UPDATE (Feb. 10, 1:45 p.m.): Baguio City Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan shared a message telling the public that Baguio City is not on red alert. He confirmed it is only “a neighboring municipality” that is on heightened alert” due to the joint police and military operation after the razing of two Philex trucks. He also reminded the public not to be alarmed with the 300 police trainees are in the city for the next six months as part of their training. He also called on people to remain calm and be vigilant amidst all the text messages and information shared on social media about the state of public safety in the city.
Suspected NPA rebels torched two mining trucks owned by Philex Mining, Feb. 8, Thursday morning in Itogon, Benguet. According to news reports, the trucks were apprehended by a group of armed men in Barangay Ampucao, Itogon. The men carried high-powered firearms and a banner of the Communist Party of the Philippines. After asking the drivers to leave the trucks, they then burned the two trucks in the middle of the road.
Police On The Hunt For Suspected NPA Rebels
According to the Sun Star, police officials in the Cordillera confirmed the torching of the trucks, which reportedly involved five armed men. A spokeperson for Philex, on the other hand, assured the public that no one was hurt in the incident. Regional police have been on high alert because of the incident. The operation also involved the Philippine Army’s 503rd Infantry brigade.
Regional police have been on high alert because of the incident. The operation also involved the Philippine Army’s 503rd Infantry brigade.
3 Suspected NPA Rebels Arrested In Baguio City
Police successfully arrested three suspects in connection with truck burning. According to an Inquirer report, one hour after, police learned that the suspects were on board two getaway vehicles. One vehicle was apprehended in Gibraltar Road, near Itogon while another was caught in Ambuklao Road. Police have not revealed the identities of those arrested, but said that they matched eyewitness descriptions of the suspects.
Reports of increased activity of NPA rebels started coming out days after the Philippine government suspended peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF. Similar incidents have been reported in Cagayan, Quezon and Bukidnon, causing fear among local residents and possibly the rest of the country.
In related news, police arrested another suspected NPA rebel for his involvement in the 2015 death of SPO3 Wilfredo Degay in Sagada, Mt. Province. According to the Cordillera Police Office, Jacinto Faroden, who was caught in La Trinidad 0n Feb. 8, took part in the ambush that led to the death of Degay.
End Of Ceasefire And Peace Talks
On February 1, the NPA declared an end to its unilateral ceasefire agreement with government effective February 10. This prompted the government to declare the same, but effective immediately. At the same time, President Duterte also put an end to the ongoing peace talks with the communist rebels.