PNP decries Bukidnon NPA attack that killed cop, hurt another

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 27, 2019): PNP decries Bukidnon NPA attack that killed cop, hurt another

A policeman was killed and another was wounded when a group of armed men, believed to be communist rebels, attacked them while patrolling an area in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon Monday evening.

Supt. Surki Sereñas, Police Regional Office 10 (Northern Mindanao) spokesperson, described the attack in Barangay Sumpong that killed Police Officer 3 Jerry Tropel as "treacherous."

Tropel's companion, P01 Rene Caña, sustained injuries and is recuperating at a hospital.

“Caña narrowly escaped death but was also wounded after shooting it out with four gunmen armed with M1 rifles and caliber .45 pistols,” Sereñas said, adding that they believe the New People's Army (NPA) was responsible for the attack.

Sereñas said the police officers were on a night patrol in the area in response to frequent street crimes in the village.

Chief Supt. Timoteo Pacleb, PRO-10 director, called the attack "cold-blooded murder."

“Our investigation is gaining headway and we are exerting all our efforts to bring the culprits to the bar of the law. Justice will be served to the bereaved family,” Pacleb said.

On the NPA's involvement in the attack, he pointed out that the police officers were not engaged "in the armed conflict between the NPA and government forces."

However, certain Ka Danica, a spokeswoman of the NPA through a local radio station interview said they are responsible in the incident, and claimed that the attack was their action against the implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao.

However, Malaybalay City's chief of police, Supt. Al Abanales, chief of said the NPA’s allegation is just the justification of the terrorist group on their atrocities.
Abanales reacted on the recorded copy of the CCTV that was uploaded in social media. He said it should not be uploaded.

Despite of the incident, the chief of police said the case is isolated and it will not affect the general populace of Malaybalay.

He said the police, military and members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) are the targets of the NPA ever since. He also said the police have been in full alert even before the recent attack incident.

Abanales said there is a big possibility that they can identify the suspects by reviewing the incident recorded in the CCTV and case will be filed in court against the assailants.
The police outpost in the village, he said, "is there primarily for crime prevention and emergency response.”

Meanwhile, Pacleb called on the NPA leadership to explain "what is the direct participation of murdered police officer in the armed conflict that justify engaging them in an armed confrontation."

"The attack is a clear disrespect for the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) because the slain and wounded police officers were doing community engagement and not in any way engaged in armed conflict,” the police official said.

“The intent of the attack is clear,” he added. “It was meant to create panic and intimidate the public. Clearly the people of Malabalay, Bukidnon do not want this terroristic act in their city.”

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is considered as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

The city council passed a resolution of condolence to the bereaved family of PO3 Tropel sponsored by Councilor Provo Antipasado, committee chair on peace and order.
The city council temporarily presided by Councilor Jay Warren Pabillaran assured full support to Malaybalay City police.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063025