AFP condemns NPA attack on Agusan relief mission

MANILA, Philippines -  The military yesterday condemned the attack staged by communist rebels last Tuesday in Agusan del Sur which claimed the lives of two civilians.

Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief, branded the rebels’ armed offensive as a “terrorist act.”

“We denounce this terrorist act of the NPA (New People’s Army) that not only harms the soldiers and policemen but also the innocent civilians,” Burgos said.

“The Armed Forces would like to offer our deepest condolences to the families of the two civilians hit and killed by stray bullets during the NPA attack,” he added.

Last Tuesday, two provincial employees were killed and a policeman was seized as NPA rebels attacked a relief operation conducted by local officials in Agusan del Sur.

Police authorities said the atrocity happened at around 6 a.m. in Barangay Pulang Lupa, Trento, Agusan del Sur where relief activities were ongoing due to recent floods.

Killed were Fritz Man Dimzon and a certain Lito of Bantay Kalikasan under the governor’s office.

SPO2 Jorge Sabatin, who secured the relief mission, was snatched by the insurgents while a certain PO3 Mario Siviliano was wounded in the attack.

“We will continue to coordinate with the PNP (Philippine National Police) with the hopes of bringing back the seized police officer from the rebellious group and wishes for his safety during the course of the pursuit,” Burgos said.

He said troops from the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade and 21st Infantry Battalion have been ordered to help the police in ensuring Sabatin’s safety.

For his part, Army spokesman Col. Antonio Parlade Jr. called on human rights groups critical of the military to condemn the NPA attack.

“Where’s Karapatan (human rights group)? What can they say about this marauding NPAs who killed the two civilians?” he said in a text message.