Military deploys troops to Masbate, Abra to prevent escalation of violence

By Ronron
April 11, 2007

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed additional troops to the provinces of Masbate and Abra, which the Philippine National Police (PNP) described as election areas of concern.

In an interview Wednesday at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said two companies from the Philippine Army were sent last week to Masbate, while a battalion was deployed to Abra.

With these fresh deployment, Masbate has now a battalion of Army troopers, while the new battalion to Abra augments the reconnaissance company there.

“We have already deployed additional troops to Masbate, we have deployed additional troops to Abra, as it is very clear that the New People’s Army in these areas have been perpetrating violent actions,” Esperon said.

The PNP has earlier identified Abra and Masbate as are areas of immediate concern for the upcoming election. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) then placed Abra under its control, while the case of Masbate is yet to be decided.

Additionally, the PNP said yesterday that parts of Nueva Ecija were also placed already under Comelec control due to intense political rivalry among local candidates.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon said he instructed Chief Supt. Ismael Rafanan, chief of Region III PNP, to coordinate with the AFP Northern Luzon Command for the deployment of 350 peacekeeping soldiers in parts of Nueva Ecija.

Other provinces of immediate concern are Isabela and Cagayan.

“We hope that by continuing with our operations, we will be able to preempt any armed incidents perpetrated by the New People’s Army,” Esperon said.

Together with the PNP, Esperon said military troops conduct checkpoints in relation to the Comelec-imposed gunban.

Its internal security operations are also ongoing to “prevent armed groups from carrying out plans in connection with the elections,” he said./DMS