Army starts probe on abduction of soldiers, militiamen in AgSur

By Jigger Jerusalem/PNA

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) has started its investigation into the predawn attack of a military detachment by communist rebels in Agusan del Sur town of Sibagat Wednesday morning.

Capt. Reggie Go, acting Division Public Affairs Office chief of the 4ID, said members of the Board of Inquiry has already inspected the detachment to determine possible lapses committed by the soldiers.

The raid by some 50 NPA combatants resulted in the abduction of two soldiers and 12 militiamen, and the seizure of high-power firearms including 17 M16 rifles, and two R4 assault rifles.

“If found out that the captured troops committed neglect of duty, they will be held accountable before the military justice system, with corresponding punishment,” Go said.

In a statement Thursday, NPA spokesperson Sandara Amihan said rebels carried out the raid without firing a single shot.

Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, 4ID commander, said the captive soldiers and militiamen will likely be discharged from service if found negligent.

Villanueva added that the military will not negotiate with the NPA.

Popular

Palace: Int’l, local watchdogs tapped to ensure ‘clean, honest’ polls

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency The government is working with international and local watchdogs to ensure “clean and honest” midterm elections on...

DBM approves allowance increase of teachers, poll workers

By Brian Campued The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Friday announced that it has approved a P2,000 across-the-board increase in the compensation of...

24/7 threat monitoring center launched vs. online disinformation

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz | Philippine News Agency The inter-agency “Task Force KKK (Katotohanan, Katapatan, Katarungan) sa Halalan” launched on Friday its new threat...

Solon lauds 5.4% GDP growth in Q1 2025

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet In a statement on Thursday, May 8, House Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed strong approval of the country’s 5.4% gross domestic product...