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| pon the "encouragement" of the local Army unit there, residents of Antique province are reportedly carrying firearms to "protect" themselves from the communist New People's Army (NPA). Sun-Star Iloilo reported Monday that the move aims to protect residents of Sitio Apong in Cabladan village in Sibalom town. Lieutenant Col. Nestor Porculas of the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion reminded folks in the sitio that they must use the firearms "only against NPA rebels." |