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MANILA, Philippines—The military in Western Visayas on Tuesday called on the New People’s Army to stop its offensives and observe Holy Week.
A statement from the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division based in Capiz told the NPA “to take advantage of this and spend time with their families, embrace peace and turn their backs from violence and armed struggle.”
“In the spirit of Peace, we call on them (NPA) to stop deliberate offensive operations against the people. Your Army here in Western Visayas will continue to secure and protect the public, maintain its vigilance and intensify further its security operations in various parts of the region particularly in the countryside and places frequented by tourist as majority of the Filipino population observes the Holy Week,” Major General Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division said.
The Army ground commanders are continuously conducting assessment of security conditions in their respective localities to ensure that the observance of Holy Week would be “safe and secure.” It will provide additional security contingencies to support the police and other civil authorities.
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