CNTs fire upon gov’t troops working vs. COVID-19 pandemic
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 27 (PIA6) — Members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) group fired upon troopers of the joint 79th Infantry Battalion and the 6th Special Action Force Battalion in Sitio Sicaba, Barangay Gawahon in Victorias City, April 24.
Troopers were conducting information dissemination to the communities about COVID-19 pandemic, residents of Sitio Sicaba complained about the presence and extortion activities of the CNTs and upon securing the area, the CNTs spontaneously fired upon the government troops forcing them to return fire.
The firefight ensued for about 30 minutes that led the NPAs to withdrew to different directions and were seen dragging four of their comrade casualties leaving also two wounded government soldiers during the pursuit operation.
Lieutenant Colonel Gerard T Alvaran, 79IB Commanding Officer, said the two wounded government soldiers were airlifted to a Bacolod hospital and are now on stable condition.
According to Alvaran, the NPA terrorist group were about to explode IED which indicates a clear violation against humanitarian law.
Recovered from the encounter site were improvised explosive devices, guns, ammunitions, radios, personal belongings and subversive documents.
“The troops were putting their own lives at risk on helping the people fight the spread of COVID-19 virus while the Communist Terrorists take opportunity to violate human rights amid the crisis. With this, we will heighten security operations to capture the NPA terrorist and stop them from sowing fear in our communities,” Alvaran added. *(LTP/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040114