5 soldiers killed in NPA attack in Surigao Sur

MANILA, Philippines – Five soldiers were killed while two others were wounded after alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked a military convoy in Surigao del Sur Friday, a day after President Benigno Aquino III, as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, declared a unilateral ceasefire against the communist insurgents.

In a statement, Major Eugenio Osias, spokesman of the 4th Infantry Division, said that a group of NPA rebels on board an elf truck attacked a team from the Community Organizing for Peace and Development from the Bravo Company of 36 Infantry Battalion, 4th ID in Barangay Mabuhay, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur at 5 a.m. Friday.

“Though literally outnumbered, the soldiers fought courageously and valiantly to repel the rebels and held on to their position for as long as they can but were eventually overran,” Osias said in the statement.

The rebels also carted away one K3 squad automatic weapon assault rifle, one M203 grenade launcher, four M16 rifles, five M14 rifles, one Harris handheld radio and one Harris man-pack radio, Osias said.

The attack came hours after the 18-day suspension of offensive military operation against the NPA took effect. The SOMO (suspension of military operations) was set to run from December 16 until Jan. 2, 2012.

Osian withheld the names of the killed and wounded soldiers since their respective families have not yet been informed of the incident.

Newly appointed Armed Forces chief of staff Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa declared the SOMO in observance of the Christmas season.

“This will also allow our brothers and sister who have gone the wrong path, a chance to celebrate Christmas and bond with their families and loved ones peacefully,” Osias added.

For his part, 4th I’d Commander Major General Victor Felix ordered his area commanders to conduct pursuit operations.