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3 gov't militiamen hurt in NPA harassment in Batangas


Three government militiamen were wounded when communist rebels "harassed" a military detachment in Laiya Aplaya town in Batangas province on Thursday night, officials said Friday.

1Lt Xy-zon Meneses, public information chief of the 2nd Infantry Division, identified the three wounded militiamen as Sherlack Contreras, who sustained a gunshot wound on his left shoulder; and Honorio Rosales and Rodelito Contreras, who sustained minor wounds on their left and right legs, respectively.

The harassment occurred a day before the release from detention of communist leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon — a significant development on the days leading to the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Lt. Col. Andres Ferrer, commanding officer of the 59th Infantry Battalion, said the harrasment is desperate act of the New People's Army (NPA), the CPP's armed wing, in order to portray a scenario that they still pose a strong threat to the government.

He said it was also the NPA's way to elicit financial support from the business owners in Laiya through revolutionary tax.

For his part, Romeo Gan, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, said act manifested the insincerity of the NPA to attain lasting peace and sustainable development.

"The CAAs (CAFGU Active Auxiliary) are there in the area to help and provide community service. However, these rebels are against peace and development," said Gan.

"But said harassment will not hamper our earnest desire to attain our mission of serving the people and securing the land," he added.

The wounded CAAs were already brought to the hospital for treatment, while the troops on the ground conducted pursuit operations.

President Rodrigo Duterte, the military's commander in chief, lifted the unilateral ceasefire he declared with the CPP-NPA in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last month after the rebels failed to reciprocate the gesture and instead ambushed a team of government militiamen in Davao del Norte, killing one. —KBK, GMA News

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