Truce broken; 2 soldiers hurt in clash with NPA

MANILA, Philippines — Two soldiers were wounded in an encounter with communist rebels in Tarragona, Davao Oriental on Saturday. 

The soldiers were responding to reports that New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were harassing residents of Barangay Tubaon when the clash occurred.

 Around 50 NPA rebels allegedly fired at the soldiers, triggering a 30-minute gunfight.

 The Philippine Army said the incident violated the holiday ceasefire declared by the rebels.

The NPA declared a unilateral ceasefire from 6 p.m. of Dec. 23 to 6 p.m. of Dec. 26 and 6 p.m. of Dec. 30 to 6 p.m. of Jan. 2 after Malacañang declared a truce from 6 p.m. of Dec. 23 to 11:59 p.m. of Dec. 26 and from 6 p.m. of Dec. 30 until 11:59 p.m. of Jan. 2.

“They continue to intimidate and threaten some of the residents. Report also disclosed that NPAs celebrated the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines in the area with some residents and children who are just afraid not to go with them,” the Army said in a statement.

The rebels also reportedly detonated a landmine. 

“The NPAs have grossly, again and again violated the ceasefire they have declared…They even bring along with them innocent civilians and children,” Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, 10th Infantry Division (ID) commander, said.

“The 10th ID is calling on the people not to be deceived by this terrorist group. Our units are pursuing them to prevent… further atrocities,” Clement said.