DAVAO CITY—The Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has alerted all its units, after a series of attacks, abduction and killings in the Caraga and Davao regions perpetrated by the communist New People’s Army (NPA), despite a standing unilateral cease-fire and the ongoing peace talks with the National Democratic Front.
The Eastmincom chief, Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, on Tuesday ordered all units under the command to be on alert against possible atrocities in the future, as he reminded troops to remain committed and observe the suspension of offensive military operations as part of the unilateral cease-fire.
“In the meantime, we will continue to abide by our own cease-fire declaration, and observe the suspension of offensive military operations. We will, however, continue to exercise/perform our mandate of protecting the people and the communities against attacks by armed threat groups,” he added.
Gunmen believed to be NPA guerrillas fired at the Peace and Development Teams (PDTs) that were stationed in Mat-i, Surigao City, in the midnight of January 30.
The attack lasted about 15 minutes, and caused the wounding of three Army troops.
Shortly after midnight, three more attacks took place in the villages of San Isidro, Mahayahay and Hinambangan, all in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, against the PDTs deployed in these areas.
Guerrero said the atrocities ran contrary to the spirit of the peace process, especially in the delivery of basic services to support far-flung communities.
He said the PDTs are stationed in depressed communities to facilitate the delivery of basic government services in collaboration with different government agencies.
“Let us condemn these atrocities, which target our soldiers who are performing noncombat missions. These tactical offensives by the NPAs are inconsistent with their cease-fire declaration, and could imperil the ongoing peace negotiation. These acts of violence also bring misery and suffering to the affected communities. We call on the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-NDF to show sincerity in their peace talks with the government by directing their armed members to immediately desist from committing atrocities,” Guerrero said.