PAF trooper slain in NPA attack

MANILA, Philippines – A trooper of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) was killed when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas raided a military detachment in Nasugbu, Batangas on Saturday.

The attack occurred four days before the start of the 12-day holiday truce declared by the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

A report from the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) said S/Sgt. Armando Silvestre of the PAF’s 710th Special Operations Wing died from a gunshot to the chest.

Solcom spokesman Maj. Angelo Guzman said the attack occurred at around 3:15 p.m. in Barangay Calayo.

Guzman said the rebels were targeting soldiers engaged in humanitarian operations in areas hit by Typhoon Nona.

“The attack puts into question the sincerity of the CPP-NPA’s unilateral ceasefire from Dec. 23 to Jan. 4, 2016,” Guzman said.