AFP, PNP keep security measures in place in Caraga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 11): AFP, PNP keep security measures in place in Caraga

Army 401st Brigade Commander Col. Gregory Cayetano said that security measures in his area of responsibility (AOR) covering the two provinces of Caraga region—Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur—are always in place.

He issued the statement following the reported incident in Alegria town in Surigao del Norte after the municipal police station (MPS) was overrun by some 60 heavily armed New People’s Army (NPA) rebels believed to be members of Guerilla Front 16 (GF-16).

Reportedly, a 30-minute fierce gun battle ensued first between the outnumbered cops and the attacking rebels at 3:00 p.m. on Thurday that yielded two deaths on the latter and also two wounded on the government side.

The Surigao del Norte Provincial Crisis Management Committee (PCMC) confirmed that the NPA also seized and brought with them 4 cops when they retreated.

PCMC vice chair and vice governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. identified the cops captured by the rebels as PO3 Vic Calubag Concon and PO1 Rey O'niel Morales from the Alegria Municipal Police Station and PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquiño from the Provincial Public Safety Company.

Meanwhile, Cayetano admitted that he cannot categorically say whether the rebels might do a repeat of what they did to Alegria in other areas in Caraga.

But, he said that it is possible that the captives might be brought to Surigao del Sur or other places other than the province.

Earlier, Surigao del Sur Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Provincial Director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero said that he has already alerted his men since the news broke out regarding the Alegria incident.

He insisted on exerting all security measures available just to ensure that peace and stability is maintained in the whole province.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1741405043960