49 Davao villages NPA-free, says Army

DAVAO CITY—The military on Thursday said at least 16 villages in this city had been cleared of communist rebels, bringing to 49 the number of barangays here freed from the influence of the New People’s Army (NPA) since January.

Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., commander of the Army’s 1003rd Infantry Brigade, said the area clearing validation board (ACVB) certified as cleared from NPA presence and influence several villages in the districts of Toril, Marilog, Baguio, Calinan, Paquibato, Buhangin and Bunawan.

Officers from the 1003rd Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, Davao City police and barangay and city officials comprise the ACVB.

The villages declared free from NPA influence were Atan-Awe, Kilate and Tagluno in Toril; Baganihan and Magsaysay in Marilog; Gumalang in Baguio; Dacudao, Lacson, Dalagdag and Lampianao in Calinan; Sumimao and Pandaitan in Paquibato; Tigatto and Indangan in Buhangin; and Gatungan in Bunawan.

These are mostly upland communities in the second and third congressional districts and share borders with the provinces of Davao del Norte and Bukidnon.

An area is considered cleared from the NPA when the rebels’ political and military structure has been dismantled and when their access to the community, resources, manpower and mass base support has been stopped. Another requirement is the establishment of a functioning barangay information network and integrated public safety system, Torres said in a statement.

He said this development was “another step forward, toward attaining lasting peace” in President Duterte’s home city. —FRINSTON LIM