IP leader hits NPA for attack, wounding of minor in Surigao Sur

By Alexander Lopez / Philippine News Agency

Google map of San Miguel town, Surigao del Sur.

BUTUAN CITY – An Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in Surigao del Sur criticized Tuesday the communist New People’s Army (NPA) for its latest attack that resulted in the death of a soldier and wounding of two, including an IP minor.

Datu Rico Maca, the IPMR of San Miguel municipality, told the Philippine News Agency that a 16-year-old boy from the Manobo IP community was wounded when NPA rebels waylaid two soldiers on board a motorcycle on Monday in Barangay Bolhoon.

“The attack by the insurgents did not mind of the safety of civilians in the area. Aside from inflicting fear among the residents of Barangay Bolhoon, the NPA rebels also put at risk the life of a Manobo minor during the attack,” Maca said.

Maca said the minor was immediately brought to a hospital in Tandag City for treatment.

“The minor sustained a gunshot wound in his right hand. He is still recuperating in a hospital in Tandag City,” Maca said.

He condemned the NPA rebels for their complete disregard of the lives of the civilians, adding that the recent attack "manifested the true color" of the rebels as "extremists."

Meanwhile, the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) in its report on Tuesday, identified the slain government trooper as PFC John Carlo Abante and the wounded soldier as SSgt. Dennis Soliguez, both of the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion.

“All the neighboring municipal police stations were alerted and directed to conduct checkpoints in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines counterparts,” the report said.

It added that operational directives to police field units were disseminated for the filing of appropriate charges against the perpetrators. (PNA)