Suspected NPAs fire shots at CAFGU detachment in Iligan City —military

A group of suspected members of the New People's Army allegedly fired shots at a detachment of the Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Iligan City on Thursday, the military said. 

Two CAAs were injured and brought to the Iligan City Hospital for treatment.

The firefight occurred at 10 a.m. on Thursday and lasted for 10 minutes.

Lieutenant Colonel Domingo Dulay, commander of the Philippine Army's 4th Mech Infantry Battalion, said the group of five suspected NPAs withdrew when the CAA fought back.

"The five armed CTGs immediately withdrew when the troops in the detachment defend and fired back," he said.

Pursuit operations were launched to "neutralize the fleeing NPA terrorist group," Dulay said.

Major General Gene Ponio lauded the CAAs for defending their position against the suspected NPAs.

"We commend them for gallantly defending not only the camp, but also the community that the terrorist group intend to sow terror," he said.

Ponio then urged residents to cooperate with security forces in order to ensure arrest of any threats in their areas.

He added that the NPA is resorting to tactics such as the one which occurred Thursday to deceive locals despite the group's alleged dwindling numbers among its members. —Merlyn Manos/KG, GMA News