Military denies being behind ambush in Samar that left 3 dead

CATBALOGAN CITY - The Armed Forces of the Philippines denied reports they were behind the ambush last September 26 that killed 3 civilians and wounded six others.

The military called the allegations made by the National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas as all lies and purely fabrications for their unpopular revolutionary ends.

In the statement of Fr Santiago Salas, NDF-EV Spokesman that the 8th Infantry Division and its 46th Infantry Battalion was responsible for the attack on barangay chairman Vedasto Dacatimban and eight barangay councilors.

The military said the communist rebels' declaration has no truth and no basis at all as this is a pure propaganda to brainwash the public and put the military and police into bad light.

Major General Armando L. Cunanan of the 8th Infantry Division condemned this "barbaric act" perpetrated by the New People's Army and extended sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of the victims.

"We urge all investigative bodies and other human rights advocates to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to once and for all identify the perpetrators and to seek justice to the families and relatives of the victims," Cunanan said.