National govt. eyes ‘police control’ of Masbate

Due to ‘lawlessness,’ presence of NPA terrorists/Pinoy Exposé exclusive

On Jul 12, 2021

The map of Masbate province. Philippine authorities are now alarmed over the strong presence of the terrorist CPP-NPA in the island province

THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is warning local officials in Masbate to get their acts together in ensuring peace and order in the province less it be placed under “police control” by the national government even before the start of the political campaign season.

DILG secretary Ed Año has noted the large presence of the CPP-NPA in Masbate and with the election approaching, the “killings are sure to follow.”

In response to the query sent by Pinoy Exposé, DILG secretary, Eduardo M. Año in a message, said the possibility is being considered in view of the large number of the terrorist forces of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Masbate who have made the province their haven and base of operation in some areas in the Bicol region.

“Nakaporma ang NPA ‘dun eh (Masbate). Tapos, malapit na ang eleksyon, for sure killings ang susunod ‘dun” (The NPA is based in Masbate and the election is coming. For sure, killings will follow),” the DILG chief said.

The troubling presence of the terrorist group in Masbate and the violence they sow is now in the limelight after they murdered in cold blood, Kieth and Nolvin Absalon last June 6, 2021, while also wounding Nolvin’s 16-years old son.

The incident resulted to a backlash against the CPP-NPA as Kieth, 22, was a promising national athlete but whose young life was snuff out by the NPA for no acceptable reason.

Military records show that Masbate has been heavily infiltrated by the NPA, apparently with the implied consent of local and provincial officials.

In the list of 24 NPA suspects released by the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police involved in the Absalon murders, it is notable that many of them hailed from the same villages. Masbate has a total of 550 villages (barangays).

Masbate governor Antonio Kho is now under pressure to rid the province from the presence of the terrorist New People’s Army and other lawless elements or face the consequence of its being place under “police control” to restore peace and order.

Southern Luzon (Solcom) area commander, Lt. General Antonio ‘Jun’ Parlade, in a separate interview by Pinoy Exposé, said the proliferation of the terrorists in the island province can only be possible with the consent and protection of local and provincial officials.

“Matagal na ‘yan, hindi na nga sila nagtatago, nakikita sila ng mga tao ‘dun. ‘Yung iba sa kanila, sa umaga, bodyguard ng mga pulitiko, sa gabi mga NPA,” (it has been the case for a long time, they don’t even bother to hide anymore and are always seen by the residents. Some of them are politicians’ bodyguards by day and NPA by night).

He also noted that of the 11 bombs planted and detonated by the NPA in the Bicol region thus far this year, 8 explosions occurred in Masbate.

The current Masbate provincial government is headed by Gov. Antonio Kho, also a former member of Congress.

The national government removing the local officials’ police power under Pres. Duterte is nothing new.

Up to now, some local executives are still without control over their local police forces for their suspected involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs in their localities.

Parlade said he has already discussed the possibility of placing Masbate under police control with the regional peace and order council which, he claimed, is receptive to the idea.

Año, for his part, added he is waiting for the “security assessment” of the military and the police before discussing the matter with Pres. Duterte “to seek his guidance.”