Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Army commander condemns NPA use of kids as human shields

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): Army commander condemns NPA use of kids as human shields (By Sarwell Meniano)



SEIZED. A firearm, documents, food supplies, and personal belongings were recovered by the Philippine Army in a clash with the communist terrorist group in Kananga, Leyte on Sunday night (Sept. 13, 2020). A soldier was killed and three members of the NPA, including a young recruit, were captured in the clash. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade on Tuesday condemned the New People's Army (NPA) for using children as human shields as its members were fleeing from government troops during a clash in Leyte on Sunday night.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the act of treachery by left-leaning party-list organizations who continue to assist and condone the terroristic acts of the New People’s Army and the utter disregard on the welfare of children,” Brig. Gen. Zosimo Oliveros said.

A soldier was killed and three NPA members were captured in the clash between government troops and armed rebels in Kananga town.

The Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion confirmed on Tuesday that during the 10-minute gun battle in upland Rizal village, Kananga town, Private 1st Class Nicxon Tomenio was killed.

Meanwhile, soldiers arrested two male fighters and a 14-year-old female new NPA recruit who were left behind by their comrades. They are part of the group of 10 NPA members led by Juanito Selleza that engaged soldiers in a firefight.

No confirmed casualties on the enemy side was reported, but soldiers saw bloodstains along the rebels' escape route.

Seized from the captured NPA members was a caliber .45 pistol with magazine and live ammunition, contraceptives for women, identification cards of Anakpawis Party-list, a personal identification card of Tabang Sinirangan, food supplies, subversive documents, mobile phones, and other personal belongings.

“The NPA terrorists were seen speaking to a group of people and children and as the government troops were closing in. The terrorists opened fire, prompting the former to seek cover and maneuver. The soldiers did not immediately return fire since the NPA used children as human shields,” the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade said in its report.

After an exchange of gunfire ensued, the rebels fled to the mountainous portion of the village, leaving behind the three fighters.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115451

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