DAVAO ORIENTAL, Philippines — Suspected New People’s Army guerrillas reportedly took away relief goods given to residents of Baganga town in Davao Oriental over the weekend.
Five rebels reportedly opened fire at troopers of the Army’s 67th Infantry Battalion led by 2/Lt. Joseph de Leon, who responded to reports about the incident in Barangay Mahan-ub on Saturday.
No one among the troopers was wounded in the firefight that lasted 10 minutes.
Residents told authorities they were forced by the armed men to hand over the relief goods distributed by the government.
Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang denounced the incident, saying it is proof that the communists are terrorists and anti-people.
“What they did was a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement. While the government is busy looking for ways to contain the coronavirus disease 2019, the communists are robbing the people,” Dayanghirang said, adding the government should no longer engage in peace talks with the communists.
He gave assurance the local government would strive to maintain the momentum gained in the fight against the disease.