By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, yesterday confirmed they are presently monitoring four Himamaylan City government officials on alleged links with the New People’s Army (NPA).

In a radio interview with RMN DYHB-Bacolod, Arevalo said they are presently validating the four officials after receiving information claiming the four were not only supporters of the insurgent group but operating as allies.

Arevalo refused to name the officials in question, but noted the four are aware they are being monitored.

He added, the military is presently making sure local government officials in Negros Occidental are not using the NPA as “goons” or “private armies.”

Earlier this week,  a gun battle between government forces and the NPA erupted in Himamaylan City.

Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, Lt. Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, said seven of their personnel were wounded after insurgents exploded improvised explosive devices when they overran their encampment.

He added, the use of anti-personnel mines is a “clear violation” of the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. Also called the “Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention,” the policy took effect on March 1, 1999./DGB, WDJ