1 dead, 4 hurt in NPA ambush in Davao del Norte

A government militiaman was killed while four others were wounded in an ambush staged by New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Davao del Norte on Wednesday, two days after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels.

The troops were on their way back to their camp in Barangay Gupitan in Kapalong town when attacked by the rebels, according to Brig. Gen. Ricardo Nepomuceno, commander of the Army's 1003rd Brigade.

"The group was returning to their patrol base in lieu of the declaration of the SOMO but they were ambushed by the NPA," he said.

Following Duterte's declaration of a ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the Armed Forces leadership announced a Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) effective Tuesday.

Despite the attack, Nepomuceno said the military will continue observing the ceasefire with the CPP-NPA and coordinate with the Philippine National Police on law enforcement operations.

"There is no pursuit operation because we are still studying if we can conduct this," he said. "We are on defensive posture."

Meanwhile, 10th Infantry Division commander Major General Rafael Valencia condemned the attack, but also stressed that they will honor the ceasefire, which was declared in preparation for the resumption of peace talks in Norway in August.

"We shall continue to abide with the ceasefire, while we  continue to secure the communities, vital installations and ongoing government flagship projects against any possible attack,” Valencia said.

In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), Duterte said he aims for a "permanent and lasting peace" before his term ends in 2022.