NPA robbed soldiers’ meal allowance during ambush: 2 troopers killed

By DPAO, 8ID PA
November 30, 2015

CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Meal allowance of 14th Infantry Battalion soldiers were taken by the New People’s Army (NPA) while two soldiers were killed and three were wounded during an ambush at around 7:40 p.m., November 27, 2015 in Barangay Lagundi, Catbalogan City, Samar.

The soldiers led by 1Lt. Cherwin B. Lapura, aboard a KM450 vehicle, were traversing the Maharlika Highway in going back to their camp when they were hit by a landmine laid along the side of the road followed by a burst of gunfire. The NPA bandits then took the Subsistence Allowance of the personnel of 14IB amounting to P1.8 million that was just recently withdrawn from the bank. Acting like robbers and criminals, they also robbed the slain soldiers of their combat boots, cellphones, wallet and other personal belongings.

Joint AFP and PNP troops from the Division Headquarters composed of armored vehicles, one platoon of soldiers, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, together with the SOCO team from the Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO) were immediately sent to the area to reinforce the beleaguered troops. They recovered assorted empty shells of different calibers, including that of an AK-47 rifle, and fragments of landmines made from PVC pipe and cuttings of steelbar.

The 8ID strongly condemns these treacherous acts of the NPAs which are gross violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) by the CPP-NPA to which the communist group is a signatory.

CARHRIHL states that parties involved in the agreement should affirm and apply the principles of international humanitarian law in order to protect the civilian population and individual civilians, as well as persons deprived of their liberty for reasons related to the armed conflict and also guarantees the right against economic and food blockades and indiscriminate bombings, shelling, strafing, gunfire and the use of landmines.

Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, Commander, 8ID said, “I would like to express my condolence to the families of the slain soldiers. They died a hero’s death in pursuit of peace and development in the region. Their sacrifices and bravery will not be forgotten.”

“Despite this setback, your Army in Eastern Visayas will remain focused in carrying out the mission to safeguard the people against the NPA rebels and in our quest for a lasting peace and progressive communities in this part of the country”, he added.

Velarmino stressed, by calling out the peace loving people of Samar, to help in convincing those who were deceived by the CPP-NPA, to follow the path of peace and condemn those who advocate violence and use of arms against the government.