New People’s Army (NPA) rebels violated the ongoing holiday truce forged between their leaders and the government when they attacked Philippine Army troops stationed on the outskirts of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, the military said Wednesday.
Capt Joe Patrick Martinez, public affairs officer of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. yesterday in Barangay Bitaugan.
The government and the NPA have announced a ceasefire that will be from 12:01 a.m. of December 23, 2015 and would end at 11:59 p.m. of January 3, 2016.
A group of NPA rebels, led by Brando Juagpao alias Rodel reportedly fired at the soldiers who managed to repel the attack. No casualty was reported from the government side.
Pursuit operations were immediately launched against the fleeing rebels.
Martinez said that as of press time, another fire fight was reported near the boundary of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.
Citing a report from Col. Isidro Purisima, Commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, Martinez said the soldiers engaged by the NPA the are deployed in the area to assist the local government of San Miguel in facilitating the delivery of development programs and services in the community.
“We are not surprised by this event. Although the CPP central committee made the declaration of ceasefire effective December 23, 2015 until January 3, 2016, their armed wing—the NPA continued their banditry,” said Purisima.
“Either they lack sincerity on their pronouncement or they have no firm control over their comrades at the lower level,” he added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has also declared a 12-day unilateral ceasefire effective December 23. It will also end on January 3, 2016.
In a related development, Malacañang yesterday condemned the NPA for its attack on soldiers on their way to deliver relief goods to typhoon-affected areas in Northern Samar last Tuesday.
Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the “dastardly act on the part of the local NPAs clearly indicates their disregard for the people’s welfare.”
Reports revealed that one soldier was killed from the attack while three others were wounded.
Reports said the attack occurred in Barangay Bukid, Las Navas town at around 5 a.m. last December 22, hours before the start of the 12-day unilateral Christmas ceasefire between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines.
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