Duterte warns troops against NPA sparrow units’ resurgence

March 11, 2018

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Soldiers and policemen have been warned against the resurgence of sparrow units of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in their locality.

The sparrow units are the hit men of the NPA in urban areas with primary mission to kill lawmen and government officials.

President Rodrigo Duterte issued the warning during his “talk to men” at the Edwin Andrews Air Base Saturday saying they should be vigilant of their security and safety.

“Be careful, they (sparrow hit men) are active now,” Duterte told the troops.

The NPA hierarchy recently ordered to intensify its attacks on government forces in the country after Duterte canceled the peace talks with the NPA.

Duterte told soldiers and policemen to be watchful of their surroundings, especially at home, citing two to three soldiers die daily from sparrow attacks in the entire country.

Duterte said some of the troops were killed at home while others while doing marketing chores for the command.

Duterte said there are times different persons will conduct the surveillance on probable targets and other individuals will strike.

He told troops to avoid loitering in stores and public places as they are vulnerable targets.

“Those are the things you have to be very, very careful, especially if you are carrying firearms,” he said citing “they are after the firearms.”

He said Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol has proposed the “TyenDA ng Bayan” to protect the troops from attacks by NPA sparrow unit.

The “TyenDA ng Bayan” will serve as the market place where troops can purchase food and other needs at home or for the office.

Meanwhile, Duterte has awarded medals to 33 military officers and personnel.

The awardees for the Order of Lapu-Lapu (Kampilang Medal) were the following: Maj. Velmor Manaois; Capt. Dimas Jun Balai; 2Lt. Nathan Rey Eucare; SSgt. Ramonito Diapolet; Sgt. Ramises Relos; Sgt. Joemarie Perez; Cpl. Jovith Clamotcha; PFC Winston Tangilan; PFC Vladimir Ramos, represented by his mother, Susan; PFC Jefry Jacinto; and, PFC Jay Ar Nogodula.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said they were recognized for sustaining wounds while participating in the campaign against the Daesh-inspired foreign and local terrorists under Isnlon Hapilon and Omar Maute for almost five months from May 23 to October 2017 in Marawi City.

Duterte also awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu (Kamagi Award) to the following: Lt Col. Joel Mamon; Lt. Col. Alvin Luzon; Lt. Col. Jonathan Hallara; Maj. Jimmy Brey; Maj. Mark Anthony Salvador; Maj. Virgilio Sagge; Maj. Reese James Obeso; Capt. Jefferson Santos; Capt. Joffrey Tacusalme; Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay; Capt. Michaelangelo Castro; 1st Lieutenant Albert Alvarez; 1st Lieutenant Jefferson Balante; 1st Lieutenant Junrey Sajulga; 2nd Lieutenant Rojean Rodriguez; Ensign Al Khaizer Amil; 2nd Lieutenant Jeff Brandon Cruz; Ensign Leo Adrianne Bello; MSgt. Rolly Principe; Underwater Operator 2nd Class Edgar Enojo; Underwater Operator 2nd Class Glenn Reus; and, Builders Utility 2nd Class Teodorico Decenan. DMS