NPAs attack Army-CAFGU camp, seize hi-tech arms

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Communist rebels swooped down a detachment of the Civilian Armed Forces of the Philippines (CAFGU) in a hinterland barangay in Agusan del Sur and carted 10 high-powered firearms on Sunday, the military reported yesterday.

Lt. Colonel Johnny Macanas, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division, said that at least 110 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, including nine women fighters (Amazons) attacked and harassed the CAFGU detachment in Barangay Zamora, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur at around 10 a.m.

"The attack caught by surprise the detachment that they were not able to resist. Fortunately, there was no firefight and no casualty was reported on both sides," Macanas said.

The NPA rebels using ropes tied the CAFGUs while the rebels were busy looking for firearms and ammunitions inside the camp. Helpless, the military offered no resistance until one of them was able to free himself and immediately free others who were tied with the rope when the communist rebels already fled in the hinterland portionof the camp.

Rebels carted away seven M-14 and, two M-16 armalite rifles and one garand rifle. Personal belongings and all ammunitions available were carted away by the rebels.

Citing a report from the Police Regional Office in Caraga, Macanas said the police in Agusan del Sur and elements of the 36th Infantry Battalion conducted hot pursuit operations in the area.

A military officer, who asked anonymity, said that the attack was made possible because of "inside job." He said that the CAFGUs assigned in the area are former NPA rebels.

"A thorough investigation will be conducted to identify those responsible for this alleged collusion," he said, adding that there was something amiss in the alleged attack "considering that they were fully armed and could have fought back but no resistance were offered whatsoever and the NPAs practically took over the detachment and carted away the firearms."

The officer also said that one of the CAFGUs, who earlier went somewhere, returned to the detachment Sunday under the point of the gun of the rebels and he led them to the detachment. – With Ben Serrano