CAMP SANG-AN, ZDS– The 44th Infantry Battalion foiled another attack of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Brgy Balagon, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, Wednesday evening, April 1, 2020.
“The troops were already resting after conducting community visitation and information dissemination on COVID-19 crisis in far-flung areas when they were harassed by the armed CTG,” said LtCol Don Templonuevo, Commanding Officer, 44th Infantry Battalion.
It can be recalled that last March 21, the 44IB was also attacked by the CTG in Brgy Penaranda, Kabasalan, Sibugay.
Col Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade who has operational jurisdiction of Zamboanga Sibugay said that, “This is a clear manifestation of the duplicitous tactics and insincerity of the CTG on the declaration of ceasefire.”
“Our troops on the ground will continue to observe the ceasefire during this COVID-19 crisis but rest assured that all units remains alert and vigilant in protecting the communities from any atrocities by the CTG,” he added.
Last March 19, President Rodrigo Roa Durterte appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines to order its armed wing the New People’s Army to observe the ceasefire from March 26 to April 15 due to crisis on Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Major General Gene Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division, strongly condemned the CTG’s atrocities against government troops.
“The people of Zamboanga Peninsula is already suffering on the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, and yet these terror groups continue with their attacks to sow fear to the people,” Ponio said.
“We urge the CTG to stop the attacks and enjoin the government in its efforts of stopping the spread of COVID-19. Our doors will always be open for those who wish to surrender and avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” MGen Ponio added.
[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/44ib-foils-second-npa-attack-in-sibugay-amidst-ceasefire/
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