The New People’s Army (NPA) and the peasant masses in the towns of Maria Aurora and Dipaculao in Aurora are frustrating relentless focused military operations of the 91st IB and 84th IB since May. At least seven military troopers were killed while two others were injured in three consecutive clashes with the people’s army.

The first encounter took place in Barangay Toytoyan, Dipaculao on May 20, followed by a battle in Barangay Salay, Dipaculao on May 21 and another on May 28 in Barangay Bazal, Maria Aurora. The people’s army fought militantly and maneuvered safely.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed excessive numbers of military forces into the two towns to hunt down a “few remaining” NPA fighters. The AFP uses helicopters, drones and other superior weapons for its combat operations.

On May 20-21, the 91st IB used two helicopters to patrol six barangays in Dipaculao. It then circled three barangays in Maria Aurora dropping bombs in the fields. In addition, the 91st IB indiscriminately fired their weapons reportedly killing a youth as a result.

“Instead of using public funds to provide quality public services, the AFP is squandering millions of pesos of funds on continuous combat operations,” NPA-Aurora said.

These AFP operations gravely displace and terrorize the civilian population. They continue to prevent the masses from making a living in the barrios and mountains.

Information from the Department of Social Welfare and Development on May 25 said up to 3,633 families were affected by the AFP’s relentless combat operation in the area.