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NPA members attack PSG convoy in Cotabato


A two-vehicle convoy of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) was attacked by New People's Army members in Arakan, Cotabato early Wednesday.

Initial reports from Police Region Office 12 said that an unidentified civilian was killed in the incident, while an asset of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group identified as Rogelio Mago Genon was abducted.

PSG spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Michael Aquino told GMA's Quick Response Team that one NPA rebel died of his wounds in the hour-long encounter.

"Noong nag-hot pursuit ang ating mga tropa, meron silang nakitang patay na NPA na, accordingly, ay resulta ng engkwentro nila with PSG," he said.

The Armed Forces' Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) also reported that a certain Ben Pandia, a member of the Civilian Auxiliary Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), was killed prior to the attack.

Five wounded, no fatalities among PSG

EastMinCom deputy commander Brigadier General Gilbert Gapay said there were no fatalities on the side of the PSG men.

"Initial feedback ay may wounded lang naman," Gapay said in an interview over radio dzBB.

EastMinCom spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey told Balita Pilipinas Ngayon that of the five PSG men wounded in the attack, three had been shot.

The injured were identified as Staff Sergeant Arniel Matunhay, Sergeant Gerry Torsar, Corporal Rodel Ledesma, Corporal Ayam Alia, and a Staff Sergeant Lisondra.

They were brought to German Doctors Hospital in Davao City for treatment.

Rebels disguised as soldiers

The local police said in a report that the encounter occurred at around 6 a.m. and involved at least 100 NPA members.

"Wala namang ibang armadong gumagalaw sa area na 'yan kundi ang New People's Army," Balagtey said in a separate News To Go interview.

Gapay said the PSG men were attacked near the tri-boundary of Arakan-Bukidnon-Davao City as they were heading to Cagayan de Oro City.

Police said the PSG were on board a black Nissan Patrol and a white Ford E150—a customized bulletproof vehicle—when they encountered the communist rebels, who were wearing Army uniforms with 3rd IB patches. They were conducting a checkpoint with a Task Force Davao sign along the national highway.

Approaching the area, the PSG realized that the individuals at the checkpoint were not government security forces and immediately sped up, bumping the hurdle. This prompted the rebels to fire upon the presidential escorts with high-powered firearms.

Police said the rebels withdrew in the direction of Barangay Gambudes, Arakan, Cotabato.

The 39th Infantry Battalion troops then sighted and engaged with the escaping NPA fighters in Barangay Napaliko, also in Arakan.

Balagtey said the remains of the NPA member killed in the encounter were recovered around 1 p.m.

"Not an ambush"

PSG commander Brigadier General Lope Dagoy said the incident should not be considered an ambush.

"Hindi naman ambush. Checkpoint lang iyon na ginawa ng mga NPA, tapos nahalata ng sundalo namin," he said.

In his Balita Pilipinas Ngayon interview, Balagtey said, "In fact, the NPA was accordingly caught unaware na PSG itong inengkwentro [nila]. It was the PSG that initiated the encounter."

Duterte visit

Balagtey said the PSG men were not part of the President's security detail and were conducting a "normal administrative movement" when the incident occurred.

Gapay also told dzBB that based on initial information, the PSG men were supposed to "pre-position" in Cagayan de Oro City, but added that they were not aware if President Rodrigo Duterte had an appointment in the city.

Dagoy also earlier said that Duterte had no scheduled visit there.

But an EastMinCom press statement released in the afternoon said the members of the convoy were indeed about to pre-position in Cagayan De Oro in view of the President's scheduled visit to different military camps.

It was also earlier announced that Duterte will be in Davao City to prepare for his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), which will be delivered on Monday, July 24.

Gapay said local policemen and soldiers from the detachment nearest to the attack site have reinforced the PSG men and pursuit operations have been launched against the rebels.

On Monday, Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said they have information that the NPA was planning an attack in Davao before Duterte's SONA.

Because of the incident, EastMinCom directed subordinate units to intensify security operations to protect communities, vital infrastructure and economic endeavors. — ALG/RSJ/KVD/BM, GMA News

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