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The Gains of December
By Marilou M. Aguirre
davaotoday.com
Published: Jan. 28, 2006
DAVAO CITY -- The conflict between government forces and the New People's Army (NPA) intensified as the latter launched more tactical offensives. From North Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley province, the NPA conducted daring operations, raiding police headquarters, confiscating high-powered rifles and killing soldiers.
The revolutionary group made it to the headlines when it launched its special operation on Dec. 20 in Tagum City, killing four army soldiers.
Meanwhile, the Lumads waged a pangayao (tribal war) against the NPA for the death of Datu Manuel Butig in November. Though the 73rd Infantry Battalion and the Task Force Davao under Col. Eduardo del Rosario supported the pangayao, Mayor Duterte did not.
The local government was also kept busy preparing for the Asean Tourism Forum, which was expected to draw thousands of foreign and local visitors to Davao City . The local government was set to host the ATF in January
2006. It purchased 8,000 new garbage bins as part of the preparations.
But Duterte pointed out that even if the ATF was a special event, he would not exempt it from the city’s smoking ban. And according to the mayor, street children and indigents won't be hidden from the public during the ATF. There will be no facelifts for the city just to make it look better for visitors, he said. (Marilou M. Aguirre/davaotoday.com)
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