Peace and Development Operative ambush by New People’s Army

By KIT KAIMO

PAGADIAN CITY – A member of the Peace and Development Team deployed at Brgy Datagan, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur was fired upon by members of New People’s Army (NPA) believed to be from the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee. The incident happened at Prk 4, Brgy Magting, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur around eight a.m. on July 5, 2013.

According to Lt. Col Victor S Tangawohn, Commanding Officer of 53IB, his personnel who were conducting Peace and Development Operation at Brgy Datagan, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur were on board a motorcycle on their way to their Hqs when ambush by undetermined number of New People’s Army. Cpl Danilo Saavedra, the rider of the motorcycle was hit by bullet on his back but was able to return fire before he passed away while PFC Rommel Taneo, who was able to jump out immediately, returned fire to the enemy. The enemy immediately withdraw after five minutes of gun fight sensing that government reinforcement is arriving.

BGen Felicito Virgilio M Trinidad Jr, Acting Commander of 1ID condemns the atrocity committed by the NPA by saying “This action of the enemy manifests their anti-development and anti-peace programs. Our troops were there to uplift the socio-economic condition of our fellows but were fired upon in a desperate attempt to disrupt them. This incident will not stop the 1ID to bring peace and development in every community. If true that they (NPA) want peace and development, by virtue of Bayanihan, we are inviting them to work hand-in-hand with us, but sad to say, they (NPA) are not.”