DWDD: Eastern Mindanao Command Condemns NPA Atrocities, Alerts Troops

Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 31): Eastern Mindanao Command Condemns NPA Atrocities, Alerts Troops




NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines condemns the New People’s Army following its series of attacks, abduction and killings in CARAGA and Davao Region, despite the earlier declaration of the unilateral ceasefire.

Just recently, elements of an armed lawless group, believed to be members of the New People’s Army, fired at the Peace and Development Teams (PDTs) that were stationed in Mat-i, Surigao City in the midnight of January 30, 2017. The attack lasted about 15 minutes  and caused the wounding of three AFP personnel.

Shortly after midnight, three more attacks took place in San Isidro, Mahayahay, and Hinambangan all of Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte against the PDTs that are deployed in these areas.

These atrocities ran contrary to the spirit of the peace process especially in the delivery of basic services to support far flung communities. These PDTs are stationed in depressed communities to facilitate the delivery of basic government services in collaboration with different government agencies.

It can be recalled that the NPAs also killed Albert Sablada last January 16, 2017 in Brgy. Saloy, Calinan, Davao City allegedly for being an organizer of Alamara Militia.  It was followed by the killing of Neptali Alfredo on January 23, 2017 in Tabaon, Malabog, Paquibato District allegedly for being tagged as a drug supplier.

The Command also laments the abduction of Pfc Erwin Salan of 30IB in Lumondo Falls, Budlingin, Alegria, SDN. The said  military personnel was unarmed and in the company of other  civilians when the abduction happened on January 29, 2017.

 

Lieutenant General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, AFP, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command expressed his serious concern and called on the NPAs to desist from committing further atrocities.

“Let us condemn these atrocities which target our soldiers who are performing non-combat missions. These tactical offensives by the NPAs are inconsistent with their ceasefire declaration and could imperil ongoing peace negotiation. These acts of violence also bring misery and suffering to the affected communities. We call on the CNN to show sincerity in their peace talks with the government by directing their armed members to immediately desist from committing atrocities,” Lt Gen Guerrero said.

In line with such pronouncement, General Guerrero has directed all units to be on alert against possible atrocities in the future and reminded the troops to remain committed and observe the suspension of offensive military operations as part of the unilateral ceasefire.

“In the meantime we will continue to abide by our own ceasefire declaration and observe the suspension of offensive military operations. We will, however, continue to exercise/perform our mandate of protecting the people and the communities against attacks by armed threat groups,” he added.

JTF Haribon condemns NPA killing

 Joint Task Force Haribon Commander Brigadier General Gilbert I. Gapay condemns the killing of Neptali Alfredo Pondoc who was killed on January 23, 2017 in Tabaon, Malabog, Paquibato District for being alleged as illegal drugs supplier.

“This is not a dispensation of justice as they claim but purely murder. The NPAs have no right to impose justice as this is within the purview of the judiciary,” said Bgen. Gapay.

“It is ironic that the group grossly disregarded International Humanitarian Law which they always claim to adhere” he further said.

Aside from its counter and anti-terrorism task, JTF Haribon is also responsible in securing the hinterlands of Davao City particularly on efforts against criminal groups and Lawless elements in support to the PNP

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/31/eastern-mindanao-command-condemns-npa-atrocities-alerts-troops/