Army's 2ID slams NPA after 5 CAAs slain, 3 more wounded in Quezon ambush
CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal - The Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry "Jungle Fighter" Division slammed the New People's Army following the death of five CAFGU Active Auxiliary members and wounding of one soldier and two more CAAs in an ambush near the boundary of Labo, Camarines Norte and Tangkawayan, Quezon and on Friday, September 1, 2023.
A squad belonging to the 85th Infantry "Sandiwa" Battalion was conducting patrol at Barangay Mapulot as part of its peace-keeping efforts when an anti-personnel mine, which is prohibited under the United Nations Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, hit them followed by volumes of fire by undetermined number of armed personalities believed to be NPA members. Five CAAs were confirmed dead, while one soldier and two more CAAs were injured in the encounter.
In a statement, 2ID Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong praised the bravery and heroism of the CAAs who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. He extended his sympathy and support to the bereaved families and assured them that 2ID will be relentless in its operations until justice is attained for the slain CAAs. He also condemned the NPA for this atrocious attack, adding that it was a deliberate violation of human rights and international humanitarian laws.
Gen. Capulong also mentioned that the incident manifests the NPA’s attempt to disrupt the peace and security enjoyed by the peace loving Quezonians, as the province was recently declared as Stable Internal Peace and Security last June 12 of this year.
He also reassured the general public that the military will be relentless in ensuring the safety of communities, especially this upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.