Robert C. Dejon | February 16, 2022
Two (2) minors were killed while at least two members of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) were killed during an encounter between the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade and the rebel group around 3PM February 8 along the forested area in the vicinity of Brgy. Roxas, Catubig, Northern Samar.
803rd Brigade spokesperson Capt. Valben Almirante in a press release disclosed that the state troops were patrolling the area when they encountered the armed group believed to be members of the Front Committee 15 of the Sub-Regional Committee ‘Arctic’ of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee under Rosalina Esponilla, a.k.a Megan.
The group was frequently monitored terrorizing residents in the area and extorting money from the residents in the Catubig-Las Navas (CatLas) complex.
Almirante said that the state troops were patrolling when they chanced upon a group of civilians gathering coconut for copra. They were still talking when the CNTs ambushed and opened fire at the soldiers and civilians.
The gunfight lasted for nearly 20-minutes. The soldiers were able to hit at least two (2) CNTs as evident by the blood trails. But upon discovering that the civilians were hit, the soldiers focused on applying immediate first aid as the CNT’s scampered away.
Almirante identified the casualties as Andre E. Mercado, 12, a Grade VI pupil, and Leandro Alivio, 13. Mercado was killed on the spot while Alivio was declared dead-on-arrival at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital. Another civilian caught in the crossfire wounded was identified as Arlie Rebay, 26, with live-in partner and a farmer. All victims were residents of Brgy. Roxas.
Meanwhile, Governor Edwin Marino C Ongchuan and Mayor Galahad Vicencio pledged to support the families of the victims as well as condemned the barbaric acts of the terrorist NPAs who despite the presence of civilians fired their weapons that resulted in the loss of innocent lives. Such acts are tantamount to violations of International Humanitarian Law or RA 9851.
Col. Peñaredondo, 803rd Brigade Commander likewise expressed his deepest condolences to the victims as he personally talked to the victim’s parents and assured them that the unit will extend all possible assistance to them.
“Kinokondina ko ang hindi makataong ginawa ng NPA sa isang pag-atake na kung saan walang habas umatake kahit mayroong mga sibilyan na madadamay, ito ay isang maliwanag na basihan na hindi kinikilala ng teroristang grupo ang karapatang pantao, bagkos wala silang pakialam kung mayroon mang mga inosenting sibilyan ang madamay katulad kina late Andre E Mercado and Leandro Alivio. Di natin ito palalampasin hanggang sa makamit natin ang hustisya”, he said.
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