Soldiers, NPAs clash in Agusan, Surigao

Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City — Despite the government’s declaration of a unilateral Christmas ceasefire, the military and the New People’s Army (NPA) clashed in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur last week.

The first encounter erupted in Sitio Kansoman, Barangay San Juan in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur last Tuesday when patrolling members of the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion encountered at least 15 guerrillas.

Last Thursday morning, soldiers and rebels clashed anew in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. A certain S/Sgt. Malaga was wounded.

But Maria Malaya, NPA spokeswoman in the Caraga region, claimed otherwise in a radio interview, saying the military suffered casualties.

Malaya accused the military of violating the government-declared ceasefire by infiltrating rebel-influenced areas.

She said the NPA was still thinking of reciprocating the Christmas truce.

The NPA, the military arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is marking its anniversary on Dec. 26.

Last Dec. 4, NPA rebels burned at least four units of heavy equipment of construction firm Concepcion Basic Builders Inc. in Barangay San Roque in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

They admitted that they torched a bulldozer, grader, roadroller and bucket bulldozer due to the company’s refusal to pay "revolutionary taxes."