NPAs infiltrate gov‘t housing projects

This is a housing project in Pandi, Bulacan reporterly infiltrated by communist NPA The military is concerned over the reported infiltration by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) of several government housing projects occupied by the militant Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) in Bulacan province.

Jeffrey Ariz, leader of the fewer than 300 families who broke away from Kadamay, revealed that six government housing projects have already been infiltrated by NPA in Bulacan.

Apart from the housing project intended for members of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Pandi where Ariz resides, five other housing projects are currently infiltrated by the NPA.

Worse, Ariz and fellow defector Vilma de la Cruz, claimed the villages were converted by the NPA into recruitment hubs and that extortion activities are prevalent.

Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, civil military operations commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division (ID), said the information revealed by Ariz and De la Cruz is alarming.

Osias said the military is now validating the information.

“If validated, this is a serious concern because our people in Pandi are deprived of their rights to live peacefully as what our government wants to offer them,” Osias said.

“Also, if Kadamay is proven to be in cahoots and coddling the alleged NPA within their community then it is only unmasking itself as supporter of communist rebels,” he added.

Osias said they could not yet come into the “picture,” unless otherwise asked by the Philippine National Police since the issue is still considered by Bulacan police officials as a “police matter.”

“We are working closely with the local PNP regarding the matter,” Osias said.

Chief Inspector Manuel de Vera Jr., chief of police of Pandi, said they have their own intelligence report of what is going on in the housing projects and they will take actions accordingly, noting Asiz’s group is pitted against Kadamay.

Asiz said aside from the BFP, the NPA has penetrated Pandi 3, Villa Louise, Padre Pio, Villa Elis and Atlantica housing projects, all in Pandi, wherein it recruits armed members, with particular interest in children as young as 11.

“All of the housing projects have been penetrated by the NPA,” Asiz said, noting how individuals with red bandanas have been freely rooming the BFP housing, asking the villages to “join the rebels.”

On the other hand, dela Cruz claimed people, with bandoleers (bullet magazine holders), were even bolder at night, visiting every house for the recruitment activity and with particular interest in children as young as 11.

Both Asiz and De la Cruz claimed they were also asked to join the underground movement but they refused.

“If you are a member of Kadamay, you are an NPA member, especially if you are a leader of Kadamay,” Asiz said.

Asiz added he and the fewer than 300 families that broke away from Kadamay, turned away from their former group because they could no longer accommodate the demands and even activities of Kadamay, which he said, impair their daily routine to earn a living.

Both Azis and De la Cruz said as Kadamay members, they were forced to attend rallies in Metro Manila and in nearby provinces, and for every rally, they, along with other members, were being asked to shell out P150 up to P200.

The amount reportedly covers the cost of their joining and attendance in the “lakbayin” (rally).

Asiz said their decision to leave Kadamay has subjected them and the other fewer than 300 families to continued harassment and even death threats from their former group.

Previous articleYes to peace, no to amnestyNext articleCory and Noynoy: A story of vengeance Mario J. Mallari