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Soldiers ambushed in Samar by NPA terrorists
Tacloban City (29 June 2005) -- Reports coming in from the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army say that six (6) soldiers assigned at their command and three (3) civilians on board a Lite Ace van headed for Tacloban City were ambushed by some 30 communist terrorists utilizing landmines at the vicinity of Brgy. Balanti, Basey, Samar at 8:45 a.m. yesterday, 28 June 2005. Two (2) soldiers were killed while four (4) soldiers were wounded. Among the fatalities were one (1) civilian killed and two (2) civilians wounded. Two (2) high powered firearms were also carted away by the communist terrorists. The Lite Ace Vehicle was destroyed by the landmine.

In a press release issued by Cpt. Cromwell I. Danganan, it was learned that soldiers of whom only two were armed and in uniform while the rest were in civilian attire together with the two wives of the soldiers and one civilian resident from a nearby barangay of Villa Aurora of Basey, were on their way to Tacloban City to procure food and supplies when they were land mined and ambushed by the NPA terrorists. The civilian casualties, whose identities are yet to be disclosed, including the wounded soldiers, were immediately brought to a hospital in Tacloban City for treatment.

It was further revealed that the perpetrators who also used M60 machineguns were led by a communist terrorist leader of the Southern Samar Front-2 (SSF-2) operating in the southern portion of Samar Island.

According to Danganan, the commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army MGen Jovito S. Palparan, Jr. issued a statement saying that "this incident confirms that the CPP/NPA is a Godless organization and do not respect human rights. The cold blooded murder and excessive use of force to sow fear in the hearts of the people of Samar is a trademark of a terrorist organization. Indeed, the Communist Terrorists can resort to terrorist acts with total disregard of human rights and civilian lives. As Commanding General of the 8th ID, I condemn this murder of two soldiers and the civilian woman in the strongest possible terms. I call upon our citizens, people's organizations and the so-called human rights groups to condemn the Communist Terrorists as well. I challenge the Bayan Muna and the militants to condemn the NPA and the Communist Party". He concluded by saying that "I would like to further assure the people of Region 8 that the 8th Infantry Division in close coordination with the Philippine National Police must relentlessly pursue these lawless elements who are terrorizing our people."

Danganan in his press release further said that the names of the casualties are withheld for the moment as the 8ID deems it necessary to inform their family first. At present, the bereaved family of the casualties and the 8th Infantry Division are preparing to file criminal charges against the perpetrators of this cruel incident. (PIA)

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