From InterAksyon (Nov 5): 4 unarmed soldiers killed in Davao City ambush by NPA
Four unarmed soldiers were killed in an ambush by alleged New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Davao City's Paquibato district Sunday afternoon, police and military officials said. The soldiers, wearing civilian attire, were onboard three motorcycles when they were attacked by ten alleged rebels at Sitio Barko-Barko, Purok 5 at around 5:30 p.m., Army and Police officials said. They were returning to camp after shopping at the local market when the ambush took place at Barangay Mapula, Maj. Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commander of the Army's 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, said. All four were members of the the 60th Infantry Battalion's Peace and Development Team, a statement from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division said. The casualties were identified as Private First Class Ahian Vir Dolero, Pfc Marvin Lauronal, Pfc Noel Sigan, and Private Marcelo Himaya.... It's a massacre. They were all unarmed and in civilian attire. They were summarily executed," Obligado said....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47233/4-unarmed-soldiers-killed-in-davao-city-ambush-by-npa
The Peace and Development Teams (PDTs), formerly known as Special Operations Teams/Revised Special Opeations Teams (SOIs/RSOTs), are a key element in Philippine military COIN efforts. These are the folks who enter AFP-NPA contested areas to work with locals at the barangay (village) level. The PDTs are the main competitors of the communist New People's Army armed propaganda teams. Hence, it should come as no surprise that the NPA frequently targets the PDTs regardless of whether the Philippine soldiers are armed or unarmed.
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