Eleven suspected New People's Army (NPA) members who allegedly ambushed Philippine Army (PA) soldiers in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on May 30, 2023 have been charged criminally before the regional trial court (RTC) in the province.
Prosecutor General Benedicto a. Malcontento said the case for violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 under Republic Act No. 11479 was filed last Jan. 23.
Accused in the case were Jovito Marquez, Antonio Baculo, Sonny Rogelio, Veginia Terrobias, Lena Gumpad, Job Abednego David, Jessie M. Almoguera, Reina Grace, Bethro Erardo Zapra Jr., Daisylyn Castillo Malucon, and Yvaan Copuz Zuniga.
Malcontento said the case was filed after conducting preliminary investigation on the complaint filed by the PA.
In a statement earlier issued, the Department of Justice (DOJ) had said that "the accused individuals allegedly ambushed Philippine Army soldiers with high-powered firearms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).”
in its complaint, the PA's 2nd Infantry “Junglefighter” Division said its troops were conducting “focused military operations when they encountered armed personalities believed to be members of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee at Sitio Pasugue in Barangay Malisbong in Sablayan town which resulted in a twenty-minute firefight.”
“The government side suffered no casualties while a male and female rebels namely alias Hunter and alias Liza were reportedly killed,” the PA had said.
“The troops also recovered three M16 rifles, 13 magazines, one fragmentary hand grenade, an anti-vehicle mine, five improvised hand grenades, 50 meters wire, a detonating cord, four burlap, four bandoliers, and four backpacks with personal belongings,” it had also said.