ON THE SAN LUIS, AGUSAN DEL SUR DEFENSIVE ACTION

August 23, 2016

Four Red fighters under the NPA – Western Agusan del Norte-Agusan del Sur Subregional Command heroically fought and sacrificed in a defensive action in a raid by 26th IB troops to an NPA platoon conducting classroom activity last August 20 at around 8:30 in the morning in a forested area of Sitio Kihinggay, Brgy.San Pedro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur. One Red fighter was also wounded during the firefight. We offer our highest salute to Comrades Winston “Ka Jerom” Mondejar, Henry “Ka James” Mansuconan, Jomar “Ka Alay” Tawide and Abel “Ka Gabriel” Oliver.

Even though fatally shot, Ka Gabriel, before his last breath, was able to heroically switch the command-detonated explosive chanced upon the flanked troops. According to civilian witnesses, more than ten casualties were suffered by 26th IB troopers.

Choppers intermittently retrieved their casualties and delivered fresh troops. Troops from the ground opened fire thrice at 6:00 am and 3:00 p.m. on August 21 and at 3:00 p.m. on August 22.

Regarding the cadavers of the four comrade martyrs, respective families have seen indications of desecration of the bodies before they were sent to the morgue. Seized by enemy troops were three AK 47 and two M16 rifles including ammunitions, guerilla camp equipment and personal effects.

The AFP could not be trusted to strictly abide their commander-in-chief’s ceasefire order which commenced August 21. It can be recalled that during President Duterte’s first unilateral ceasefire declaration last July 25-30, troops of the 4th ID continue to rolling out the guerilla fronts of NCMR. One of these operations resulted in the strafing of a group of Lumads attending a wedding in San Fernando, Bukidnon which forced the evacuation of the entire community. On another, intelligence and psychological operations of the 26th IB effected the the evacuation of the Lumads in Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur during the same timespan.

Up to this date, 26th IB troops remain in Kihinggay and Oplan Bayanihan’s intelligence and psychological operations were implemented in 26 barrios scattered throughout the region.

Signed

Ka Allan Juanito
Spokesperson
NPA-NCMROC