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Friday, March 29, 2024

Military loses 2 men, P2m to NPA

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Two soldiers were killed while three others were wounded when they  were ambushed by  suspected  Communist rebels   last night along Maharlika Highway between Barangays Socorro and Lagundi in Catbalogan, Samar. 

An estimated P2 million in cash intended for the subsistence allowance of the 41st infantry battallion  was taken away by the armed men, who also fired several rounds at the soldiers. The  money was placed inside a military sling bag, sources said.

An officer, 1st Lt. Cherwin B. Lapura, led the   soldiers   on board a KM450 Humvee-type   vehicle which hit a landmine   on their way from Camp Lukban in Maulong, Catbalogan City  to their base in  Eastern Samar.           

Joint AFP and PNP troops from the Division Headquarters composed of armored vehicles, a platoon of soldiers, Explosive Ordinance Disposal  team, together with members of  the Samar Police Provincial Office  were immediately sent to the area to reinforce the beleaguered troops. They recovered assorted empty shells of different calibers, including  an AK-47 rifle, and fragments of landmines made  of  PVC pipe and steelbar cuttings.

The  military condemned   the  “treacherous acts of the NPAs which are in  gross violation  of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law”   by the CPP-NPA to which the communist group is a signatory.

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CARHRIHL states that parties involved in the agreement should affirm and apply the principles of international humanitarian law in order to protect the civilian population and individual civilians, as well as persons deprived of their liberty for reasons related to the armed conflict and also guarantees the right against economic and food blockades and indiscriminate bombings, shelling, strafing, gunfire and the use of landmines.

Military commander  Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino  of the  8th infantry division  said  “I would like to express my condolences to the families of the slain soldiers. They died a hero’s death in pursuit of peace and development in the region. Their sacrifices and bravery will not be forgotten.”

Despite this setback, the  Army in Eastern Visayas will remain focused  on  carrying out the mission to safeguard the people against the NPA rebels and in the  quest for a lasting peace and progressive communities in this part of the country,  Velarmino added.

Velarmino called on the peace-loving people of Samar  to help in convincing those who were deceived by the CPP-NPA, to follow the path of peace and condemn those who advocate violence and use of arms against the government.

The wounded soldiers were now recuperating at Camp Lukban Station Hospital and in stable condition.

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