ZAMBOANGA CITY: Dozens of tribesmen in Davao City have fled their homes following threats by communist rebels, the military said.

It said that New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have accused tribesmen of passing information to the military about the communist group. At least 17 indigenous families have sought refuge in the village of Marilog.

The rebels, led by Leoncio Pitao, were also forcing the villagers to join anti-government rallies to protest the presence of government troops in the area, according to an army.

“We see how the NPAs jeopardize the safety of these families who are living peacefully in the area,” said Lt. Col. Edgar Nigos, commander of the 84th Infantry Battalion.

He said that villagers should denounce the presence of rebels in the area instead of the military. “It is our mandate to protect the people and not to harm them. That’s why we would like to encourage everyone specially the government leaders to condemn the presence of the NPAs so that we can all live peacefully,” he said.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA, which is fighting for the establishment of a separate Maoist state in the country.