NPA rebels attack troops in anti-Covid drive in Zambo town

PAGADIAN CITY – Communist rebels attacked soldiers assisting in the government’s campaign against the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease, or Covid-19, in Zamboanga Sibugay province in southern Philippines, officials reported Thursday.

Officials said troops were resting in the village of Balagon in Siay town from a daylong information drive when New People’s Army rebels attacked them, sparking a firefight.

The rebels broke into smaller groups and fled, leaving behind personal belongings and their medical kit. It was not immediately known whether the rebel group suffered casualties, but the military said all its soldiers – members of the 44^th Infantry Battalion - are all accounted for.  

“The troops were already resting after conducting community visitation and information dissemination on Covid-19 crisis in far-flung areas when they were harassed by the armed communist terrorist group,” said Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, the battalion commander.

It was the second attack on soldiers in recent weeks after rebels also assaulted them in Penaranda village in neighboring Kabasalan town.

Col. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102^nd Infantry Brigade, said despite the rebel attack, troops will continue to assist in the government efforts to contain the spread of the virus through community information drive and at the same time protect civilians from threats posed by the NPA.

The attack on soldiers came despite a unilateral ceasefire declared by the communist group following President Rodrigo Duterte’s truce to allow security forces to help the government in battling the respiratory virus.  

“This is a clear manifestation of the duplicitous tactics and insincerity of the communists on their declaration of ceasefire. Our troops on the ground will continue to observe the ceasefire during this Covid-19 crisis, but rest assured that all units remain alert and vigilant in protecting the communities from any atrocities by the rebels,” Nicolas said.

Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, strongly condemned the attack, calling it “atrocities against government troops.”

“The people of Zamboanga Peninsula is already suffering on the effects of the Covid-19 crisis, and yet these terror groups continue with their attacks to sow fear to the people,” Ponio said.

“We urge the rebels to stop the attacks and enjoin the government in its efforts of stopping the spread of Covid-19. Our doors will always be open for those who wish to surrender and avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” he added

Ponio was referring to the government’s amnesty program called E-Clip, a peace-building and social protection program that provides interventions and financial aid to those who surrender so they live peacefully with their family and become productive citizens of society.

The NPA has been waging a violent campaign for many decades now in an effort to put up a communist state in the country. (Zamboanga Post)

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