TACLOBAN CITY, Dec.
18 -- Top military officials condemned
the attack of New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists against soldiers delivering
food relief to families affected by Tropical Storm “Urduja” in Catubig,
Northern Samar, calling it cowardly and inhuman.
“It is unfortunate
and sad that our soldiers were fired upon by terrorist NPAs while serving the
people,” said Col. George Domingo, commander of the Army’s 20th Infantry
Battalion based in Catubig in a message sent to Philippine News Agency Sunday
night.
“This activity is a
clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law and we call upon the
people to act against these atrocities,” he added.
Pfc. Roland Gomez
suffered a bullet wound in the buttocks while Corporal Yzazel Laure was hit in
the belly when rebels attacked them, triggering an hour-long firefight Sunday
afternoon in Hinagonoyan village, Catubig town.
Maj. Gen. Raul
Farnacio, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID), also condemned
the attack against soldiers.
“This recent attack
on our soldiers who are responding to the needs of the communities affected by
the typhoon is another testament that the NPAs have no regards on the welfare
of the people who are already suffering from a disaster," Farnacio said.
“The 8ID will remain
steadfast in helping communities in times of calamities despite the atrocities
inflicted by the terrorist NPAs,” he added.
A total of 7,500
families or 28,900 individuals from 47 villages of Catubig town were displaced
by widespread flooding after the tropical storm dumped heavy rains for three
days last week.
The local government
has placed Catubig town under a state of calamity. The third-class municipality
with a population of more than 33,000 is about 305 kilometers north of
Tacloban, the regional capital. (RTA/PNA)
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