By LEONCIO PITAO (Kumander Parago)
Spokesperson, NPA 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion
NPA Southern Mindanao
Fascist troops under the 69th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division, disguised as Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) forces, have suffered more casualties in the last five attritive actions this month by the New People’s Army and people’s militia in Paquibato and Calinan districts, Davao City. At least six Armed Forces of the Philippines troops were killed in these incidents which were deliberately unreported and concealed by the 10th ID-AFP to prevent demoralization of its foot soldiers.
On 23 September, the New People’s Army discharged its command detonated explosive in Baksarpa, Barangay (village) Malabog, hitting a passing KM40 Army vehicle at around 7:30 am. Two 69th Infantry Battalion soldiers were killed and scores were wounded. Army rescuers cordoned the ambush site to ward off residents from investigating the incident.
On 20 September, the same Army unit were hit by the NPA’s sniper bullets, killing two of its soldiers in Cagamcam, Barangay Sumimao. On 24 September, another soldier was hit by the NPA sniper in Kibaton, Barangay Domingga, Calinan.
On 9 September, the 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion-NPA ambushed and chased off a squad of PDOP forces in Salagunting, Barangay Fatima; one soldier was killed and three were wounded.
Earlier, on 3 September, people’s militia confiscated eight military vests, pack bags and ammunition, which were left off unguarded by the 69th IB combat troops in their military detachment in Km. 5, Barangay Mapula. Afterwards, the people’s militia burned the detachment.
The Philippine Army’s rights abuses — ranging from harassment, red tagging, psychological warfare, encampment in civilian populace, and intimidation — have earned them the ire of the masses. Despite being hated by Paquibato peasants and Lumads, and despite suffering from a high number of casualties, they continue to serve their corrupt and fascist masters in the AFP echelons and the landlord-bourgeois comprador class. Their blind allegiance to corrupt generals and superiors at the 10th ID-Eastern Mindanao Command only makes them more easy targets of the New People’s Army, people’s militia, and the revolutionary movement.
