Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang (PNA file photo)
DAVAO CITY – Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said Tuesday the ambush perpetrated by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Mati City on Sunday was a desperate move aimed at recovering its influence over its lost mass base and supporters.
In a statement, Dayanghirang said the attack was the NPA’s desperate attempt to show strength despite the capture of comrades and the loss of members and mass supporters who have already surrendered to the government.
On Sunday, a soldier was wounded in a 10-minute firefight between government troops and rebels in Barangay Badas, Mati City, Davao Oriental.
Based on the report of the 10th Infantry Division (10ID), members of the Alpha Company of the 66th Infantry Battalion (66IB) were on board a military truck bound for Banaybanay town from Barangay Taguibo when they were ambushed by about 10 fighters of the NPA Guerrilla Front 18 near Punta Tagawisan.
“The ambush was a clear act of terrorism. They are putting the lives of innocent civilians in danger,” Dayanghirang said.
He gave assurance that the incident would not stop the provincial government from pursuing its goal of ending the local communist armed conflict.
“This will not deter our development efforts in the barangays and sitios, which they formerly call their mass bases. We will not stop our pursuit of good governance. I am confident that together, we will succeed in this mission for genuine peace and development,” Dayanghirang said.
He further assured Davao Oriental citizens that the government would do everything to protect its people.
“The Philippine Army reported that the NPA numbers are dwindling and only a few remain active. Our citizens don’t need to worry because our soldiers are spread all over the areas where they might hide or escape,” he said.
The Communist Party of the Philippines - NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
