Start of Somo Son of ex-Army colonel dies in clash w/ rebels

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  — The start of the unilateral observance of the Suspension of Offensive Military Operations (SOMO) claimed the life of a son of a retired Army colonel yesterday.

Private First Class (PFC) Ricky Gardoce, son of ex-Colonel Ricky Gardoce, was killed after an encounter between members of the 82nd Infantry Battalion’s Bayanihan Team and suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Gardoce was not immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital until 4:13 p.m. yesterday. He succumbed to injuries on his chest and leg.

According to military reports, the troops were conducting peace development activities around 10:40 a.m. at sitio Anoy in Barangay Cabalaunan of Miag-ao town in Iloilo when they were fired upon by the armed rebels.

Colonel Arnold Quiapo, 301st Infantry Brigade commander, said the soldiers were also doing defensive security patrol following reports of a planned harassment by NPA rebels on a nearby Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) detachment whose primary function was to protect nearby communities.

Major General Jose Mabanta Jr., commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the soldiers were strictly observing the unilateral SOMO and they were in the area to maintain activities supporting government and civil authorities’ peace, development and humanitarian assistance programs.

“While we are suspending all deliberate offensive military operations, we will continue our presence in communities to protect civilian communities, government and civilian infrastructure in order to maintain peace and security in the area,” he added.

Despite what happened, Mabanta said the military would still strictly adhere to the SOMO declaration. “The Army’s commitment to peace will always be present especially during this Christmas season. Communities should be given the opportunity to celebrate the yuletide peacefully,” he said.

However, “as part of our defensive security operations, troops are now conducting hot pursuit operations against the perpetrators,” Mabanta added.

It can be noted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared an 18-day Christmas and New Year truce between government troops and New People’s Army rebels which begins yesterday until Jan. 2.

AFP Chief, Gen. Jessie Dellosa, said the objective of the unilateral implementation of Yuletide SOMO against the NPA is to demonstrate the AFP’s commitment, sincerity and resolve for peace in spite of conflicts with the insurgent group. (FREEMAN)