AFP military operations continue in Sorsogon barangays?

Despite an indefinite ceasefire to facilitate peace talks, the military continues to conduct offensive operations in Sorsogon, the New People’s Army claimed.

The troops remained in the area and held operations as recently as Sept. 15, Bicol Today quoted NPA Sorsogon Celso Minguez Command Spokesperson Ka Samuel Guerrero as saying.

“They remained in these area until the present. Meanwhile, they again conducted operations in Barangay Calateo in the municipality of Juban since the morning September 15, 2016,” Guerrero said.

He said soldiers had maintained their presence in Gubat, including in Barangays Sangat, Cabigaan and Tiris since Sept. 13.

Bicol Today cited reports indicating the military’s 31st Infantry Battalion still operate in Barangays Sinibaran, Bon-ot, Coron-coron, Cabagahan and Bariis in Matnog and in Barangay San Antonio in Barcelona.

Nancy Sales, a local resident, claimed the military would leave then return.

Sales said government troops operated in her barangay Feb. 11, 2015 and left on May 25, 2015. They returned to Barangay Calateo on Aug. 25, 2016 and left Sept. 8.

“Ang ginagawa nila nagbabahay-bahay, nag-interview, pinagkakakitaan ang pamilya, tapos nagtatanong kung may nakikita daw na katulad nila,” she said.