NPA ATTACK CIVILIAN RESIDENCE AND AMBUSH MILITARY TROOPS IN PARANAS, SAMAR

CAMP LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – While the military troops of this command are busy conducting Disaster Relief and Rescue Operations (DRRO) in different areas in the region affected by the recent calamity, the New People’s Army (NPA) took advantage of the time to destroy the peaceful loving populace in Paranas, Samar when they attacked a residence in the said town on March 3, 2008.

Based on reports reaching the Army headquarters at about 5:00 o’clock in the morning, an estimated ten NPA members led by Communist Terrorist Leader (CTL) Carlito Dacanay alias SOL forcibly barged into a residence of Mr. Gaspar Dacula at Bliss Site, Brgy 4, Poblacion Paranas, Samar by shooting everything on sight inside the house believing that it was the residence of SPO2 Servando Arellano, PNP of Paranas Municipal Police Office, who was a long time CT-target for liquidation. After realizing that it was not the house of SPO2 Arellano, the CTs immediately left the area.

The assailants belong to the Carlito Salingsing Command, Central Front Samar 1, Samar Provincial party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines operating In the province of Samar.

Upon receiving the information, elements from Bravo Company, 46th Infantry Battalion under 2nd. Lt. Leonard Jack Orbase conducted pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels. But while on the process of hot pursuit, the group of Orbase encountered the CTs which resulted to the wounding of three soldiers and four killed while undetermined number of casualties to the enemy as evidence of the bloodstains seen on their withdrawal route. The fatalities resulted from a landmine blast planted by the CTs along the side of the roads.

The wounded personnel were immediately evacuated to Camp Lukban Station Hospital while the cadavers of those killed soldiers were brought to Bliss Funeral Home in Catbalogan City, Samar.

Maj. Gen. Armando L. Cunanan, the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division had strongly condemned the NPA’s persistent use of landmines which poses great danger to the civilian populace living in the area.

“Likewise, we also denounce the barbaric attack of the CPP/NPA in Paranas town. The attack committed by the CPP/NPA is a grievous act of violence to sow terror and fear to the general public”. General Cunanan said.
He also extended his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of the brave soldiers who were killed due to CTs self interest and barbarism. The soldiers have risked their lives to protect and defend the country’s sovereignty but not their brothers and country men.

As of press time, the 8ID troops are still conducting relentless pursuit operations against the perpetrators who try to ruin the tranquility of the residents living in the area.