Militiaman killed, 3 hurt in alleged NPA attack in Northern Samar

From InterAksyon (Feb 13): Militiaman killed, 3 hurt in alleged NPA attack in Northern Samar

A militiaman was killed and three others, including a civilian, were hurt when suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels harassed troops in Northern Samar Tuesday, the Philippine Army said. 

Captain Gene Orense, spokesman of the 8th Infantry Division, said members of the Pinarican Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) were holding a dialogue with residents of Barangay Guindaulan, Rosario town Tuesday noon when an undetermined number of alleged rebels attacked the soldiers.

The resulting firefight led to the wounding of a local resident, identified as Raul Estellero, a resident of Barangay 3. Also hurt were Staff Sergeant Dionald Opilanda, Sgt Arnold Miranda, and militiaman Jonar Estellero. A still unidentified militiaman was also killed.

Lieutenant Colonel Noel Vestuir, commander of the 20th Infantry Battalion, accused the NPA of committing human rights violations by attacking civilians.

“The NPA insurgents once again violated Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law by not sparing civilians from their attack against the government troops,” he said.

Meanwhile, troops from Charlie Company, 20th Infantry Battalion recovered another abandoned NPA camp in Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar on February 9. The camp could accommodate 20 rebels.

Troops recovered ammunition for M14 and M16 rifles and .45-caliber pistol.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/55000/militiaman-killed-3-hurt-in-alleged-npa-attack-in-northern-samar