Military accuses NPA rebs of violating ceasefire in 3 provinces

The military has accused communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels of violating the ceasefire declared in connection with the COVID-19 health crisis by staging attacks on security forces in at least three instances.

In one such attack, in Pantukan, Davao de Oro on April 7, a suspected rebel was killed, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Felimon Santos Jr.

The rebel was killed, Santos said, when they attacked the Philippine National Police Regional Mobile Force Company in Barangay Tangdanua. An AK-47 rifle was recovered at the site.

Meanwhile, some landmines that were planted along a trail between Barangays Hubasan and Binanggaran in Samar's Calbiga town were discovered by the 46th Infantry Battalion.

The explosives were believed to have been placed there for a planned ambush and could have endangered the lives of residents who were also using the path.

Two other suspected NPA rebels were also intercepted at Barangay Llavac in Real, Quezon for violating the curfew in the area. Two anti-personnel mines and four blasting caps have been left behind when they fled from the 1st Infantry Battalion.

"I commend our soldiers for prevailing in three instances of treachery committed by the New People's Army since April 6 despite their ceasefire declaration amid the threat of COVID-19 pandemic," Santos said.

He assured the public that state security forces are equipped to respond to both the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health emergency and the rebels attacks.

"Our proactive defense posture remains in place and we will not waver in our commitment to protect our people from the NPAs," he said.

Last month, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) declared a nationwide ceasefire from March 26 until April 15 "to ensure and facilitate necessary, unhampered and immediate medical, health and economic assistance, support and movement of the people" amid the COVID-19 situation.

It has vowed to continue observing the truce despite a firefight that transpired between its armed wing NPA and government forces in Rodriguez, Rizal. --Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News