Government forces and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) clashed in Placer, Masbate on Wednesday, March 22, resulting in the suspension of classes.
According to the Philippine Army, the rebel group attacked using anti-personnel mines.
No civilians were involved but two soldiers were wounded.
“Naging planado ‘yung pag-atake ng NPA doon kasi kung titingnan natin ‘yung pag-install ng anti-personnel mine ay hindi magagawa ng mabilisan ‘yun,” Public Affairs Office chief of the 9th Infantry Division Maj. Frank Roldan said.
“Ibig sabihin, pinili nila ‘yung lugar na ‘yun regardless kung may madamay man doon na inosenteng sibilyan o mga estudyante,” he added.
“Nagsasagawa lang ng security patrol ‘yung tropa without considering na may NPA sa ganung lugar kasi usually naman ay nasa mga kabundukan naman, pero this time bago makarating sa objective ng tropa ay pinasabugan na sila ng bomba,” he narrated.
Order was immediately restored, but the incident had left fear among students and teachers.
“Karamihan doon sa mga nakakausap natin doon ay galit na galit kasi bakit ganun, nadadamay ‘yung mga sibilyan dahil sa kagagawan ng communist terrorist groups (CTG),” Roldan said.
“‘Yung komunidad sana at paaralan ay hindi sana subject for military operation, sa operasyong mga ganun kaya lang ginagamit ito ng CTG,” he added.
Condemned by DepEd
In a statement, the Department of Education (DepEd) condemned “the alarming rate of communist rebel activities in Masbate” that disrupts learning.
“These acts of terrorism perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) have caused trauma to learners and school personnel who witnessed the senseless violence,” it stated.
“DepEd remains defiant against these fear-mongering tactics of terrorists as the agency commits to deliver basic education to all, even in disadvantaged areas,” it added.
“No blanket suspension of classes will be implemented, while school heads were given discretion to decide whether to shift to blended learning.
“The Department supports the Philippine Army, and the VP-Secretary has also expressed her intention to visit the affected areas in Masbate once it is determined by the authorities that her presence will not disrupt ongoing operations,” the DepEd said.
‘Deeply concerned’
In a separate social media post, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed concern over the incident.
“We are deeply concerned over the incidents of violence in Masbate which had traumatized the affected civilians who were generally school children and their teachers,” he said.
“This just demonstrates that although we have made much progress in the fight against the Communist Terrorists Groups, we must be continuously vigilant so that such murderous abuses are avoided in the future,” he added.
A pursuit operation is underway against the perpetrators of the attack. Security in the areas was also tightened. AG/Report from Patrick de Jesus-cf
