'Surrender NPA rebels behind Davao City blast'

MANILA, Philippines - The military yesterday asked the New People’s Army (NPA) to surrender to authorities the perpetrators of the grenade attack in Davao City that injured 47 persons last week.

 Armed Forces Human Rights Office chief Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan said the apology of the communist rebels is not enough, and those behind the incident should be brought to justice.

“There was a crime. Those who perpetrated this should be brought before the bar of justice because that is the due process of law and apologies cannot mitigate impunity,” Tutaan said.

The Davao City police is set to file frustrated murder charges against the NPA rebels for the attack, Davao City police director Senior Senior Superintendent Ronald de la Rosa said.

To be charged are Pulang Bagani Command chief Leoncio Pitao, also known as Kumander Parago; and his son, Ryan Pitao; and seven other NPA members operating in the Paquibato district area.

Tutaan said the perpetrators violated Republic Act 9851, which bars attacks against civilians and non-combatants.

NPA members reportedly lobbed a grenade at the victims who were watching a circus last Sept. 1. 

The NPA Merardo Arce Command took full responsibility for the attack and admitted that its fighters had made a wrong decision in staging it. 

“The NPA will take concrete measures to indemnify the victims consistent with the principles of revolutionary justice and the policies governing the New People’s Army and the revolutionary movement,” the armed group said in a statement. 

The NPA said it is conducting an internal investigation into the incident, which it described as a “gross mistake in judgment.” – With Edith Regalado