2 unarmed soldiers shot dead by NPA rebels
DAVAO CITY – Communist guerrillas executed two soldiers in Agusan del Sur on Friday as the New People’s Army (NPA) gears up for its anniversary this month.
Lt. Col. Rolando Dumawa, commander of the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion, said Privates First Class Rene Lasaga and Vick-Aron Milan, who were both under his command, were heading back to their post on a motorcycle after doing marketing chores on Friday when flagged down at an NPA roadblock in San Patricio in La Paz town.
Dumawa said the two soldiers, who were not armed and wore civilian clothes, were questioned and frisked at the roadblock.
After finding out they were soldiers, the rebels shot them at close range, he said.
“They suffered bullet wounds in the heads and at the back of their bodies,” Dumawa said.
The Agusan del Sur incident was the latest atrocity blamed on the NPA in Eastern Mindanao area.
On February 27, NPA rebels also ambushed an army vehicle in San Agustin in Tagum City.
One insurgent was killed and three soldiers were injured in the brief clash that ensued following the ambush.
Lt. Col. Rey Anthony Tumaliuan, commander of the 46th Infantry Battalion, said the NPA was trying to “project strength” as its anniversary nears.
The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, will be celebrating its 46th anniversary on March 29.
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