Suspected Communist Rebels Attacks Relief Workers In Surigao Del Norte
On Tuesday (February 14, 2017), relief workers and convoy of soldiers were attacked by suspected communist rebels in Surigao Del Norte.
Lt. Col. Rico Amaro, commander of the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion said that aid workers and soldiers were attacked by suspected rebels while distributing aid for the victims of quake-hit Malimono town in Surigao Del Norte.
The military official explained that the workers were attacked by the rebels two days after they had announced a ceasefire in Agusan Del Norte and Surigao Del Norte. The truce was declared in order to allow aid workers to proceed with their relief operations for the 6.7 magnitude earthquake victims last Friday (February 10, 2017).
The attack was denied by the New People’s Army (NPA). NPA Front Committee 16 in North eastern Mindanao spokesperson “Ka Oto,” said that the surprise attack could have been done by the military to sabotage the truce. He also said that the relief operation for the quake victims would never be threatened by the NPA.
“It was not a rebel-initiated offensive. It was staged. The road where the attack happened was secured by roadblocks manned by government soldiers,” said by Ka Oto quoted by Inquirer.
Lenie Feguis said that they were confident to proceed with the relief operation because of the ceasefire. But they were shocked when they heard a gunshot while in the halfway of Malimono and San Francisco.
Feguis and her companion ducked and hid under their vehicle’s sit due to their fear and panic. She also explained that they could not see the gunmen on the road because it was already dark.
The ambush did not deter them from bringing relief goods for the residents of Malimono after devastated by the earthquake.
What can you say about the relief workers attacked by the suspected rebels? Just feel free to leave your comments and reactions for this article.