11 NPA rebels face raps over ambush of troops

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the filing of charges for violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act against 11 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in connection with the ambush of Army soldiers in Occidental Mindoro last year.

The suspects were identified as Jovito Marquez, Antonio Baculo, Sonny Rogelio, Veginia Terrobias, Lena Gumpad, Job Abednego David, Jessie Almoguera, Reina Grace, Bethro Erardo Zapra Jr., Daisylyn Castillo Malucon and Yvaan Zuniga.

The DOJ said the government troopers were waylaid in Barangay Malisbong in Sablayan town on May 30.

The rebels are believed to be members of a guerrilla unit of the NPA’s Southern Tagalog committee.

“This attack, which resulted in no casualties among the Army personnel, has been characterized by investigating prosecutors as an act of terrorism,” the DOJ said in a statement.

“The intent behind the ambush was deemed to cause death, serious injury, and to instill a widespread atmosphere of fear, thereby destabilizing the fundamental political, economic, and social structures of the Philippines,” it added.

The charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

The military said soldiers from the 68th Infantry Battalion were conducting military operations when they encountered the rebels.

Three M16 rifles were among those recovered at the scene.