Soldier slain as NPA rebels attack Bukidnon detachment

MANILA, Philippines - The New People’s Army (NPA) violated its own ceasefire when it attacked an Army outpost and killed a soldier in Bukidnon Thursday night, the military said.

The NPA assault in Barangay Kalabugao, Impasugong town left Pfc. Akmad Maruhom, a member of the 8th Infantry Battalion’s peace and development team based in the area, dead, according to 1Lt. Norman Tagros, the Army unit’s spokesman.

“This is a clear violation of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ declaration of ceasefire. It only shows that they are deceptive in their pronouncements,” said Lt. Col. Romualdo Landingin, 8th IB commander.

Last Dec. 18, the CCP’s Central Committee declared a unilateral truce from midnight of Dec. 24 to Dec. 26 and midnight of Dec. 31 to Jan. 2.

The government, for its part, declared a ceasefire with communist rebels from Dec. 21 to Jan. 15.

Last month, the rebels also harassed the 8th IB team engaged in development projects, leaving a soldier wounded. 

Amid the attacks, the military yesterday renewed its call for communist rebels to abandon the armed struggle.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces public affairs chief, said the insurgents should support the peace process instead of pursuing the armed struggle.

“Instead of waging violence to make themselves relevant, the CPP-NPA should just lay down their arms and commit themselves to the peace process without preconditions,” Zagala said in a statement.

“After decades of fruitless insurgency, the CPP-NPA should stop being part of the problem and start becoming part of the solution,” he added.

Last Tuesday, suspected NPA members burned three taxis owned by Holiday Taxi in Panabo, Davao del Norte. – With Alexis Romero