By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – The local government of Matuguinao, Samar, has strongly condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) for killing a soldier tasked to secure the delivery of social services in remote communities.
Mayor Aran Boller said on Tuesday the incident that killed Cpl. Bobby Barocaboc on Feb. 2 in upland San Roque village was a “terroristic act” of the NPA.
“I strongly condemn the terroristic act of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in the recent encounter in San Roque, Matuguinao, Samar, which led to the tragic death of Corporal Barocaboc of the Philippine Army. We are deeply saddened that another life was lost because of these CTGs. We assure the Philippine Army of our unwavering support to its goal of attaining peace and security in our community,” Boller stated.
The Philippine Army has not released details on the recent encounter in Matuguinao town.
The military said Barocaboc was deployed as part of the troops securing the community to facilitate the delivery of social and basic services in the community, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, extends his sympathies to the family of the fallen soldier.
“Corporal Barocaboc has paid an ultimate sacrifice for the people of Eastern Visayas. His death fuels us to continue what we have started. The military will never cease in pursuing the remaining insurgents for us to achieve lasting peace and progress in the community,” Orio said.
Orio also encouraged active NPA members to take advantage of the National Amnesty Program offered by the government.
He urged rebels to coordinate with their relatives or local chief executives to arrange their safe passage and formalize their application for amnesty. (PNA)
