Authorities are conducting hot pursuit operations against 15 suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who raided a security agency and abducted a soldier Friday night.
Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, the spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the unarmed soldier of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion was riding a motorcycle with his wife when flagged down by the NPA disguised as members of the Philippine National Police.
Martinez identified the army soldier as Technical Sergeant Joseph Paredes, of the army’s 8IB based in Impasug- ong, Bukidnon.
He said that the armed men earlier stormed the security compound of Dasia Security Agency, a Davao-based security agency, in Juanilla Subdivision, Poblacion, Valencia City, Friday evening.
The NPA clad in PNP uniform took the agency’s firearms and stole some of their valuables and placed it inside the agency’s two armored vehicles sending panic among residents in the peaceful community, Martinez said.
Elements of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, Bukidnon Provincial Police Office and Valencia City Police Station have joined forces in the pursuit operations while the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Tactical Operations Group TOG) is also currently assisting for air cover. (PNA)
