Suspected NPA members flag down vice-mayor bet in Agusan

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A candidate running for vice-mayor in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur was flagged down by suspected communist fighters on Sunday, April 28, a military official said.

Col. Leopoldo Galon, chief of the military’s 5th Civil Relations Group, said Agusani Ananoria’s party was on their way back to the town when they were blocked by more than 20 heavily armed fighters at the vicinity of Purok 2, Brgy Bitan-agan at around 5pm.

Ananoria was unharmed but alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) burned down two motorcycles which were part of the convoy.

Galon said the reported NPA fighters were looking for a certain Kalbo who works as a security escort of Mayor Jenny de Asis. Asis and Ananoria are running under the National Unity Party.

The attack came as the NPA-North Central Mindanao Regional Command admitted – and apologized for – firing at the convoy of Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie Guingona on April 20. Guingona, mother of incumbent Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, was injured in the attack while her bodyguard and driver, brothers Nestor and Bartolome Velasco, died in the incident. – Rappler.com