Army, PNP raise alert vs NPA attacks in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol region are on heightened alert following a series of attacks by New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas out to avenge the killing of the eight rebels in Juban, Sorsogon last week.

The other day, two Army soldiers were wounded after 10 rebels strafed an Army detachment in Barangay Maogog, Jovellar town in Albay.

Wounded were Cpl. Ruel Tolosa and Pfc. Jessie Copaz, according to Col. Lorenzo Raul Farnacio, commanding officer of the 901st Infantry Brigade based in Daraga, Albay.

In a separate incident, the rebels detonated an explosive after firing at a police detachment in Barangay Bascaran, also on Sunday.

No policeman was hurt in the attack.

The attacks came after suspected NPA guerrillas fired at a police car in Barangay Buenavista in Gubat, Sorsogon, hitting a student of the Bicol University on Saturday.

Last Friday, Police Officers 2 Nestor Callos and Alfonso Salvante were wounded when NPA guerillas ambushed a convoy of police vehicles in in Barangay Sta. Cruz in Casiguran, Sorsogon.

“Our forces are prepared to protect the people,” said Lt. Col. Medel Aguilar, acting spokesman for the 9th Infantry Division.