AFP-COPD troops in Agusan del Norte hit by the NPA
Two killed, four wounded including Philippine Army lieutenant
By MARIA MALAYA
Spokesperson, NDFP-Northeast Mindanao Region
Four consecutive successful military actions were launched by units under the Pulang Diwata Command-New People’s Army against enemy troops in the mountain areas of Agusan del Norte. Two (2) were killed and four (4) were wounded from the enemy while there were no casualties from the Red Fighters.
On 20 May 2011, a unit of the NPA in Front 21 ambush-sniped an enemy column carrying out so-called Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) in Agusan del Norte. The ambush happened at around ten o’clock in the evening in Sityo Mahayahay, Anticala, Butuan City. One was killed and two wounded from the enemy. Among the wounded is an official of the 23rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
On 24 May 2011, a NPA team in Front 16 harassed a group of the 30th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Gate 1 of Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte at around six o’clock in the morning. A military man was hit and wounded in the leg and was brought to the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City. According to reports, the wounded was retrieved at noon of the same day by two helicopters.
At around four o’clock in the afternoon of the same day, Red Fighters again harassed the military troops. One was reported killed from the 30th IB PA.
On 25 May 2011, the same unit of the 30th IB PA was hit by the harassment group of the NPA in Front 16 in the same area of Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. Another soldier was wounded and brought to the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City.
Until present time, troops of the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army are still in the mountain areas. The COPD troops in the mountain areas of Agusan del Norte is comprised of around one platoon force under the following battalions in the barrios of:
Butuan City: 75th and 8th Infantry Battalions
RTR: 75th IB
Cabadbaran: 20th IB, 61st IB and 26th IB
Santiago ug Tubay: 36th IB and 30th IB
Kitcharao: 30th IB PA
Troops of the 23rd IB PA who are battalion cadres of the Civilian Armed Auxiliaries
These troops are under the 4th ID PA with around eight (8) platoons or three (3) to four (4) army companies carrying out or helping destroy the established revolutionary strength in the barrios of Agusan del Norte through COPD.
The objective of COPD, like the Re-engineered Special Operations Teams – Civil-Military Operations (RSOT-CMO) in the past, is to destroy and crush revolutionary unity in the areas and force those thought of as supporters of the revolutionary movement to surrender as members of the NPA.
The military hides behind declarations of launching activities for “peace and development.” But the truth is that the mercenary army of the US-Aquino regime are carrying-out their fascist counter-insurgency program Oplan Bayanihan. “Peace and development” are but mere deceptivestatements. COPD brings with it human rights violations and destruction of the livelihood of the people in the affected barrios.
Like the previous counter-insurgency campaigns, the evil intentions of Oplan Bayanihan of the US-Aquino regime and its reactionary army will fail. Similar to the COPD launched in Surigao del Norte last October 2010 until January 2011, the AFP will fail to achieve their evil plans.
The military failed to make mass surrender happen and the people’s struggles in the barrios remain unabated especially in launching agrarian revolution or land reform.
The people will valiantly protect their gains through revolutionary unity. And always, the Red Fighters are there ready to face the enemy to protect the people.
Long live the New People’s Army!