THE Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) condemns in strongest terms the New People’s Army (NPA) attack on troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion who were conducting community security patrol for the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) distribution by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to families affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the far flung barangays in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
The security forces have received reports that armed terrorists are seen in the area either planning to disrupt the SAP distribution or to conduct extortion activities asking money or rice from the populace. This prompted the personnel of the 94th IB to conduct patrol and secure the area. They however were treacherously attacked with the use of Improvised Explosive Device and grenades. After a 30-Minute firefight the terrorists withdrew. This resulted to 3 casualties on the security forces’ side and wounding of 4 others.
Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, director of NOCPPO, expressed sympathy to the bereaved family of the fallen frontliners. However, he expressed strong condemnation to the terrorist acts. “This is an inhumane act. In the face of the threat of Covid-19 pandemic, instead of helping the country beat this health problem they deliberately grabbed this opportunity to cause harm to the government and to the people it serves.”, he added. (PR)