DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, July 29, visited the wake of the government militia member killed in an ambush in Davao del Norte earlier this week, as his relatives cried for justice.
Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units (CAFGU) member Panggong Kamonad was killed in an ambush by the New People's Army (NPA) last Wednesday, July 27.
His wife, Makiling Komanad, and son Binoy called for justice for Kamonad's death.
The President visited the wake at the headquarters of the 60th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Doña Andrea, Asuncion, Davao del Norte.
Kamonad was killed while two others were wounded when NPA members staged an ambush around 6:45 am on July 27, in Sitio Kamonuan, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.
The military claimed that militia members from the 72nd Infantry Battalion were on their way back to their camp at Sitio Patil, Barangay Gupitan, in compliance with the unilateral ceasefire earlier declared by the President during his State of the Nation Address last July 25.
1003rd Infantry Brigade commander Colonel Ricardo Nepomuceno said in a statement that the ambush of their troops who were pulling out from the operational area in compliance with the unilateral ceasefire was deplorable.
He added that they will continue to observe the suspension of offensive operations against the NPA and coordinate with the Philippine National Police for the conduct of law enforcement operations.
Major General Rafael Valencia, 10ID commander, condemned the attack.
He added, “We shall continue to abide with the ceasefire, while we continue to secure the communities, vital installations and ongoing government flagship projects against any possible attack of the [armed lawless groups].”
Earlier, the NPA blamed the military, claiming it was only defending itself from the government troops who were allegedly ignoring Duterte's ceasefire declaration. – Editha Caduaya/Rappler.com