Masbate residents are now facing intensified militarization and human rights abuses with the additional deployment of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops to the island. The 903rd IBde declared Masbate its “priority area” in March.
The 65th IB arrived in the province last February. More than 200 troops from the 903rd IBde were added on March 13 to launch combat operations in Dumalinding, the mountain range connecting the towns of Palanas, Dimasalang, and Cataingan.
The military is also concurrently conducting the Modified Community Support Sustainment Program (MCSSP) in the centers of nine villages in Palanas. At least eight soldiers are stationed in each barangay. They repeatedly summon residents to join the AFP’s bogus “surrender program.”
Around 30 troopers are currently encamped at the plaza and barangay hall of Barangay San Carlos in Palanas while waiting for the completion of their command post. The military is likewise operating in the towns of Cawayan and Placer, and in several barangays in Esperanza and Pio V. Corpuz.
Scourge to farmers
The 2nd IB elements were reported sowing terror in schools in Barangay Libertad, Cawayan on March 10. Meanwhile, the 65th IB was seen distributing leaflets full of disinformation and lies in Barangay Estampar in Cataingan town.
Residents of San Carlos, Palanas expressed concern over soldiers’ drinking sprees and drunkenness that often culminate with them firing guns in public areas. They also reported harassment by soldiers, including surveillance, intimidation, and the filing of fabricated cases against relatives of accused members of New People’s Army (NPA). Soldiers are also forcing “surrendered” civilians to act as intelligence assets in the area and to directly join combat operations.
NPA–Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command) spokesperson Ka Luz del Mar said farmers have lost working hours and suffered reduced income because of the military’s restrictions in the villages. They worsen the hardship of the Masbatenyo masses who are already in crisis amid soaring prices of basic goods brought by the US-led imperialist war in the Middle East and the inutility of the Marcos regime.
