PNP, AFP condemn NPA attack in Eastern Samar, say attack shows Reds' insincerity

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday condemned the attack by suspected rebels of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Borongan, Eastern Samar which killed at least two and injured 15 others.

In a statement, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac vowed that those responsible will be brought to account so that "the full might of the law will take its course."

"This only shows the insincerity of the CPP-NPA to give peace a chance," Banac added.

According to the military, a thrown improvised explosive device on Friday by the suspected NPA rebels killed a grandmother and a police officer while three minors, including a baby, were among the 10 civilians injured.

Meanwhile, the remaining five individuals wounded were police officers, it added.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased while we assure care for the wounded," Banac said.

He also lauded the civilians who rushed to help those injured despite the danger.

"We express our gratitude to the nameless private citizens who rushed to the aid of the victims unmindful of their own safety from the internationally-outlawed landmines laid by the terrorists," Banac said. 

For its part, the AFP described the attack as "abominable" and as an "utter disregard" of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law by killing non-combatant civilians. The military said the group behind it was the same one that "masquerades themselves as pro-people and pro-human rights."

"We urge our people to reject these communist terrorists and report any attempts to infiltrate their communities. Those murderers have no place in our civilized society. They should be denied every chance to get near our children and ruin their future," the AFP added. —Joahna Lei Casilao/KG/MDM, GMA News