Members of the communist New People’s Army. INQUIRER file photo
The Philippine Army accused members of the New People’s Army (NPA) of violating the holiday ceasefire in Compostela Valley.
About 30 communist rebels allegedly chased and tried to capture Arbilito Catampao, a militiaman assigned at the Tubuan Patrol Base in Tarragona, Davao Oriental last Dec. 25 past 9 a.m., Cpt. Jerry Lamosao of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division said in a statement.
On the same day past 7 p.m., the Melale Patrol Base under the 72nd Infantry Battalion was harassed by undetermined number of communist rebels believed to be members of Guerilla Front 34.
A two-minute firefight ensued between the government forces and the rebels.
“It was absolutely clear violation of ceasefire…Their celebration is usually accompanied by armed attacks against the people that reflect their true color as a criminal organization void of any ideology,” said Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, commander of the 10th Infantry Division. /jpv