Two soldiers were killed while three others were wounded when they were ambushed by suspected Communist rebels last night along Maharlika Highway between Barangays Socorro and Lagundi in Catbalogan, Samar.
An estimated P2 million in cash intended for the subsistence allowance of the 41st infantry battallion was taken away by the armed men, who also fired several rounds at the soldiers. The money was placed inside a military sling bag, sources said.
An officer, 1st Lt. Cherwin B. Lapura, led the soldiers on board a KM450 Humvee-type vehicle which hit a landmine on their way from Camp Lukban in Maulong, Catbalogan City to their base in Eastern Samar.
Joint AFP and PNP troops from the Division Headquarters composed of armored vehicles, a platoon of soldiers, Explosive Ordinance Disposal team, together with members of the Samar Police Provincial Office were immediately sent to the area to reinforce the beleaguered troops. They recovered assorted empty shells of different calibers, including an AK-47 rifle, and fragments of landmines made of PVC pipe and steelbar cuttings.
The military condemned the “treacherous acts of the NPAs which are in gross violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law” by the CPP-NPA to which the communist group is a signatory.
CARHRIHL states that parties involved in the agreement should affirm and apply the principles of international humanitarian law in order to protect the civilian population and individual civilians, as well as persons deprived of their liberty for reasons related to the armed conflict and also guarantees the right against economic and food blockades and indiscriminate bombings, shelling, strafing, gunfire and the use of landmines.
Military commander Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino of the 8th infantry division said “I would like to express my condolences to the families of the slain soldiers. They died a hero’s death in pursuit of peace and development in the region. Their sacrifices and bravery will not be forgotten.”
Despite this setback, the Army in Eastern Visayas will remain focused on carrying out the mission to safeguard the people against the NPA rebels and in the quest for a lasting peace and progressive communities in this part of the country, Velarmino added.
Velarmino called on the peace-loving people of Samar to help in convincing those who were deceived by the CPP-NPA, to follow the path of peace and condemn those who advocate violence and use of arms against the government.
The wounded soldiers were now recuperating at Camp Lukban Station Hospital and in stable condition.