The military claimed that the New People’s Army (NPA) violated its unilateral ceasefire when it clashed with government troops in Caraga yesterday morning, an army official said today.
The rebels were reportedly harassing and extorting the residents of Barangay Cuyago Jabonga in Agusan del Norte, said the Army’s 402nd Brigade Civil-Military Operations chief Maj. Francisco Garello.
Garello said residents had tipped off the responding troops while they were with DOH, police and other government agencies implementing the community quarantine.
It resulted in a five-minute clash between the insurgents and the troops of the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion, said Garello.
He said insurgents who harassed the residents yesterday morning were believed to be under Samuel Batican, alias Albren of Guerrilla Front 16A.
“Our troops responded to a report from the residents that NPA members (were) harassing them and forcing them to give money or food items,” said Garello.
He said the withdrawing insurgents were again encountered by troops of 29IB who responded and conducted blocking positions in the same Barangay, 3 kilometers from the National Highway. The troops recovered four rolls of detonating cord (250 meters each).
Garello said the insurgents declared their unilateral ceasefire on March 28.
402nd Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Maurito Licudine said the insurgents lacked sincerity in their self-declared ceasefire as they continue harassing the communities.
“We shall not let our guards down against these terrorists and constantly be on alert. Rest assured that your Army will be resolute in protecting the communities from these groups while combating the Covid-19 pandemic,” Licudine said. (Ben Balce)
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
