It’s a students’ fun run – and the NPA opens fire

SORSOGON, Philippines – Communist guerrillas opened fire on a fun run that involved Bicol University (BU) students in Barangay Buenavista, Gubat, Sorsogon, on Sunday morning, July 7, injuring a 17-year-old girl.

According to a report by Bicol Today, the New People’s Army (NPA) fighters were targetting the policemen who were there to marshal the young participants.

Police claimed that the NPA did this in retaliation for the July 4 clashes with the military’s 9th infantry division that left 8 NPA fighters, including a spokesman, dead.

According to 903rd Brigade commander Col Joselito Kakilala, Komiteng Probinsya (KomProb) secretary Arnel Estiller and NPA-Bicol spokesperson Greg Bañares were among the casualties.

AFP public affairs chief Lt Col Ramon Zagala condemned the attack on the civilians.

“This is a heinous crime, and violates human rights, and the International Humanitarian Law. Their armed struggle has degenerated to criminal acts, which put innocent civilian lives in danger, and cause serious damage to their properties,” Zagala maintained.

The Gubat municipal police and the Armed Forces’ 31st infantry battalion are pursuing the armed group. – Rappler.com