A unit of the New People’s Army (NPA)-Masbate hit the 96th IB troopers operating in Sitio Lantawan, Barangay Gangao, Baleno, Masbate on January 13. The said military unit was shook and immediately hid their casualties to cover up their losses.

According to Ka Luz del Mar, spokesperson of NPA-Mabaste, the armed offensive is part of their efforts to obtain justice for the victims of military abuses and defend the people against the ongoing military rule in the province.

Among those referred to by Ka Luz include the 24 victims of political killings in Masbate under the US-Marcos regime. Residents are also very indignant at the persistent encampment of counter-insurgency units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in schools in the province.

Prostitution also became rampant in the areas where military camps were built.

In addition, the military unit is also involved in instigating drinking inside and outside their camp and when they get drunk, they fire guns and cause distress among residents. Residents have also complained of prostitution within the military camp itself.