2 soldiers, militiaman killed in Compostela Valley NPA attack

MANILA, Philippines - Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed two soldiers and a militiaman in an ambush in Compostela Valley yesterday.

Reports reaching the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) said the victims were on a motorcycle on their way home to enjoy their Christmas break when they were attacked by around eight rebels in Barangay Candinuyan in Mabini town at around 9:45 a.m.

A report by the Southern Mindanao regional police identified the victims as a certain 1Lt. Bautista, Pfc. Amor and CAFGU Active Auxiliary Ronel Baluca. 

The attack occurred as the government observes a month-long holiday ceasefire that started last Dec. 18. The government and the National Democratic Front are discussing the possibility of going back to the negotiating table. 

Responding troops from the 71st Infantry Battalion said the victims bore multiple bullet wounds.

“The continued banditry and attacks disprove the sugar-coated statements of the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) and NPA. They claim that they are pursuing peace but their actions clearly contradict what they are saying,” said Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año, chief of the Army’s 10th ID.

“We sympathize with the families of the slain soldiers and will exert all efforts to bring to justice those responsible for this merciless, treacherous crime,” he added.

Meanwhile, four pieces of heavy equipment owned by Varin Construction Co. in Paracale, Camarines Norte were earlier torched by suspected NPA guerrillas for the firm’s refusal to pay revolutionary taxes. The incident was the first recorded NPA attack since the government implemented the holiday ceasefire.

Communist rebels have also accused the military of violating its own truce by deploying troops in Davao City, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, North Cotabato and Agusan del Sur.  – With Edith Regalado