SUSPECTED members of the New People’s Army (NPA) fired at the Sison Municipal Police Station in Surigao del Norte on Thursday morning, January 28, 2021, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Debold Sinas said in Friday, January 29, 2021.
Two hours after the incident, troops from the 901st Brigade of the Philippine Army were ambushed by more or less 10 armed men believed to be members of the NPA.
Corporal Arnel Belga sustained injuries in his head during the attack.
At around 1:30 p.m., an improvised explosive device believed to have been placed by the NPA exploded along the roadside of Barangay San Pablo, Sison, while police were conducting clearing operations around 300 meters away.
No casualty on the part of the police was reported.
Citing the report of Caraga Police Regional Office Director Romeo Caramat, Jr., Sinas said around eight members of the communist group launched the attack at around 8:30 a.m., while senior citizens were claiming their pension at the Women’s Center in front of the said police station.
Based on initial investigation, the group was led by Gelan Ybanez, or Weng/Zanjo, of Guerilla Front 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA.
Caramat reported that the police officers on duty and personnel of Regional Mobile Force Battalion of PRO 13 fired back at the NPA fighters.
“The clash lasted for about 15 minutes leaving no wounded or casualty on the part of the PNP as the enemy withdrew towards the southeast direction,” he added.
Military personnel detailed to Sison Municipal Mayor Karissa Paronia, whose house is located near the police station, also fired at the enemy.
Joint troops from the Special Action Force, Regional Mobile Force and Philippine Army immediately conducted hot pursuit operations.
A case of multiple attempted homicide is being prepared against the NPA for the attack on the police station.
Cases of frustrated homicide and malicious mischief are also being prepared for the other two attacks. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)