jocelyn Uy in the February 11 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer entitled, “Self-confessed NPA says he, 42 health workers are rebels.”

While Karapatan keeps on distancing itself to the terrorist NPA and proclaimed that they are just for the human rights of the innocent people and nothing to do with the NPA, its action speaks louder how they undeniably show its true color to be linked and lawyer-ing with the armed bandits.

"My comrades are still detained in the camp... so I would like to ask your assistance to help them return to the fold of the law," Paulino, who confessed to be an NPA member in Bulacan and part of the "Morong 43," said when they were presented for a press conference.

This statement mistuned the Karapatan’s crow in covering up these arrested bandits and tagging them as “health workers” as their usual propaganda lines.

And now that the Karapatan is sponsoring the families and relatives of the detained rebels to claim that they underwent torture and forced them to admit that they are members of the NPA, the AFP has already expected it because the party would not "take it sitting down" as it was the biggest arrest of communist guerillas by security forces in recent history.

With these actions, Karapatan hurdles the cry for justice that these rebels committed.  Their charges includes three counts of illegal possession of firearms, three counts of violation of the Commission on Election gun ban and one count of illegal possession of explosives.  Several firearms and explosives were also seized from the group during the arrest.

Meanwhile, a police inspector Cuntapay positively identified Linda Otañez and Pearl Irene Martinez as amongst who hostage him following an ambushed to their team on January 3, 2009 in Macabud, Rodriquez, Rizal killing PO1 Erickson Aquino and seriously wounded two others because of the use of landmine.

Among those who were also identified are Otanez, Aldrin Garcia, Edwin Detera, Antonio de Dios, Reynaldo Macabenta and Mark Escartin.

Karapatan’s claim that the arrested person was “health workers” in their press release submitted to Samar News.com opposes the statement of Ka Beloy and Cuntapay that was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

While Ka Beloy admits that he and 42 others were rebels and Cuntapays identification to the two companions as his hostage-takers, Karapatan endlessly sing otherwise that only intensifies the earlier revelation of the former rebels who are already returned in the full-fold of the law that Karapatan is an ally of the NPA terrorist.

Instead of condemning this legitimate arrest, why not Karapatan focus their advocacy against the real atrocity and barbaric killings perpetrated by the NPA?  The answer is obvious.

To the peace-loving people of Samar-Leyte, let us focus our attention to things that would help our region more appealing not only to our neighboring provinces but also to our neighboring countries.

Let us not be easily provoked by the propaganda lines openly released by the Karapatan or Karapatan-SB so as not to destruct our aims of pursuing a peaceful and developed Samar-Leyte.

Malacañang and DOH must ignore CBCP and stop double speak on HIV/AIDS, says Reproductive Health advocate

By VIGIE BENOSA-LLORIN
February 15, 2010

MANILA  –  Calling condom and roses mix an amateurish act of gimmickry, a leading reproductive health advocacy group challenges the Department of Health (DOH) to take more seriously its HIV/AIDS awareness program, which must include ensuring access to condom especially for high-risk, vulnerable groups.

Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), objects to DOH insistence that condom is freely distributed on valentines day solely to fight HIV/AIDS and not as family planning method.

“Such stance to please some Catholic leaders confuses our people,” laments San Pascual. He added, “HIV/AIDS and lack of family planning services are both urgent public health issues that must be attended by DOH in integral manner.  What rationale would explain DOH having a split personality on condom use?”

San Pascual argues that by denying the Filipino people with reproductive health information and services over the years, by not investing on condom and other forms of contraceptives, this government has left people on their own without reproductive health and education assistance.  Such neglect resulted to high cases of maternal mortality due to birth-related complications, while an unusually high case of HIV/AIDS was registered in recent months.

Another development that galled San Pascual is the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) coming into the picture in the height of media interest on the issue.

“Calling for a national summit of various stakeholders to discus HIV-AIDS is just CBCP’s way to pressure Government and divert its attention towards directly addressing the issue.  It was no less than the Catholic Pope who name condom use as immoral,” reminds San Pascual.

“Now they are coming in amid reports of condom distribution conducted by DOH.  Really, what hypocrisy,” laments San Pascual.

San Pascual also blames Congress and the Arroyo administration on the missed opportunity to strengthen the HIV/AIDS program through House Bill 5043 or the “Reproductive Health and Population Development Act”, yet Speaker Prospero Nograles and President Gloria Arroyo chose to give in to the pressures of some Catholic bishops and leaders.

“The challenge is for the government, DOH, Congress and our society as a whole, to confront the menace of HIV-AIDS in truthful, effective manner, not by cowering to the dictate of a single church,” he further said.

“As it is now, Malacañang is directly responsible for the sudden rise of HIV cases,” San Pascual concluded.

CA hearing of habeas corpus petition

Karapatan: Free the 43 health care workers now!

Press Release
By KARAPATAN
February 13, 2010

QUEZON CITY  –  Human rights alliance Karapatan on Friday joins the relatives and different groups and organizations in support of the release of the illegally arrested 43 health workers, at the hearing of the petition for the writ of habeas corpus at the Court of Appeals.

The relatives filed a petition for the writ of habeas corpus at the Supreme Court and the high court’s First Division granted it on Thursday, ordering the AFP to present all of the 43 health care workers who were forcibly taken on February 6 in Morong, Rizal, before the appellate court.

“We welcome this response of the SC,” Karapatan Secretary General Lovella de Castro said. “The arrest and detention of the health workers are illegal and they should immediately be freed.”

Karapatan, however, also expressed its outrage over the AFP’s exploitation of one of the victims, Valentin Paulino, in their extensive propaganda campaign to vilify the health workers as members of the New People’s Army.

“We strongly condemn the AFP for putting Paulino under duress and forcing him to admit that he and the other victims are members of the NPA,” exclaimed de Castro. “We believe that, along with the other victims, Paulino underwent severe physical and psychological torture to coerce him to implicate himself and the other health workers.”

On Thursday, with Commission on Human Rights chairperson Leila de Lima, lawyers and doctors were able interview the victims inside Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal. It was the first time, since they were forcibly taken and kept under illegal detention, that the victims were allowed to be visited by their legal counsel and doctors.

De Castro narrated that the AFP took Paulino from the Camp and presented him at a press conference in Tanay, Rizal that Thursday, without the consent or knowledge of the lawyers who were present. “The AFP delayed the lawyers and doctors from meeting all of the victims so that they can ‘steal’ Paulino,” she said. “And this is further proof that the military is again circumventing the constitutional laws and judicial procedures, and they are utilizing all dirty means to implicate the victims of fabricated criminal charges.”

De Castro also added that under detention in the Camp, the victims were locked up in individual holding cells, isolated from one another. The victims said that they were tactically interrogated by the soldiers every night, and that they were threatened that they, and their loved ones, will be harmed if they don’t ‘cooperate.’

Karapatan reiterated that this case is another blow to the Arroyo administration’s dismal record on human rights.

“If the Ampatuan massacre is the case with the largest number of victims of extrajudicial killing, this case of the 43 health workers is of massive illegal arrest and illegal detention. And it will definitely put Mrs. Arroyo to further shame if these doctors, nurses and community health care workers will not be immediately released,” de Castro concluded.

14IB recovers firearms following a tip from civilian

By DPAO, 8^th Infantry Division, PA
February 13, 2010

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar  –  Two (2) high powered firearms were recovered by troopers from Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion in a forested side of Brgy. Dorillo, Jipapad town of Eastern, Samar after a firefight against the members of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) on Friday morning.

Report reaching to this headquarters disclosed that while the troops under Sgt. Jessesito Pejano conducts their regular security patrol, a civilian approached and informed them that some 10 armed groups were sighted not far distant from their present location.

The undisclosed civilian also said that these armed groups are the same group who regularly collects foodstuff and extort from them.

Accordingly, after assessing the information, Pejano led his troops towards the given location and there they confirmed the civilians tip.

Firefight between the two groups commenced and lasted for about 20 minutes after the terrorist group fled dragging along their wounded comrades.

The incident resulted to the wounding of two NPA rebels leaving along their respective firearms that were recovered by the troops during their clearing in the encounter site while no reported hurt in the side of the government forces.

An M16 rifle and an M14 rifle bearing the serial number 180888 and 1264373 respectively that was recovered in the encounter are now in the possession of the 14IB and are being turned-over to the higher unit after its inspection.

Lt. Col. Jaime Hidalgo, commander of 14IB said that a pursuit and blocking operations is on progress as of press time in order to track the fleeing terrorist and let them face various criminal charges against the innocent people.

Lt. Col. Hidalgo also calls the barangays immediately surrounding the encounter site to report any wounded person that may be sighted in their area to help them provide medical attention.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Arthur I. Tabaquero lauded the troops for the successful security operations.  “While we continue to perform our mandated task of preserving peace and stability in the province, we are calling to our people to intensify their usual support extended to our government in the pursuit of peace stability for the ultimate attainment of development of the whole province.

PNP Chief Verzosa to lead one thousand “Unity Fun” runners in Samar

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE
February 10, 2010

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Jesus A. Verzosa will lead more than a thousand “Unity Fun” runners in Catbalogan, Samar on February 11, 2010.

In an invitation penned by PNP Samar Provincial Director, Pancho Adelberto Hubilla, it mentions that the “Unity Run” is dubbed in Filipino as “Takbo ng Pinagsamang Simbahan, Sandatahang Lakas, Pambansang Pulisya ng Pilipinas, Mga Mamamahayag at Mag-aaral Para sa Malinis, Maayos at Mapayapang Halalan 2010”.

City Chief Joseph Pensotes meanwhile, said that it is a big honor for the PNP Provincial and City stations to be considered for Chief Verzosa’s visit.

His whole team is now very busy in the preparations, Pensotes added.

PNP Chief Verzosa, 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) Commanding General Arthur Tabaquero and PCSupt Rey Lañada are also expected to deliver messages along with Msgr Leonardo Guadalquever and other special guests.

PSSupt Pio L Manito, Deputy Regional Operations and Plans Division RO 08 will present to Verzosa Assessment of the 2004 and 2007 elections / Preparations and Accomplishments for the forthcoming National and Local Elections.

Hubilla, on the other hand will conduct a peace and order briefing of Samar PPO.

Highlight of the gathering is a covenant signing and release of doves to symbolize ‘freedom’.

Presently, PNP Samar and the city PNP are busier than ever to ensure the successful run. (PIA-Samar)

NPA killed in DavOr clash rise to 3, 2 more believed to be dead; troops recover bombs, high powered firearms

Press Release
By DPAO, 10th Infantry Division, PA
February 10, 2010

CAMP APOLINARIO, Panacan, Davao City  –  At least three New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists were killed in a clash with soldiers in the village of New Visayas in Lupon town in Davao Oriental province 7:00 AM Saturday while two more are believed to be dead.

The fatalities were identified as Anthony Ang alias Junjun of Brgy Baon, Leonilo Lucnod Alias Michael of Brgy San Roque both of San Isidro in Davao Oriental and Romel Duran alias Rolan whose address is yet to be ascertained. The cadavers of the NPAs who were left behind by their comrades were brought to the town proper by soldiers and local residents for identification and for proper burial so that their relatives can accord them their last respect.

Reports coming from village leaders say two more NPAs were killed in the firefight including a woman. Residents say they were buried in an undisclosed place somewhere in the nearby village of Tagugpo in Lupon town.

Operating troops of the army’s 28th Infantry Battalion responded to information of residents regarding the presence of armed men in their place which resulted to an early morning gunbattle.

Army troops recovered two M16 rifles, four Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), several firing devices, blasting caps, one shotgun, five rifle grenades, nine clips for Garand rifle, ammunitions, two handheld radios, one binocular, assorted medicines, medical paraphernalia and subversive documents.

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the army’s 10th Infantry Division lauded the concern of local residents in the peace efforts as he expressed grief on the death of the NPAs. “We are moved by the show of support and concern of our citizens in Davao oriental in curbing criminality and terrorism in their place. While we are on a positive note, we grieve over the death of fellow Filipinos who were lured, deceived and exploited by the CPP-NPA-NDF into joining an organization known for its notoriety in killing innocent people and sabotaging our economy with their big-time extortion activity.” Holganza said.

“The recovery of IEDs is a welcome development as our citizens will be a lot safer against the threat of terrorism. The use of IEDs by the NPA only strengthens their notoriety as a terror organization who does not respect Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.” Holganza added.

It maybe recalled that the use of IED as a tactic was publicly admitted by Leoncio Pitao a notorious NPA terrorist leader in Davao.

NPAs consolidated as Satur visits the Province

Residents said they were alarmed by the consolidation of NPA since two days ago before the bloody gunbattle and recalled that this only happens during plenums or when high ranking NPA or a leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) comes in their place.

The clash between army soldiers and NPA terrorists happened barely half a day ago as Satur Ocampo, a former high ranking member of the CPP visited the towns of Banaybanay, Lupon and Mati City all in Davao Oriental province. Accompanying Ocampo in the visit were Liza Masa of Gabriela and Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis.

Ocampo, Masa and other others are yet to denounce the use of armed struggle being waged by the NPA as a means of establishing a Maoist regime but failed to do so on many occasions.

Relatives of 43 health workers file petition before SC, demand their immediate release

Press Release
By KARAPATAN
February 9, 2010

QUEZON CITY  –  Human rights alliance Karapatan joins the relatives of the 43 abducted and illegally detained health workers in their filing for the petition of the writ of habeas corpus at the Supreme Court today.

The relatives were led by Karapatan Deputy Secretary General Roneo Clamor, whose wife Dr. Merry Mia-Clamor is one of the doctors forcibly taken by the joint military and police forces last Saturday, February 6.

The health workers were held incommunicado for almost three days in Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal, and were denied their right to see their relatives and lawyers. It was only yesterday afternoon when some of the relatives, along with Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Leila de Lima, were allowed inside the camp to talk to the victims.

The petition prayed that all of the 43 health workers be presented before the Court and be immediately released.

Karapatan vowed to continue to support the relatives in their fight to free their illegally detained loved ones. “We will continue to demand for the release of these doctors, nurses and health workers,” Secretary General Lovella de Castro said. “We are counting the days that this regime is keeping the victims in detention. The longer that they are incarcerated, more people here and abroad will hold protests against the Arroyo regime and demand that they be freed.”

De Castro also warned Mrs. Gloria Arroyo that she and her military henchmen will further be put into shame before the international human rights community for this latest brazen and terrorist attack against the Filipino people.

“We have already called the attention of the international community,” de Castro said, “and we have already received letters of condemnation over the incident and support for the victims, from the countries of United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Canada and Australia, and more will flood in from other countries.”

She also reported that Filipino-American communities in the United States have trooped to the Philippine Consulates to stage protest actions.

“We will not stop until Mrs. Arroyo and her cohorts are held accountable for their crimes against the people,” concluded de Castro.

Catbalogan City PNP awarded as Model Urban Police Station

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE
February 9, 2010

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  Catbalogan City PNP Police Station has coveted the Model Urban Police Station for 2009.

This was bared by Catbalogan City Chief of Police Supt Joseph Pensotes to PIA after talking about their preparations for the Unity Fun Run with PNP Chief Jesus Versoza in Samar on February 11, 2010.

Pensotes and his men received the award and citation during the 19th PNP anniversary held on February 1, 2010.

The chief attributed the award to his troops who are always on their toes pursuing criminals and violators of special laws.

“The award gives us inspiration to sustain our gains in the fight against criminality,” the police officer beamed.

Pensotes replaced the then Chief PSupt. Ramil Ramirez on July 30, 2009.

With his accomplishments, the hefty officer has seemingly wiped out a significant number of illegal drugs dealer with ten apprehensions and cases filed in court.

The City PNP has also scored in its fight against illegal gambling, illegal logging, illegal fishing and loose firearms.

Some 24 wanted persons have also been arrested and charged.

Of its 116 number of arrests, some 83 cases have now been lodged in court.

“These are our accomplishments along with our regular responsibility of securing the populace and keeping peace and order in the city of Catbalogan“, Pensotes stressed.

Although the PNP elements are always on the alert in pursuing criminal elements, they are also ever-reliable in securing VIPs who come for a visit, reaching out to communities for their various advocacies through personal dialogues and their weekly radio program at Aksyon Radyo-DYMS. PNP Catbalogan is also active in its socio civic response to anti-crime NGO partners and other civic groups.

Presently, PNP Catbalogan is very visible implementing OPLAN 01-01 or “Bantay Pinili-ay 2010” and sustaining the conduct of PNP/COMELEC Checkpoint, Oplan “BAKAL” and Oplan “SITA.  (PIA-Samar)

Farmers condemn illegal arrests of 42 doctors and health workers, call for their immediate release

Press Release
By Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas
February 8, 2010

QUEZON CITY  –  The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP, Peasant Movement of the Philippines) and Tanggol Magsasaka (Peasant Network for Land, Justice and Human Rights) condemned the illegal arrests of 42 doctors and health workers by an overkill force of 300 police and military in Morong town, Rizal province.

"We totally condemn this vicious act of the Arroyo government, the abduction of 42 patriotic doctors and medical personnels who offer their services to the poor.  We strongly call for their immediate release," said Antonio Flores, KMP Spokesperson and Tanggol Magsasaka Co-Convenor.

"The Arroyo government that is run by a syndicate sucks the public funds through corruption, the root cause of absence of medical services to the people, has the guts to abduct those who offer their services to the needy," said Flores.

"Rizal Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines – Southern Luzon Command should be appropriately punished as this is a disservice to the people and country," said Flores.

The Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD), a group of medical personnel who regularly offer their services to the farmers said that the victims were raided 6:15 am at the resthouse of Dr. Melecia Velmonte, while they were conducting health skills training. They were blindfolded and forcibly brought to Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, the headquarters of the 202nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.

KMP said that that the abducted medical workers who are associated with the HEAD should be in fact be honored of their service and commitment to the people, instead the barbaric Arroyo government has violated their basic rights.  Moreoever, Arroyo government's counter-insurgency program Oplan Bantay Laya is now victimizing even the health sector, in addition to the already persecuted peasants, fisherfolk, workers and other poor sectors.

"Colonel Aurelio Baladad and Police Superintendent Balonglong, leaders of PNP and AFP raiding team, respectively, should be ashamed of themselves, as being paid mercenaries of the corrupt Arroyo government we accept that they are useless to the people, but as they victimize health workers who offer free services to the poor, this is very unacceptable and should be condemned not just by the peasants, but by all sectors," Flores said.

The peasant group said that HEAD, Health Alliance for Human Rights, Council for Health Development and Alliance of Health Workers are medical personnels' groups who regularly gives free medical services to the farmers.

"They are with us in our recent nationwide Lakbayan ng Anakpawis para sa Lupa at Katarungan this January, they launched a relief and medical mission at our peasant areas in Montalban after Ondoy, they rendered free services during our camp-out in Congress in April to May 2009, a medical mission for the farmers at Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Laur, Nueva Ecija in October 2008," said Flores.

"They are very important to the peasants and poor sectors, unlike the PNP and AFP, who we wish to banish from the face of the earth," he added.

"We reiterate our call for the enraged condemnation of their abduction and their immediate release.  Let us not tolerate this stupid act of stupid people.  Immediately free the doctors and health workers and justice for the violations of their basic rights," Flores called.

Samar employees Monday to protest non-release of 2009 P25,000 bonus by Gov. Mila Tan; Redaja no. 1 in poll survey for governor

By CHITO DELA TORRE
February 7, 2010

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The Samar provincial alliance of employees will be staging a rally on February 8, Monday, in front of the Capitol here to protest the failure of governor Milagrosa Tee Tan to release the P25,000  yearend bonuses that were due the provincial government employees in year 2009.

Among the protesters expected to join are those working at the provincial hospital.  It was learned that during the incumbency of OIC-Gov. Jesus B. Redaja, all the employees received their bonuses, including the Christmas gift money.  Redaja, vice-governor, acted as governor during the 90-day suspension of Mila Tan which was ordered by the Sandiganbayan.

Some leaders of the Confederation for the Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) are bruited about to extend moral support to the rallyists, including a representative of COURAGE Party List chapter in Basey, Samar.

Polls Survey Results

In another development, Tan, who is running for representative of the Second District of Samar, placed fourth with only 25 votes (9 percent) of the total of 291 votes cast as of February 5, 2010 in a continuing survey being conducted by Samar News.

Catalino Figueroa, who lost to Tan’s daughter Sharee Ann in the 2007 congressional race, obtained 83 “votes” (29%), the highest.  Van Torrevillas of Catbalogan had 44 “votes” (15%) to his credit to place second, while Basey mayor Wilfredo Estorninos took the third place with 38 “votes” (13%).  Alvin Abejuela and Urbano Alli got only14 and 13 votes, respectively.  Of the 291 “voters” participating in the survey, 74 (25%) remained undecided.

In the gubernatorial race, Redaja far leads 5 other hopefuls with 163 “votes” (53%).  Sharee Ann, outgoing congresswoman of the 2nd District, got only one-fifth (31 “votes” or 11%) of Redaja’s total.  Casilda Lim on is on third place with 37 “votes” (13%), Pedro Labid on fourth with 20 (7%), Darwin Tan on fifth with a pitiable showing of 2 (1%) and Pilar Bolok on miserable sixth (0%).  Of the 291 “votes” polled, 37 (13%) were “undecided”.

For the vice-governor’s choice, Joseph Grey has 95 “votes” (33%), followed by Rosenaida Rosales with 72 (25%) and tail-ender Stephen James Tan with 23 (8%), also of the same number of survey participants.

In the First District, Mario Roño and Mel Senen Sarmiento tied with 56 “votes” (19%) each in the congressional poll.  Rodolfo Tuazon got 34 (12%), while Alex Tuazon and Rodrigo Tuazon had only 2 (1%) each.

Samarnons who want to participate in the website’s 2010 Philippine Elections Samar Candidates Poll Survey may log in at http://2010.philippine-elections.com/samar_survey.html.

1 NPA killed in clash as Satur visits DavOr, troops recover high powered firearms

Press Release
By DPAO, 10th Infantry Division, PA
February 7, 2010

CAMP APOLINARIO, Panacan, Davao City  –  A New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist was killed in a clash with soldiers in the village of New Visayas in Lupon town in Davao Oriental province 7:00 AM Saturday as Bayan Muna representative and senatorial bet Satur Ocampo visited  the province.

Operating troops of the army’s 28th Infantry Battalion responded to information of residents regarding the presence of armed men in their place which resulted to an early morning gunbattle. Residents said they were alarmed by the consolidation of NPA since two days ago and recalled that this only happens during plenums or when high ranking NPA or a leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) comes in their place.

As of press time, army troops recovered two M16 rifles and one shotgun while the unidentified cadaver which was left behind by his comrades was brought to the town proper by soldiers for identification and for proper burial so that his relatives can accord him their last respect.

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the army’s 10th Infantry Division lauded the concern of local residents in the peace efforts as he expressed grief on the death of the still unidentified red fighter. “We are moved by the show of support and concern of our citizens in Davao oriental in curbing criminality and terrorism in their place. While we are on a positive note, we grieve over the death of another Filipino who was lured, deceived and exploited by the CPP-NPA-NDF into joining an organization known for its notoriety in killing innocent people and sabotaging our economy with their big time extortion activity.” Holganza said.