A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was rescued by soldiers who were conducting clearing operations in Catanauan, Quezon Province.

Captain Jayrald Ternio, head of the public affairs office of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division said the soldiers patrolling in Barangay San Roque, Agro heard a cry for help. The soldiers were conducting clearing operations after a recent encounter against NPA rebels.

Ternio said the soldiers found a wounded 24-year-old alias Marlon who was reportedly left behind by his companions.

“Ganoon pala kapag wala nang halaga. Iiwanan na lang nila. Nangako silang babalikan ako, ilang araw na, hindi naman sila bumalik (That’s how it is for them once you lose value. They will leave you. They promised to return but it has been days),” according to alias Marlon.

Ternio also acknowledged the soldier’s efforts in aiding those in need regardless of which side they are fighting for.

“Kahit sa gitna ng labanan ipinakita ng ating mga kasundaluhan ang propesyonalismo at pagrespeto sa karapatang pantao (Amid the battle our soldiers showed professionalism and respect for human rights),” he said. -AAC (with reports from Jennica Cruz)

MANILA, Philippines — The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) agrees on the importance of coronavirus vaccines reaching the intended communities without delay.

In response to the appeal of President Rodrigo Duterte, the group assured not to cause any delay in the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines to areas they consider as bulwarks of its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

“The Communist Party of the Philippines must guarantee that the vaccines in the course of their being transported to areas where no city health officers or medical persons, huwag ninyong galawin ang medisina. Allow the vaccines to be transported freely and safely,” Duterte said during Monday’s public address.

However, CPP chief information officer Marco Balbuena said they prefer humanitarian groups to facilitate the transportation, distribution and inoculation.

“We strongly suggest that the transportation, distribution and inoculation drive of Covid-19 vaccines especially in the interior areas be handled by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Philippine Red Cross and other civilian humanitarian agencies whose personnel are properly trained and who have the facilities to undertake such missions,” Balbuena said.

They want every non-Red Cross vehicle to have proper markings during delivery and as much as possible, no military vehicles among them as there might be miscommunication that could lead to encounters.

“Non-Red Cross vehicles that will be used as Covid-19 vaccine transporters must be clearly and properly marked with a Red Cross over white background,” Balbuena noted.

But according to Malacañang, the government’s vaccine rollout program will push through as planned.

“We have a rollout plan. Iyon po ang masusunod kahit ano pang sabihin ng CPP-NPA,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

“I guess they have freedom of expression but they are tagged as a terrorist group so parang they can express their opinion but hanggang dun lang po yun,” he added. MNP (with reports from Rosalie Coz)

The Task Force Davao said it will heighten security in Davao City following the bombing incident in Tulunan, North Cotabato on Wednesday (January 27).

TF Davao Commander Consolito Yecla reported that additional personnel have been deployed to various checkpoints and buses that enter the city are thoroughly inspected.

“We immediately alerted our checkpoints and we conducted a thorough inspection, especially the bus passengers entering Davao City. We inspected the buses utilizing canine dogs and deployed additional personnel in the checkpoints, especially in the Sirawan checkpoint,” he said.

They also advised the management of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) to implement the policy of not picking up of passengers outside the terminal.

Meanwhile, Davao City Police Office Chief Colonel Kirby John Kraft said beginning next week, all police stations in the city will have 24-hour checkpoints.

Travelers are also encouraged to cooperate during inspections and residents are reminded of the “no-unattended-baggage” policy, especially at terminals.

One elderly and seven others were hit by shrapnel from an explosion near a Yellow Bus unit on Wednesday. AAC