“Reds” fire at CAFGU patrol in Negros Oriental

CEBU, Philippines —  Some members of the Citizen’s Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) based in Barangay Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, were allegedly fired upon by suspected members of the New People’s Army while they were on patrol last Thursday around 9 p.m.

According to Police Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro, Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 director, the incident was reported at around 10 p.m. that same evening to the Guihulngan Police Station.

According to the report, a CAFGU patrol was doing their rounds in Barangay Sandayao when they were fired at by suspected NPA rebels.

“Immediately our provincial police office alerted our police patrol base to be on alert as well. It was reported through a text message from the Philippine Army that the CAFGU was fired upon,” Ferro announced.

Ferro further said the incident lasted several minutes before the attackers quickly fled in an unknown direction. There were no casualties recorded from the government forces during the incident.

“The PRO-7 were now directed to maintain defensive vigilance against possible hostile action and armed threats group that which appropriate police response is authorized under police operation procedure as mandated by our chief PNP,” Ferro said.

Ferro also said that this is also under the general pronouncement of the PNP chief that the PNP must remain defensive even the over the declaration of the president for a ceasefire between the armed forces and the members of the NPA.

Ferro also directed all the police units of Central Visayas for the strict implementation of the PNP chief’s directive. The tactical groups also will be closely monitoring for the strict compliance.

“We will remain hopeful, atong i-ampo that that CPP-NPA will reciprocate the government’s gesture in good faith of public welfare and peace in Central Visayas while we are experiencing a crisis,” Ferro said.  BRP (FREEMAN)