AFP scuttles NPA attempt to sow terror in peace rally

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops prevented an alleged plan by the New People’s Army (NPA) to stage attacks on a peace rally and security forces on Thursday, military official reported Saturday.

In a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin on Saturday, Brig. Gen. Ernesto C Torres Jr., commanding general of the AFP’s 1003rd Infantry Brigade, said soldiers of the 56th Infantry Battallion engaged an undetermined number of heavily armed NPA terrorists in Tibukag area, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, near the border of Compostela Valley (ComVal) and Agusan del Sur provinces.

“The (NPAs) plan to conduct atrocities during the peace rally in Sto. Nino, also of Talaingod town, and a site where another CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) detachment is set to be established by the 56th IB,” the 1003rd Brigade commander said.

He said a soldier was wounded while a still undetermined number of terrorists were either killed or wounded during the 30-minute gun battle.

“A platoon of soldiers under 56th IB was conducting security patrol at Tibucag area in support of the peace rally to be held at Sto. Nino, also of Talaingod town and as a prelude to the establishment of CAA Patrol Base in the area,” Torres said.

“When they were informed of the presence of (NPAs), 56th IB troops immediately responded, but were fired upon by the terrorists, from a location at about 50 meters from Tibucag Elementary School of that same town,” he said.