Villagers flee homes amid NPA attacks

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY , Philippines  – Classes were suspended and almost a hundred families fled their homes after New People’s Army (NPA) rebels stormed a village in Agusan del Norte on Wednesday.

The rebels fired at soldiers conducting development support and security operations in Barangay Hinanbanga in Kitcharao town, according to a report of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

2nd Lt. Ashley Mae del Rosario, 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) spokesperson, said the rebels also ordered the teachers to suspend classes and strafed several houses.

Lt. Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, 29th IB commander, said the attacks violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law signed by the government and National Democratic Front.

“Our troops are there to help… alleviate the living condition in the community,” Aynera said.

The NPA attacks followed the burning of two cargo trucks and a passenger bus in South Cotabato. 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said military operations against the rebels would continue until the parameters to be observedfor the resumption of the peace talks, including the declaration of a ceasefire, is approved.