Quezon gov condemns Bicol-based rebels’ attack killing 5 militiamen
LUCENA CITY — Quezon Gov. Angelina Tan strongly comdemned the killing of five militiamen and wounding of three others during a firefight between government security forces and Bicol-based communist rebels near the boundaries of Tagkawayan, Quezon and Camarines Norte on Friday.
“Mariin po nating kinokondena ang pagsalakay ng hinihinalang grupo ng Communist Terrorist Group-New People’s Army (CTG-NPA) sa mga miyembro ng 85th Infantry Battalion ng Philippine Army na nagpapatrulya upang panatilihin ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa nasabing lugar,” said Tan in a statement.
The lady governor who has been on official leave since last week is referring to militiamen Cesar Sales, Jeffrey San Antonio, Aljohn Rapa, Johnwell Perez, Jomari Guno, all residents of Tagkawayan, Quezon and members of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) under the 85th Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 201st Infantry Brigade.
The five died during the broad daylight attack that also resulted to the wounding of Cpl. Marvijun Oller Jr., and militiamen Lauro De Guzman and Regie Macalintal, who are also residents of Tagkawayan town.
“Lubha tayong nalulungkot sa pagkamatay ng limang miyembro ng CAFGU at pagkasugat ng tatlong iba pa kabilang ang isang sundalo ng Philippine Army,” she lamented.
Tan also condemned the rebels for using landmine during the ambuscade which is contrary to International Humanitarian Law and Geneva Convention.
Bicol region ever since is a known bailiwick of the CPP-NPA.
In the past decades, numerous ambushcades and raids carried out by communist rebels against government forces in southern part of Quezon were augmented by Bicol-based rebels coming from the boundaries.
The first female governor of the province said her administration won’t allow the communist rebels to ruin the “insurgency- free” status of the province and vowed to keep their close coordination and partnership with the military, police and the community.
Tan also assured the public that they will do everything possible to make the perpetrators pay the price for what they did.
She asked the public to remain watchful and vigilant to keep the province peaceful and progressive.
