Army, NPA clash leaves damages to Aliwagwag Eco Park

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24): Army, NPA clash leaves damages to Aliwagwag Eco Park

The clash between government troops and the New People’s Army (NPA) on Sunday morning damaged parts of Aliwagwag Eco Park, a premier tourist destination in Cateel, Davao Oriental, police said.

Sr. Inspector Butch Kevin Rapiz, Cateel municipal police chief, said the base camp of the 67th Infantry Battalion (IB) at the park was partially burned while the zip line waiting shed near the patrol base was totally damaged.

Rapiz said local policemen reinforced the soldiers after barangay officials sought their assistance regarding the ongoing firefight in the area. A soldier was injured in the firefight.

Aliwagwag Falls has been frequented by local and foreign tourists especially during summer, the peak of visitor arrivals in the province. It has become a popular tourist destination because of its 130 cascading waterfalls ranging from six to 110 feet high.

Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of 10th Infantry Division, criticized the communist guerrillas for attacking a prime tourism destination.

"The attack is a wanton disregard of the people’s safety and source of livelihood," he said in a statement.

About 40 fully armed rebels harassed the 67th IB assigned to secure Aliwagwag Falls on Sunday in Cateel town.

Valencia commended the 67th IB troopers for standing their ground, despite being outnumbered, and repulsing the NPA rebels.

Residents in the area also reported to the military they saw the fleeing NPA rebels carrying at least two dead comrades and one severely wounded.

Government troops recovered from the encounter site one M14 rifle.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/982103