CPP/NPA: 26th IB killed two civilians, not NPAs, in San Luis, Agusan del Sur

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Aug 18): 26th IB killed two civilians, not NPAs, in San Luis, Agusan del Sur
Omar Ibarra
Spokesperson
Western Agusan Norte-Agusan Sur Sub-Regional Command (Western Agusan Norte-Agusan Sur Sub-Regional Command)

The New People’s Army confirms that a squad of Red fighters was raided by troops of the 26th IB-CAFGU in Km. 35, Brgy. Mahagsay, San Luis, Agusan del Sur in August 15, 2014, around 12:00 NN. We, however, condemn the fascist troops’ indiscriminate firing which resulted in the deaths of two civilians.

The NPA squad was temporarily stationed in a hut at the time while helping some peasants harvest their corn. The area is isolated and is more than two kilometers away from the sitio center. NPA medics were also giving medical check-ups to some residents in the area.

When the raid started, the Red fighters just finished their lunch together with seven civilians, three of whom were children. Among the civilians were a mother, who availed of a medical check-up, and her newborn baby. Even so, the ruthless soldiers unhesitatingly strafed at the hut. The Red fighters swiftly took all the civilians to a safe place except for two, namely, Iya Manlapindig, more than 40 years old, married, who immediately died of a gunshot wound on her chest; and Oto Prisyoso, 19 years old, single, who was scraped by a bullet on his calf but was subsequently killed by the enemy soldiers.

The AFP confiscated nine firearms consisting of four AK47 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, three M16 rifles and a shotgun. Even the milk for the children was taken by the soldiers, together with other supplies. The NPA unit, however, did not suffer any casualties, being able to withdraw while protecting the civilians.

In order to cover up the AFP’s culpability in the deaths of the two peasants, the mercenary soldiers declared that the two were NPA fighters. Citizens of the locality however will confirm that the two really were civilians. They were merely helped by the NPA in harvesting their crop and were among those who received medical services. They and millions of poor are continually deprived of needed social services by the Aquino government.
And now, the two were added to the mounting list of the bloodthirsty military’s victims. This proves that the “Palparan” culture still prevails in the Aquino regime’s armed forces.

The NPA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and neighbors of Manlapindig and Prisyoso who were killed in this unforeseen incident. We will try our best to extend some help for the decent burial of the victims.

While we condemn the bloodthirsty enemy armed forces, we also acknowledge our share of burden in these deaths. We will thoroughly investigate this incident to prevent such from happening in the future and to better protect civilians. The families of the deceased can count on the NPA to continue the struggle against the bloodthirsty enemy armed forces now drenched in the blood of innocent civilians. Only through intensifying armed resistance can the people serve revolutionary justice to all victims of state terrorism.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140818_26th-ib-killed-two-civilians-not-npas-in-san-luis-agusan-del-sur