By Tara Yap
ILOILO CITY — After several skirmishes with the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels this past week, the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) has warned hikers planning to visit mountain spots in southern Iloilo province about the presence of the rebels in the area.
Hikers are warned to avoid the mountains (seen in the background) of southern Iloilo province after government troops clashed with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels. (Tara Yap/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, 61 IB commander, urged hikers and other visitors to temporarily avoid the mountain villages of Igbaras and Miag-ao towns.
The town of Igbaras town features Mount Napulak that is a popular destination for mountain climbers while Miag-ao features Tinagong Dagat and the Kabugsokan Falls.
Since September 20, clashes between government troops and communist rebels have resulted in the death of a rebel while a planned attack on a hydro-power plant was averted.
“We are just warning hikers and visitors. The areas are still hot. The situation is very fluid and the NPA rebels might be back anytime,” Batara said.
He added that due to the vastness of the area, military detachments cannot secure everyone at all times.
Meanwhile, the 61 IB welcomed the move of the Antique provincial government led by Gov. Rhodora Cadiao in creating a local task force that aims to end the communist insurgency.
Hikers are warned to avoid the mountains (seen in the background) of southern Iloilo province after government troops clashed with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels. (Tara Yap/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, 61 IB commander, urged hikers and other visitors to temporarily avoid the mountain villages of Igbaras and Miag-ao towns.
The town of Igbaras town features Mount Napulak that is a popular destination for mountain climbers while Miag-ao features Tinagong Dagat and the Kabugsokan Falls.
Since September 20, clashes between government troops and communist rebels have resulted in the death of a rebel while a planned attack on a hydro-power plant was averted.
“We are just warning hikers and visitors. The areas are still hot. The situation is very fluid and the NPA rebels might be back anytime,” Batara said.
He added that due to the vastness of the area, military detachments cannot secure everyone at all times.
Meanwhile, the 61 IB welcomed the move of the Antique provincial government led by Gov. Rhodora Cadiao in creating a local task force that aims to end the communist insurgency.