NPA’s intensified attacks part of its 44th anniversary rites — military spokesman

From the Daily Tribune (Dec 16): NPA’s intensified attacks part of its 44th anniversary rites — military spokesman

The communist New People’s Army (NPA) has intensified attacks against government troops and installations as part of its 44th anniversary celebration on Dec. 26, a military spokesman said yesterday.

Capt. Christian Uy, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID), theorized that the NPA wants to project its force to celebrate its anniversary.

“The root of these (attacks) is that they (NPAs) want to grab the limelight because of their upcoming anniversary,” Uy said.

“It’s just to show force for their upcoming anniversary, their way of celebration is killing, burning down properties and raids,” he added.

On Saturday, the NPA rebels launched two separate attacks against military and police in Bukidnon and Misamis Occidental.

An Army man was killed while another one was wounded after they were ambushed by NPA rebels in San Fernando town, Bukidnon.

According to Uy, elements of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion were on their way back to camp after a combat operation at around 8 p.m. when they were waylaid.

Uy said that around five NPA rebels staged the ambush along Barangay Namnam in San Fernando town.

One soldier was killed while another was wounded during the attack.

Uy said the troops managed to engage the communist ambushers into a 10-minute fire fight. According to Uy, the troops had just conducted combat operation in Barangay Bonacao when they were attacked.

Pursuit operations were immediately launched against the NPA band.

In Misamis Occidental, communist rebels also swooped down on Don Victoriano Chiongbian MPS, carting away seven M16 Armalite rifles, nine pistols, a .60 caliber machinegun, an M203 grenade launcher and numerous ammunition.

Last Dec. 11, NPA rebels raided the Kibawe Municipal Police Station also in Bukidnon, killing one policeman while three others were wounded. The communists also carted away several high-powered firearms.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/npa-s-intensified-attacks-part-of-its-44th-anniversary-rites-military-spokesman