“Insurgency in Bicol, Samar high and active” - PNP chief
By Rhaydz B. Barcia
LEGAZPI CITY --- Pinpointed as areas where rebel aggressions are high and active, the Bicol Region and the province of Samar remain to be the focus of the Philippine National Police’s strong anti-insurgency campaign which is aimed to end the country’s 5-decade rebellion.
That was bared by Police Director General Rodolfo Azurin who said that Bicol and Samar continue to be the concern and priority of the PNP as they are the 2 remaining areas in the country with high and active insurgency problems.
Azurin was in the city to grace the inauguration of the Tagapagpatupad Multi-Purpose Building constructed inside the Camp General Simeon Ola, here. The building will serve as one of the facilities of the PNP for disaster preparedness and emergencies.
In the same occasion, the PNP regional command led by Brig. Gen. Rudolph B. Dimas presented to Azurin the 32 rebel returnees who laid down their arms to begin a new life by joining the mainstream of the society. The PNP chief lauded the rebels who decided to leave the New People’s Army to feel the comfort of a peaceful life with friends and families.
AZURIN (right) delivers his message during the awarding ceremony for the recipients of Medalya ng Kadakilaan and Medalya ng Kagalingan. Photo also shows Brig. Gen. Rudolph B. Dimas, head of Police Regional Office 5. RBB
In his message, Azurin expressed thanks to the former NPA rebels, saying that the government is with them. “Thank you for coming. Tell us your grievances so that we can be able to find solutions and be able to do what is the best for all of you. We are here to listen. The government agencies are here, more than willing to help you. Just let us know your concerns.”
He told the rebel returnees that even those in the church are helping the government to look for an effective solution to end the 50-year insurgency problem in the country.
The PNP regional command received the 7 assorted firearms and 23 explosives from the returnees.
The PNP chief also reminded the PNP unit commanders to continuously monitor and watch over their personnel to ensure their welfare and their individual capabilities in performing their jobs.
“We do not just comply. Let us make sure that we have the superior firepower when we face our opponents in the battlefield. Let us not sacrifice any single life of our personnel. Siguraduhin natin na tayo ay meron magandang laban. We need to outfought our enemies but with much care, dapat preparado tayo,” he said.
Azurin also led the awarding of Medalya ng Kadakilaan to personnel who have meritorious accomplishments in pursuing the government’s peace agenda.
Among the awardees of the Medalya ng Kadakilaan were PCPT Hermel G. Napili Jr; PSMS Vincent Philip B. Anza; PMSg Bobby L. Buela; Pat Lenie P. Buenavides; PLT Manuelito B. Abalaing; PCpl Neilbert C. Valencia and PSSg Kiven R. Batalla. While the Medalya ng Kagalingan were awarded to PSMS Nestor Campo; PSSg Giovanni M. Saribong; and PSSg Ronie T. Gavin
Azurin also turned-over to PRO5 several equipment to help boost the police’s firepower capability, such as: 350 units of EMTAN Basic Assault Rifle (BAR); 200 Units of 9mm Striker Fire Pistol “GIRSAN”; and 121 Units of Enhanced Combat Helmet Level III.
The guns will be distributed to the different police provincial offices, city police headquarters and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5 while a newly refurbished police patrol jeep was given to the Bulusan Municipal Police Station.