NPA condemned for killing cop in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 23, 2021): NPA condemned for killing cop in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

The Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO) condemned Friday the communist New People’s Army (NPA) for the killing of a police personnel in Bacuag town on April 20.

“We condemn this inhumane act of the NPA rebels, they can run, but they can’t hide from the law,” SDNPPO director, Col. Noel C. Espinosa, said in a statement.

Patrolman Bryan Calo Gregorio, assigned at the 2nd Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company, was shot dead by NPA rebels in Barangay Poblacion, Bacuag town.

“The victim was having his personal necessity at the back portion of the camp when a burst of gunfire was heard by the personnel. Upon verification, the victim was found lying on the ground with gunshot wounds on his stomach,” Espinosa said.

He said the assailants are members of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16 C2 of Guerrilla Front (GF) 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the NPA.

The group is led by a certain Alberto Castañeda, Espinosa said.

After killing the cop, the NPA rebels withdrew towards the area of Barangay Sto. Rosario, also in Bacuag, a police report said.

Investigators also recovered from the position area of the NPA two jacket fragments and six fired cartridge cases.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Pat. Gregorio. Rest assured that they will be given all available assistance from the government if only to ease their suffering over this tragic loss,” Espinosa said.

He said the Bacuag municipal police is now preparing criminal complaints against NPA leader Alberto Castañeda and his group.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137764