Military in Samar on alert for CPP anniversary

TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 26 – The Philippine Army in Samar is on alert on Saturday as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) marks its 46th founding anniversary.

Capt. Isagani Viernes, Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division spokesman, said that although some soldiers were on holiday break, military camps, especially in Samar were on defensive mode for possible attacks of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of CPP.

After launching three attacks within a week before Christmas Day, Viernes said there were no reported antrocities committed by rebels on Friday, allowing soldiers on duty to celebrate Christmas with their families in camps.

The military has suspended combat operation in compliance to the 12-day unilateral ceasefire approved by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. The holiday truce took effect 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 23, 2015 until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2016.

“But we are not complacent because we know that rebels traditionally mark their anniversary with atrocities, but we hope that they will respect the ceasefire,” Viernes added.

On Dec. 22, a soldier and a civilian were wounded in an attack launched by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) Tuesday night at a camp in San Jorge, Samar.

The attack occurred on the same day when an undetermined number of rebels ambushed a military truck used for post-Nona response, killing a soldier and wounded three others in Las Navas, Northern Samar.

On Dec. 18, a convoy of military trucks were attacked in Pinabacdao, Samar after the soldiers delivered relief goods for typhoon victims in Eastern Samar. Two soldiers were hurt during the ambush. (PNA)
RMA/SARWELL Q. MENIANO