Governor Ongchuan reiterates need to end insurgency in Northern Samar

Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan | PHOTO: League of Provinces of the Philippines

TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan reiterated the need to end the insurgency problem in his province.

“While the provincial government is saddened by this unfortunate event and grieves for the loss of innocent victims, to include children and some of our government forces, this will not cower us from continuing our support to concerted efforts to bring lasting peace in Northern Samar,” the governor said.

“The heartless perpetrators should be brought to the bar of justice,” he added.

Ongchuan’s reaction came after the recent ambush incidents, involving government troopers and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Samar.

READ: 4 dead in clash between NPA rebels and gov’t troops in Northern Samar

Ongchuan said the incident was made by the communist group to “terrorize” and sow fear among the people, especially those living in remote villages.

Insurgency problems in Northern Samar remain to be a problem with skirmishes between government troops and NPA members.

Just last week, ambush incidents took place in Lapinig and Catubig towns.

On Feb.7, a police officer, Lt. Kenneth Tad-awan, was killed in a 20-minute gunfight in Barangay Look.

The following day, Feb.8, a firefight between soldiers and NPA rebels in Catubig town resulted in the deaths of Andre Mercado, 12, and Leandro Alivio, 13, both residents of Barangay Roxas of said town.

Another civilian, Arlie Rebay, 25, was wounded.

Ongchuan promised to extend a P20,000 financial assistance to each of the families of the minors and P10,000 to Rebay.

JPV