MALIBCONG, Abra – Two soldiers belonging to the Philippine Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion who were gearing up for Disaster Response Operation (DRO) were ambushed by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at Barangay Gacab, Malibcong, Abra on Thursday, Oct. 27.
According to Lt. Col. Ricardo Garcia, III, Battalion Commander of 24IB, army troopers were asked to augment the DRO after the recent 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit the province of Abra on Oct. 25.
“It is very unfortunate that while we are helping the residents devastated by the earthquake, two of our troops were killed and one is wounded because of the atrocities of the CTGs while the other one was still missing,” said Garcia.
"We condemn in the strongest terms possible, the barbaric act of the CTG. We assure our people particularly the families of our soldiers that we will pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he added.
Thus, the identity of the said troops is yet to be disclosed.
BGen. Audrey Pasia, Commander of PA’s 5th Infantry Division based in Gamu, Isabela warned the CTG members that the army troops will not stop until justice is served to their victims.
“This gruesome ambush against our soldiers in disaster response mode is another proof of their cruelty and inhumanity to our countrymen," said Pasia.
“We offer our condolences to the bereaved families of our troops. I assure you that the sacrifices of our troops will not be put in vain and will serve justice!” he added.
Pasia also said that ‘we assure our people in Abra and other areas affected by the earthquake that the Disaster Response Operations of your soldiers will continue despite the dastardly act of the CTG.’