Military airstrikes cause class suspensions in parts of Quezon

Classes in some schools in mountain areas of Tagkawayan, Quezon were suspended on Tuesday amid the ongoing firefight between state forces and rebels.

“For security purposes, there is a necessity to declare that classes in the mountain zone areas and others affected be suspended until the fighting has ended and with the green light confirmation of the Military and PNP,” said Tagkawayan Mayor Luis Oscar Eleazar

“All students are suggested to stay indoors to minimize the aggravation and to prevent more compromises to peace and security,” he added. 

Among the affected schools were Mapulot, Maguibay, Tunton, and Munting Parang. 

The military is conducting operations against supposed New People’s Army (NPA) members who are allegedly planning an attack ahead of it anniversary.

“Nagsagawa po tayo ng combat operation (We are conducting a combat operation),” Major Frank Roldan, the 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview on Wednesday. 

“Kasama naman po yun sa capability ng ating nga kasundaluhan, yung tinatawag nating close air support sa tuwing engkwentro,” he added. 

(Close air support is included in the capability of our army in every encounter.)

So far, Roldan said there have been no reported casualties yet as the military operation is still ongoing. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News