ILIGAN CITY—-The governor of Lanao del Norte province warned village offficials in the province they faced serious legal consequences if they failed to report communist rebel presence or if they supported the insurgents. Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo reminded village officials that it was their duty to provide support to the military and the government’s counterinsurgency campaign. The two were in possession of a caliber .38 pistol, an improvised explosive device, and a rifle grenade when arrested. “Why were the barangay officials (of San Isidro) not able to report this to the military?” Dimaporo said. She warned village officials against supporting the NPA, or else “they will face legal sanctions.”Orengo had warned of NPA attacks in the runup to the observance of the 51st founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 26.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 10, 2019 12:45 UTC