CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA seizes 24 firearms; captures 4 policemen in Surigao del Sur

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 21): NPA seizes 24 firearms; captures 4 policemen in Surigao del Sur

Red fighters under Front 16 of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Northeastern Mindanao Region (NEMR) seized 24 firearms of various caliber in a raid on the Philippine National Police (PNP) station in Alegria town, Surigao del Sur on July 10.

After a ten-minute firefight, two wounded policemen surrendered. Carted away from the station were four M16s, an M14, an M4, five shotguns and six handguns. A Red fighter was wounded and eventually died in this gunbattle. Two of the NPA’s rifles—an M16 and an AK47—were also damaged in the fighting.

Meanwhile, four policemen aboard a jeep were disarmed and arrested by the NPA blocking force. The policemen who have been declared prisoners of war are PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquino. Seized from them were three M16s and four pistols.

The vehicle the retreating NPA troop was riding stalled between Kitcharao and Alegria towns, forcing the Red fighters to alight. They were then fired upon by five policemen who mingled with students nearby, preventing the guerrillas from returning fire. Another Red fighter was killed at this point. The retreating guerrillas had to leave behind the bodies of the two fallen comrades, the damaged rifles and some backpacks.

In a statement, Ka Maria Malaya, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front-NEMR congratulated the Red fighters on the successful raid. She also assured the relatives and friends of the captured policemen that the prisoners are in good condition. Malaya said they were being treated well in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the NPA’s rules and the international rules of war.

She added that the prisoners would be investigated on their possible involvement in crimes against the people and the revolutionary movement. Those proven to have no serious violations may be released and those culpable will be tried by the People’s Court. To facilitate the investigation process, Malaya called for a temporary cessation of offensive operations by the AFP, PNP and CAFGU in the entire province of Surigao del Norte and adjacent towns in Agusan del Norte.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140721/npa-seizes-24-firearms-captures-4-policemen-in-surigao-del-sur