2 CAFGUs killed by rebels in Abra

BANGUED, Abra — Suspected fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA) killed two members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) during an attack on an Army detachment camp in Barangay Maguyepyep, Sallapadan, Abra on Thursday.

Major Pedro Dacanay, executive officer of the Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion, identified the slain CAFGU members as Dandy Wacguisan, a resident of Barangay Lingey, Bucloc, Abra; and Gordon Gallao, of Barangay Bazar, Sallapadan, also in Abra.

Dacanay said Wacguisan died instantly while Gallao succumbed on the way to hospital.

Dacanay said that two CAFGU members were shot by NPA snipers who were part of an undetermined number of rebels that attacked the paramilitary camp Thursday morning.

He said the battle lasted for about 30 minutes, after which the rebels, their attack thwarted, retreated in different directions.

The attack happened a day

before the 68th anniversary of the 24IB Friday.

Lt. Col. Jearie Boy P. Faminial, the battalion commander, sent three platoons to go after the rebels.

Sallapadan Mayor Garde Cardenas condemned the incident and asked the military to strengthen security for the town.

“The families of the two slain members of the CAFGU are now seeking justice,” said Cardenas.

Major Gen. Lenard T. Agustin, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, condoled with the families of the slain CAFGU members.

“The two CAFGU members died for the country, and they died as heroes.,” Agustin said.

“It is a sad day for us in the 7ID as we lost good CAFGU men who did what they can to defend their base. For those culprits who are on the run right now, these communist terrorists who do nothing but take advantage of the weak, be assured that the full force of the law will be upon you. We will not stop until we have given justice to the deaths of our men,” said Agustin.