Reds face raps for attacks on disaster responders

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will file charges against suspected communist rebels behind attacks against government security forces on disaster response mission due to Typhoon Odette in Samar and Surigao del Sur on Wednesday.

“It appears these two incidents were part of deliberate and simultaneous attacks coordinated at a higher level of the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army) leadership,” PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said.

Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Pimentel said three civilians were killed and several others were wounded in the incident in Barangay Canvacan in Carmen town.

The Caraga police clarified that no one was killed, but two civilians on a motorcycle were wounded.

Meanwhile, two policemen and a civilian were wounded in an attack by NPA rebels in Barangay del Rosario in Matuguinao in Samar.

Carlos said police were helping local government officials in prepositioning relief supplies in areas threatened by the typhoon when the incident occurred.

Commission on Human Rights spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said the CHR regional office in Caraga has started its investigation into the attack in Surigao del Sur.

“It is deplorable that such act of terror is perpetrated during a time of impending calamity and amid the ongoing pandemic,” De Guia said.

She said attacks during a period of crisis, especially when civilians are harmed, violate the International Humanitarian Law.

“We urge the government to pursue the perpetrators and exact full accountability in keeping with the rule of law,” De Guia said.