‘3 dead in Surigao Sur NPA attack’

During typhoon evacuation

MANILA, Philippines — Three civilians were killed when suspected communist rebels attacked government troopers assisting in the preemptive evacuation of residents of Carmen, Surigao del Sur yesterday in preparation for Typhoon Odette.

Gov. Alexander Pimentel bared this during the Laging Handa press briefing even as the Caraga police said it did not receive a report that there were fatalities in the incident.

Maj. Dorothy Tumulak, regional police spokesperson, said three Army troopers and two civilians were wounded.

”They are in stable condition,”she said.

Tumulak said the soldiers were in a pickup while the civilians were on a motorcycle.

Pimentel appealed to New People’s Army (NPA) rebels not to attack government security forces who are helping in the evacuation of residents.

“Kung puwede ngayon ceasefire muna tayo. December na. Nag-eevacuate ngayon ang mga tao,” he said. “Imbes na naghanda tayo sa bagyo ambush ang natanggap namin. Kung puwede lang, hilingin ko lang sa mga higher-ups ng NPA na tigilan muna natin ito.”

The attack reportedly occurred in Barangay Cancavan at past 10 a.m.

Pimentel said around 2,000 residents of Tandag City were transferred to evacuation centers.

Preemptive evacuation was also implemented in Cagwait town.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government asked NPA rebels to put the country above their personal interest.

“Imbes na makatulong, sila pa ngayon ang sumisira sa magandang ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan,” DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said.

Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 yesterday due to Odette.

Pimentel said rescue boats and food packs are on standby for residents that would be affected by the typhoon.

“Nakahanda po kami lahat. Lagi namin itong ginagawa. Kailangan ma-achieve namin ang zero casualty,” he said.

The governor said barangay public safety officers were deployed in evacuation centers to ensure that minimum health protocols are observed.

Pimentel said they might need additional assistance from the national government as their funds are depleted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.