Soldier killed on first day of truce with NPA

MANILA, Philippines - A soldier was reported killed yesterday as the military started its observance of an 18-day unilateral truce with the New People’s Army (NPA).

Private First Class Ricky Gardoce, son of retired Col. Noe Gardoce, was killed after an encounter between members of the 82nd Infantry Battalion’s Bayanihan Team and suspected NPA rebels.

He succumbed to injuries on his chest and leg.

The military said their troops were conducting peace development activities around 10:40 a.m. at Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan in Miag-ao, Iloilo when they were fired upon by an armed group.

Maj. General Jose Mabanta Jr., commanding officer of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said that in spite of what happened, they would still strictly adhere to the SOMO (suspension of offensive military operation) declaration.

“The Army’s commitment to peace will always be present especially during this Christmas season. Communities should be given the opportunity to celebrate the yuletide peacefully,” he said.

“However, as part of our defensive security operations, troops are now conducting hot pursuit operations against the perpetrators,” Mabanta said.

He stressed that the soldiers were strictly observing the unilateral SOMO and they were in the area to maintain activities supporting government and civil authorities’ peace, development and humanitarian assistance programs.

Meanwhile, Col. Arnold Quiapo, 301st Infantry Brigade commander, said soldiers were also doing defensive security patrol following reports of a planned harassment by NPA rebels on a nearby Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) detachment.

Earlier, the Armed Forces declared a Christmas and New Year truce with NPA rebels, starting yesterday until Jan. 2.

AFP chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa said that the objective of the unilateral implementation of Yuletide SOMO with the NPA is to demonstrate the AFP’s commitment, sincerity and resolve for peace in spite of conflicts with the insurgent group. – With Jaime Laude