MANILA, Philippines - Two soldiers and one civilian were killed by suspected communist rebels in Gumaca, Quezon last Tuesday, the military said.
The soldiers, identified as Pfc. Christopher Dingle and Pfc. Alpasain Ikan, and their companion Marry Ann Brillantes were in a birthday party in Barangay San Vicente when they were shot to death by unidentified gunmen at about 7:45 p.m.
“After the killing, the perpetrators introduced themselves as NPA (New People’s Army) members, and warned civilians not to interfere,” Col. Rhoderick Parayno, chief of the 201st Infantry Brigade, said.
Parayno condemned the murders, noting that the slain soldiers were unarmed and in civilian clothes when they were killed.
"The victims were shot in close range. They were killed instantly during the initial burst of fire. But the NPAs were not satisfied. They closed in and fired more rounds of AK47 rifles and cal. 45 pistols at the soldiers,” Parayno said.
“Worst, the woman could have survived since she was able to run, but the NPA (members) chased her to finish her off," he added.
Parayno said the perpetrators violated the International Humanitarian Law, which seeks to protect the rights of civilians.
“We will file cases against these terrorists," he said.