Hunt on vs. Reds behind attack on Samar cops, health workers

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan / Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered pursuit operations against communist terrorist group (CTG) rebels who ambushed a convoy of police and local health workers in Samar while on their way to fetch coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines.

In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar also directed Police Regional Office (PRO 8) director, Brig. Gen. Ronaldo de Jesus, to hunt the perpetrators and also start the legal offensive against the leaders of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the area.

“To condemn this another attack is not enough dahil hindi na tinatablan ng hiya at masasakit na salita ang mga taong ito (because these people are shameless and are unfazed by harsh words). What is needed is a decisive action to stop them from doing the same kind of terrorism activities,” Eleazar said.

Based on the report from the PRO 8, personnel of the Calbayog City Police Station and health workers from the Calbayog City Health Office were on their way to the Department of Health Regional Office in Tacloban City to get the Covid-19 vaccines when their vehicle was repeatedly shot at last July 27, in Barangay Lale, Pinabacdao, Samar.

After an initial burst of gunfire, an improvised explosive device was used by the still unidentified CTG rebels. Fortunately, the Calbayog City police personnel were able to protect themselves and the health workers from the attackers.

No one was reported hurt during the incident.

The CTG members, on the other hand, immediately fled after the Calbayog City Police personnel started to maneuver to engage the attackers.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)