Condemnation
Troops hit NPA attack that killed infant, cop
TROOPS condemned the recent attack of the New People’s Army (NPA) that killed an infant and a policeman while wounding others last Thursday, citing that it is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (Carhrihl) signed by the government and the lefts.
In a statement e-mailed to the media, 403rd Infantry Brigade Civil Military Officer (CMO) Captain Norman M. Tagros said that the recent atrocity perpetrated by the insurgents disrespected the provision of the agreement that prohibits the attacks against civilians and non-combatants and bans the use of landmine.
The incident happened at around 5:30 p.m. in Brgy. Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon when undetermined number of rebels ambushed the police patrol vehicle of the Bumbaran Municipal Police Station that resulted to the death of a policeman and wounding of three police personnel who were onboard their patrol vehicle.
The infant who was identified as Walysha Machorao, a four - month old baby succumbed to a bullet wound in her head while others were wounded the two other female companions who sustained gunshot wounds in their right arm and left breast.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Eric C. Vinoya AFP, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, condemned another barbaric act of the bandit group that claimed lives and inflicted harm on the civilians.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this barbaric act committed by the perpetrators of this incident which resulted to the tragic death of a four-month old baby girl and one of our police personnel,” Vinoya said.
He lambasted the rebels for indiscriminately firing and disregarding the lives of the innocent civilian and the men in uniform when they launched the attack. He also vowed to run after them and make the suspects accountable for their crime.
“These perpetrators can be compared to savages, infant killers, and murderers of innocent civilians, who thrive on abusing the weak by using coercion and intimidation, without giving any regard to human life and established laws. They do not belong in this civilized society. They will be punished,” he added.
The responding troops from the 1st Special Forces Battalion recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED/Landmine), 200 meters wire, detonating cords, empty shells of AK-47 rifle ammunitions, and subversive documents at the crime incident.