MANILA – The Philippine Army slammed the New People’s Army (NPA) after a soldier was killed while six others were wounded following an attack in Camarines Norte, saying the incident was a violation of the holiday ceasefire.
Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, Army commanding general, said the incident – coupled by an ambush in Iloilo province earlier this week – should put President Rodrigo Duterte’s localize peace talks into consideration.
“In light of this development, other means of peaceful resolution such as localized peace talks need to be considered,” Gapay said in a statement.
According to the commanding Army general, troops of the 92nd Division Reconnaissance Company were returning to their base due to the suspension of military operations when they were attacked by the NPA.
Gapay also condemned the use of a landmine in the ambush as it was a violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
“We just hope that the CPP-NPA will not miss this opportunity by staging these senseless attacks, especially during a time when the nation celebrates the season of love, peace and unity,” Gapay said.
President Duterte has earlier directed Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to talk with self-exiled Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison over the possible resumption of peace negotiations./PN
