DAVAO CITY – The New People’s Army reportedly attacked CAFGU personnel in Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte yesterday.
One Cafgu was killed while four others were wounded, according to 10th Infantry Division spokesperson Rhyan Batchar.
The personnel from the 72nd Infantry Battalion were on their way back to their camp at Sitio Patil, Brgy Gupitan in compliance to the unilateral ceasefire declared by the President during his SONA last July 25, Batchar said.
The CAAs were already on their way from So Kapatagan to Sitio Patil when ambushed by a group of NPAs at Sitio Kamunoan of the said barangay.
The names of the victims are still being withheld.
Col. Ricardo Nepomuceno, 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that the ambush of their troops who were pulling out from the operational area in compliance with the unilateral ceasefire is deplorable.
He said the unit will continue its suspension of offensive operations against the NPA and coordinate with the PNP for the conduct of Law Enforcement Operations.
MGen Rafael Valencia, 10th ID commander condemned the attack by the NPA on the CAAs.
However, he said that the unit will obey the orders of President Duterte.
“We shall continue to abide with the ceasefire, while we continue to secure the communities, vital installations and ongoing government flagship projects against any possible attack of the ALG,” he added.
Earlier, Batchar said that the 10th ID has already ordered a halt to pursuits of New People’s Army throughout its area of operation, as a response to President Duterte’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire during Monday’s State of the Nation Address. (YAS OCAMPO)