Army probers discover identity of Samar ambush attackers

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec. 2 (PNA) - Investigators of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) are now digging up the identities of those behind the ambuscade of 14th Infantry Batallion soldiers.

Two soldiers were killed and three others were injured during the attack on Nov. 27 in Socorro village, this city.

Among the prime suspect of the attack is Kumander Murad, the secretary of the New People’s Army (NPA) Central Front Samar 1, sub-regional committee.

Murad’s group operating from the area of Tinambacan district in Calbayog City to Paranas town, has been closely monitored by the military.

Capt. Isagani Viernes, 8th ID public affairs office acting chief said that once they are done with the investigation they will file criminal charges against the suspect.

“We are still validating of what criminal cases can be filed against them considering that they violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and they also act some robbery,” Viernes said

The suspect carted away the PhP1.8 million subsistence allowances for soldiers of the 14th Infantry Battalion based on Oras, Eastern Samar.

Murad’s group was also linked to the July 11 attacked at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Catbalogan City. The incident killed an inmate and wounded jail guards. The group also took away some personal belongings and firearms.

Viernes added that they already forwarded a request and coordinated with the finance center of the Philippine Army for the possible replacement of the money robbed by rebels.

The official assured that the attack launched by suspected NPA members will not affect the on-going internal security operations of the military.

Top army officials instructed all field personnel to take extra careful and follow the operational security to avoid ambuscade. Rebels are expected to launch more attacks in time for the celebration for their anniversary on Dec. 26. (PNA)
CTB/SQM/RTA