Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Army Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, laughed off claims by the New People’s Army (NPA) Apolinario Gatmaitan Command suggesting the P87 million anti-insurgency fund by the Negros Occidental provincial government is “a waste of time and money” and will be used for “intelligence and ‘psywar’ operations.”
The military official told reporters NPA-Negros spokesperson Ka Juanito Magbanua is trying to discredit the provincial government.
“We find it funny why he is questioning,” Pasaporte explained. “Maybe it’s because he wants to have some but, kidding aside, the funds will be utilized to help former rebels reestablish themselves in society.”
He also denied the fund would be used to “militarize” services of the local government.
Last February 11, the Provincial Peace and Order Council approved an P87 million budget for its projects, programs, and activities in Negros Occidental; while also allocating P26.1 million for an intelligence fund./DGB, WDJ