3 killed in NPA attack

DAVAO CITY—At least three militiamen were killed by heavily armed communist rebels who attacked their patrol base in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental province, on Sunday night, according to the military.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said New People’s Army (NPA) members harassed the base in Barangay Hindangon around 8 p.m.

Killed were Alfredo Sarno, Perry Abao and a certain Pernan. Martinez said they were unarmed and wore civilian clothes.

The military condemned the attack which, it said, was staged after the NPA requested a 10-day suspension of military operations to facilitate the release of a captured soldier.

Pfc. Adonis Jess Maghanoy Lupiba was taken captive by guerrillas in a raid in the same city on July 11. A soldier was killed while eight others and two civilians were wounded.

NPA spokesperson Allan Juanito claimed responsibility for the raid and said Lupiba was undergoing investigation. The soldier will be freed once it is proven that he has not committed any serious offense against the revolutionary movement, he said.

“The NPA custodial unit ensures the humanitarian treatment of Pfc. Lupiba as a POW (prisoner of war),” Juanito said in a statement. Karlos Manlupig, Inquirer Mindanao