Besides what's on Wikipedia? How prevalent are they/it on Negros? I was told by what I consider a reliable source, (an ex NPA member) that the Zambo and Siaton area is heavily "infested" (his words) with them and he cautioned me to not think about living in the more rural/remote areas of them. True? Not true? Your thoughts?
Greg, according to my in-laws who live close to them, the majority in the south are in the Santa Catalina mountains around barangay Talalak area. I've been up there several times with no problems. I've been told they mostly don't bother the foreigners but target government types when they want action. I imagine though, there are probably a few here with us in Bacong as well. I read where there are a number of NPA up north too.
It's always been told that way, but if I were to ask... its not only in Negros Island, but almost all the islands here in the Philippines. Some would even studying on big Universities in the country or medical schools. A lot of foreigners are still in the living in the south since the 70's, two famous are the retired US aid and Japanese aid and still very visible in the town, a lot of them found at Tambobo bay area living at their yacht and some happily married in the town. NPA are harmless most of the time, unless if you're their mortal enemy like the Military. I still love the whole Island of Negros. It's still one of the safest place to live. I haven't heard a foreign man being kidnapped at the south so far.
You also need to keep in mind that for the most part they are always mobile. If they have not been seen in area for a time, it does not mean they won't come back. They do favor the more remote areas so think about that before you settle somewhere. They may leave you alone for awhile until they decide they want something from you. Some famlies from the more remote areas around Dumaugete know about this very well.
The bigger danger of living in a remote area is being robbed at your home. Robbery gangs in Dgte are often from the Zambo/Siaton area because there arent many people worth robbing in the provinces
Yep when i moved up north to the mountains above bacolod i was asked if i was not worried about NPA and honestly i wouldnt even know or be surprised if my landlady is NPA related or not and i really dont care.My town there has a police(PNP) station full of officers and an arsenal of military grade variety of rifles and who knows what else..The police who i met and talked to told me NPA were around but they are good to good people and that was said by police officer born and raised in the mountains here....I went to visit surigao early this year and saw the mayor of the city didnt show to work for up to a year and his case were the bullet hole all over his house and his other venues,i was told by locals it was because the mayor was a bad man involved in crap that no one was doing anything about...I am generous to my limit with the people i am around regardless if they are NPA and i never ask ,and even help their animals out and even decided to give my camera to the police station when i leave town because once an accident on road affected my electric pole and only cell phone camera was used to make evidence by the officer on scene.....My electric pole is still bent out of shape after months and no word from anyone...
Have seen recent reports of the NPA being quite active in the north of Negros Had some chats to asawa about the NPA. Pren said the New People's Army rarely caused problems in Negros Oriental Spurred by curiosity, i asked Pren: "What happenned to the Old People's Army?" She said: "They retired!" sorry.........
If they are in your area and you receive a letter in red ink, go to the local npa leader and ask if it is really them. Sometimes it is another group trying to get some extra cash. They will only generaly bother foreigners if you own a business or a perceived to be adding a lot to the local economy. If so, they will ask for "revolutinary tax". Remember they adhere to communist principals but are not interested in foreigners who are just retired and minding their own business. Their fight is with the Philippine Government, so just do not get in the way. Cheers
