11 NPA rebels sued over 2023 Mindoro ambush

From the Manila Standard (Jan 26, 2024): 11 NPA rebels sued over 2023 Mindoro ambush (By Rey E. Requejo)



THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday disclosed that eleven suspected New People’s Army members who allegedly ambushed Philippine Army (PA) soldiers in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on May 30, 2023 have been charged before the regional trial court there.

The DOJ through Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said the complaint for violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 under Republic Act No. 11479 was filed last Jan. 23.

Named accused in the terrorism case were Jovito Marquez, Antonio Baculo, Sonny Rogelio, Veginia Terrobias, Lena Gumpad, Job Abednego David, Jessie M. Almoguera, Reina Grace, Bethro Erardo Zapra Jr., Daisylyn Castillo Malucon, and Yvaan Copuz Zuniga.

Malcontento said the case was filed after conducting preliminary investigation on the complaint filed by the Army.

“The accused individuals allegedly ambushed Philippine Army soldiers with high-powered firearms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs),” the DOJ said.

In its complaint, the PA’s 2nd Infantry “Junglefighter” Division said its troops were conducting “focused military operations when they encountered armed personalities believed to be members of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee at Sitio Pasugue in Barangay Malisbong in Sablayan town which resulted in a twenty-minute firefight.”

“The government side suffered no casualties while a male and female rebels namely alias Hunter and alias Liza were reportedly killed,” the PA earlier said.

“The troops also recovered three M16 rifles, 13 magazines, one fragmentary hand grenade, an anti-vehicle mine, five improvised hand grenades, 50 meters wire, a detonating cord, four burlap, four bandoliers, and four backpacks with personal belongings,” it added.

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